by Lady Gaga is known for her catchy pop hits and unique artistic vision. However, even the most dedicated “Little Monsters” can mishear some of the lyrics in her energetic songs. Here’s a look at 5 Lady Gaga tracks where fans commonly mistake the actual words.
Poker Face
Released in 2008, “Poker Face” catapulted Lady Gaga into superstardom as her breakthrough single. The infectious beat and Gaga’s sultry vocals made it impossible not to dance and sing along. However, some fans misheard the opening line of the iconic chorus.
The actual lyric is “Ha ha, poker face,” referring to maintaining a stoic expression while playing poker. Yet it’s easy to see how the throaty delivery of “ha” could sound like “rah” to listeners. Many believe Gaga sings “Rah rah, poker face” instead.
This minor misinterpretation doesn’t drastically change the meaning. Both versions convey keeping emotions hidden behind a poker face. Still, it’s interesting that such a well-known song could be misheard right from the start. Gaga’s distinctive vocal style sometimes blurs the lines between sounds.
Bad Romance
Released in 2009, “Bad Romance” took Gaga’s popularity to new heights with its catchy hook and dark lyrics about an obsessive relationship. Like “Poker Face,” a small part of the chorus is commonly misheard.
When Gaga sings “Ra ra, ah ah, romancin’,” fans often think it’s “Rah rah, romancin’.” Once again, the double “ra” gets transformed into “rah rah.” This alteration doesn’t impact the overall message. Both phrasings fit the danceable rhythm and express desire to romance someone.
However, the actual “Ra ra” keeps in line with Gaga’s signature style of blending high art with pop music. It’s a play on words, merging “ra ra” cheers with the subject of romance. So while the misheard version still works lyrically, the true lyric displays Gaga’s clever wordplay. Even after multiple listens, parts of her inventive songs can evade listeners.
Alejandro
2009’s “Alejandro” took Gaga’s exploration of sexuality and Catholicism to new heights. Full of provocative lyrics and a pounding beat, it’s no surprise parts get lost in the mix. One frequently misheard line occurs in the chorus.
Rather than singing “All over you, all over you,” as the lyrics state, some think it’s “All over you, Alejandro.” They believe Gaga is calling out to or addressing someone named Alejandro. In reality, she’s expressing a more generalized desire to cover her lover entirely, rather than specifying any one person.
Once again, the misheard version isn’t completely off-base meaning-wise. However, the real lyric enhances the lustful, possessive nature Gaga conveys through the song. She wants to possess and surround her lover totally, rather than pinpoint one “Alejandro.” It’s an easy line to miss amid the energy, yet reveals more about Gaga’s artistic intent.
Paparazzi
2010’s “Paparazzi” deals with the fickle nature of fame and the constant camera flashes. Toward the end of each chorus, Gaga sings “Flash them again, paparazzi.” Yet some fans hear it as “Flash me once, paparazzi.”
On the surface, this seems a minor alteration. But it significantly changes the implied message. By singing “Flash them again,” Gaga portrays herself as an object for the paparazzi to photograph endlessly. She’s at their mercy and in their spotlight constantly. The misheard “Flash me once” implies she only wants a single photo taken – which isn’t the relationship to the press that Gaga explores in the song.
As with other examples, the misheard lyric isn’t totally off-base. However, the real phrase enhances Gaga’s commentary on fame and how public figures can feel consumed under constant media glare. It’s a telling example of how one small word makes a difference in interpreting an artist’s intent.
Telephone (feat. Beyoncé)
2010’s “Telephone” with Beyoncé took the pop world by storm. During its fast-paced bridge, Gaga sings “Hello, hello, hello, kitty car.” Yet the speed and her delivery causes some to think it’s “Hello, hello, hello, filthy car.”
On the surface, this seems a more creative mishearing that doesn’t alter the meaning much. However, “kitty car” ties into the playful, carefree atmosphere Gaga establishes throughout the song. Driving around in a fun, cute vehicle matches the lighthearted tone.
In contrast, “filthy car” brings in unnecessary negative or sexual connotations that don’t fit the carefree spirit. Gaga cultivates an image of joyous female empowerment and friendship through her collaboration with Beyoncé – not seedy implications. So while both versions are singable, “kitty car” enhances understanding her artistic vision for the track.
Conclusion
Even the most devoted Lady Gaga fans can mishear parts of her fast-paced, creatively crafted songs. The examples explored here – from “Poker Face” to “Telephone” – show how small changes like “rah rah” versus “ra ra” alter the lyrics, if not the overall meaning.
However, digging deeper reveals Gaga often chooses her words purposefully to enhance the song’s message, atmosphere, or wordplay. The real lyrics provide more insight into her commentary on topics like relationships, fame, and sexuality.
While mishearings don’t ruin enjoyment, understanding the artist’s true intent offers deeper appreciation. It’s a testament to Gaga’s talents that her lyrics can be catchy yet complex enough to evade some listeners the first, second or even third time around. Even a decade later, her music continues sparking discussion around interpretation and artistic vision.
