Daryl Hall's Kiss On My List Story

[chrislc]

I have read and heard that Daryl Hall claimed that Kiss On My List wasn't to be taken literally - that it was meant to be ironic or to be taken as meaning the opposite of it's apparent message.

Is there ANYTHING in the lyrics or presentation of this song that supports that? Is there anything that causes you to think "oh yes I missed that but now I understand".

In other words, I don't believe it.

Quoting Songfacts.com -

According to Daryl Hall, it is what he calls "an anti-love song," and the lyric, "Your kiss is on my list of the best things in life" means that the kiss is simply another item on the guy's list - and certainly not the best thing. Said Hall: "Everyone thinks it's 'I love you and without you I would die.' It's exactly the opposite of that."

Sorry I'm not buying that. I don't know why he would claim this, but it doesn't ring true to me.

[spock]

You should challenge him on his fb page

www.facebook.com/darylhallmusic?fref=ts

[mga707]

I like the "Robot Chicken" version of the song's genesis. If you've seen it, you're probably laughing right now. If not, I can't really explain because it definitely is NOT 'family friendly'. I'll just say, "Oh, that John Oates!"

[matt]

Interesting--I've always felt like that song portrayed a tinge of angst, like one of those situations where Daryl couldn't get enough of this gal, but nobody else could figure out why he was so into her or what he saw in her (or maybe she treated him like crap, led him on, wasn't really that into him, etc.). As if he was conflicted (and maybe even slightly tortured) about the whole thing.

So maybe in that respect, it wasn't really a love song. It certainly doesn't feel like a happy song or a song about his "bliss", but more like he's trying to justify that it's really a good thing. That doesn't necessarily fit with the info from Songfacts, but I guess it's always been my interpretation of the song...

[1finemrg]

But when they insist on knowing my bliss.
I tell them this.
When they want to know what the reason is.
I only smile when I lie.
Then I tell them why...

Always thought Daryl was writing the lyrics to "Kiss On My List" sarcastically. He's lying about things being great.

[djjoe1960]

Every interview I've ever heard or seen about the song has been pretty consistent, so why would Daryl Hall insist on sticking with that story if it isn't true? I remember being a DJ in the 1980's and some people thought the song was Kiss On My LIPS (not List)--and I think that is what lead Hall to give interviews to correct people from misunderstanding the lyrics and intention of the song.

[chrislc]

Okay these are good points - however -

Why then does he call her all the time?

And why does he say "I really miss you babe"?

Maybe he is lying to his friends, trying to convince them that she kisses him and wants him.

Did the night just take up your time, 'cause it means more to me. Does that line fit his story, or does it fit this interpretation?

[chrislc]

On a related note -

After 38 years I just heard a line and am suddenly wondering how it could be taken as a compliment, let alone romantic?

"You stepped into my life from a bad dream."

[djjoe1960]

Y'know this reminds me of the Police's Every Breath You Take , which was written by Sting. Most people assume the song is a pretty love song when Sting says the song is really about the end of his relationship with his wife at the time. It means he is stalking his wife and certainly not in a good way. I guess anyone can interpret a pop song however they want--but it always helps to read what the artist (or songwriter) intended.

[mga707]

Apr 18, 2018 9:08:50 GMT -5 djjoe1960 said:

Y'know this reminds me of the Police's Every Breath You Take , which was written by Sting. Most people assume the song is a pretty love song when Sting says the song is really about the end of his relationship with his wife at the time. It means he is stalking his wife and certainly not in a good way. I guess anyone can interpret a poo song however they want--but it always helps to read what the artist (or songwriter) intended.

I recognized "EBYT" as a 'stalker' song right away, and was amazed that some didn't 'get it'. A FOAF had it played at his wedding, which cracked me up.

[adam31]

This thread just proves you can hear a song 1,000 times and still might find something new in it.

[matt]

Apr 19, 2018 9:55:29 GMT -5 adam31 said:

This thread just proves you can hear a song 1,000 times and still might find something new in it.

Agree--and that's one of the qualities I've always felt that a truly great song has...the ability to keep giving the listener a little more with repeated listens, but never quite gives the whole thing away, and always leaves something to the imagination. Part of the reason that songs like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Hotel California" among many others have held up so well over several decades.

And you could really say that about many works of art besides music. But of course, music hits home maybe the most among those of us that are big fans of AT40 and classic hits/rock in general.

[chrislc]

Apr 18, 2018 9:08:50 GMT -5 djjoe1960 said:

Y'know this reminds me of the Police's Every Breath You Take , which was written by Sting. Most people assume the song is a pretty love song when Sting says the song is really about the end of his relationship with his wife at the time. It means he is stalking his wife and certainly not in a good way. I guess anyone can interpret a pop song however they want--but it always helps to read what the artist (or songwriter) intended.

And some people think Turn Around Look At Me is a stalker song - and for over 40 years I thought it was just another love song - and now it's so obvious to me that it is about Jesus.

It's weird when we hear or see something so differently after many years.