Christine Kiefer

What Did They Mean By That?

Music EN ↓ 79 episodes

This is a podcast where two sisters bring to each episode the lyrics of a song. Neither sister knows the song until the show goes live. This element of surprise makes this show unique as the analysis by one is off the cuff, while the other has it heavily researched. They analyze words, connect them to their real life, sort out misheard lyrics, and offer history into the band and the song’s true meaning. Always full of banter and funny quips about what it's like to just be a human.

Author

Christine Kiefer

Category

Music

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Mar 11, 2026

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Episodes

New Podcast by Christine 11.03.2026

Christine hops on to share the launch of her new podcast, Was She Wrong Tho? This new show is a comedy podcast where Christine looks at women in fiction, history, and pop culture and asks were they really villains, or just misunderstood. Just search Was She Wrong Tho on Apple of Spotify. Follow and write a nice review!

Season 2 - Episode 13 - Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival 15.01.2024

We're Baaaack! The OG "There's a bathroom on the right." Live performance by CCR

S2- Episode 12- Tribute to Sinead O'Connor 02.08.2023

We're a bit rusty, melomaniacs. Have patience as we pay tribute to a beautiful soul, who always had something meaningful to say. We know what she meant by that and are better for it.

S2- E11- Proud Mary - Tina Turner (John Fogarty) 07.06.2023

We lost an icon. Though Tina technically did this song with Ike, we like to pretend it's all her. For obvious (or maybe not obvious to everyone) reasons. She was a force to be reckoned with and this song and performance is a testament to that. Huge shout out to John Fogarty, though, who is the original writer of these words, an anthem for freedom and equality. Well done, John and Tina! 2009 Pe...

S2 - E10 - Joy to the World - Three Dog Night 13.05.2023

You've sang the first 4 words of this song many times, with jubilation and passion as it goes into an uplifting anthem. But what in the world do they mean when they say, Jeremiah was a bullfrog? And a good friend at that? Hear how this song almost didn't get recorded, and how Three Dog Night came up with their absolutely adorable band name. Video- Joy to the World Cover art by Kitty Sopow

S2 - E9- A Tribute to Fiona Apple 24.04.2023

Join us as Julia highlights the top 5 songs from Ms. Apple, picking one song from each of her albums. Find out why this is the one artist who's albums Julia would want on a deserted island. Good stuff, here! Also, another example of the amount of brain cells that clearly have died in Christine's brain. Never is a Promise Limp Red, Red, Red Hot Knife Under the Table

S2- E8 - Chandelier - SIA 05.04.2023

Again, Christine is out of the loop on this pop Queen! Why don't we see SIA's face? What's the deal with swinging from chandeliers? A party anthem or something more sinister? And who is this lucky lady who gets to be SIA's alter ego? Come find out! Official video - Chandelier Official video - Elastic Heart Cover art by Kitty Sopow

S2-E7- I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen 25.03.2023

The Boss can do no wrong. Baseball, apple pie, and Bruce Springsteen. He's just a normal guy pining away for a woman he can't have, so wholesome and relatable. Or is it? Is this song just cringey? Join us as we fall deep in a rabbit hole of sex, unrequited love, and who was the first woman to call her sexual partner, "Daddy," and why? Official Video - I'm On Fire Cover art by...

S2-E6 - You Can Call Me Al- Paul Simon 16.03.2023

Ever wonder who's the ditzy one of the sisters?  Listen to this one to get to the final conclusion that it is indeed....Christine.  HUGE bathroom on the right in this one, and a deep dive by Julia on the making of this song, and the iconic album, Graceland.  Also, why is Chevy Chase in the video?  Really...why?  We didn't touch on this fluke. Official Video Live performanc...

S2-E5 - Suzanne Vega - Trifecta! - Tom's Diner, Luka, Left of Center 06.03.2023

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This episode discussing child abuse In this episode, the sisters talk about all the songs!  Suzanne Vega's simple lyrics are visual storytelling, saying what matters without saying anything, and letting us relate to narrators in a way we always hope for when listening to lyrics.  She's a groundbreaking artist of the 80's that has left her mark in so many ways. &nbsp...

S2 - E4 - Games Without Frontiers - Peter Gabriel 19.02.2023

1980 was a tense time, and this artist, a humanitarian most concerned about war and peace, put this worldwide angst into a beautiful song about games, flags, costumes, and silly games.  But what is he saying in these first few lines?  Is she so popular?  Is she so complicated?  Is she so amazing?  Or are we Americans just too obtuse to hear what's really happening here? &n...

S2-E3 - Hotel California - The Eagles 03.02.2023

****THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER*** Let's talk about another BIG song...a huge sing along from the classic rock library of 1976- HOTEL CALIFORNIA.  We promise some misheard lyrics in this one, along with urban legends, ghosts, drugs, greed, lawsuits, and maybe even Satan.  Think you know it all about this iconic piece of music...think again. Live performance - 1977 Cover...

S2-E2 - Birdhouse In Your Soul - They Might Be Giants 22.01.2023

A simple, child-like song?  A silly jingle about a nightlight?  A deep dive into Greek Mythology and things Julia and Christine can't understand?   Maybe all three.  Join us as we clumsily look at this multi-layered band and this sweet song. Birdhouse In Your Soul Official Video For the band's dial-a-song: 844-387-6962 Cover art by Kitty Sopow

S2-E1 - Once in a Lifetime- The Talking Heads 01.01.2023

Melomaniacs, we've been at this a year!  Welcome to Season 2! In this episode, we bring in the new year with deep thoughts and an existential crisis, brought to you by the wildly creative 1980's band, The Talking Heads.  Ever wonder how you got here, how you ended up with this life?  Ever think about the concept of time and your mind is blown?  Come listen as we take a super de...

Episode 64- My Sherona- The Knack 02.12.2022

TRIGGER WARNING.  THIS EPISODE MENTIONS SUICIDE AND PREDATORY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR WITH CHILDREN Hold on to your hats with this one, Melomaniacs.  We discuss this 1979 song with a catchy beat and one-of-a-kind bass lines, but the lyrics may leave you less of a fan of the song, the band, and the lyrics often written by The Knack.  We discuss cancel culture, stalking, age appropriate relat...

Episode 63- Pepper- Butthole Surfers 13.11.2022

We know, the name is, well....off putting, but the band's creativity can't be overly praised.  And the song, with its spoken word and catchy chorus, is really an innocent and simple story.  Come take a listen to this, a unique departure from whatever you've been listening to. Pepper official video Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Episode 62- Clint Eastwood- Gorillaz 19.10.2022

Ever heard of a virtual band?  A band with characters, anime images, and performances behind a curtain?  Well, Christine had no idea of such a thing.  Join us as Julia schools Christine on this band that looked at 1998 music and said, "this sucks, let's make a virtual band of anime characters and sign a song called 'Clint Eastwood' even though it's totally not about Clint Eastwood."...

Episode 61- Coal Miner's Daughter- Loretta Lynn 06.10.2022

In honor of this queen of country music, join us as we discuss Loretta Lynn's autobiographical song, called a "memoir set to music."  A vulnerable and honest look at her early life, this song made its way into a film.  This song is just one of the many portraits she creates about her life, women's issues, and men who better not come home drunk and looking for lovin'.  RIP Loretta Ly...

Episode 60- Central Reservation- Beth Orton 29.09.2022

You may not know Beth Orton, but honestly, you should.  This British artist has us guessing on not only the lyrics, but the title of the song.  Do you know the British term, central reservation?  We didn't either.  Come listen to find out and hear another story with cuss words from Christine, and loads of nostalgia from Julia. Official video- Central Reservation Cover art by Ki...

Episode 59- Don't Stop Believin' - Journey 22.09.2022

This is a short one, Melomaniacs, but is full of two sisters thinking they're hilarious, and hopefully we are.  This song is a classic, of course, but it's meaning is pretty simple, and instead of dissecting it, we talk about Jesus musicals, wine, bathrooms on the right, and sweat.  Join us for what is, hopefully, a laugh. Don't Stop Believin' live performance Art by Kitty Sopow

Episode 58- Seether by Veruca Salt 17.09.2022

What exactly is a Seether?  What's the difference between a casket and a coffin?  What is the Queen lying in?  Is this song about a demon baby?  Listen, find out. Official Video - Seether Art by Kitty Sopow

Episode 57- Losing My Religion- REM 08.09.2022

Christine just couldn't wait another second to do an episode on this iconic band, song, and video.  31 years ago they one a million awards at what used to be the most watched show on cable TV- The MTV Music Awards.  But is a song with such a clear title really about losing faith, losing god, losing one's religion.  In short, no.  But, with further analysis, maybe yes.  You...

Episode 56- Blister in the Sun- Violent Femmes 25.08.2022

You know the beginning guitar riff, you know all the words (there aren't very many), but do you know what it means to go on like you're a blister in the sun? What on earth does that mean?  Listen as Julia and Christine agree it's a little dirty, a lot confusing, but a teenage anthem for anyone over the age of 40.   Performance of Blister in the Sun at Coachella- 2013 Cover art by Ki...

Episode 55- How You Remind Me- Nickelback 18.08.2022

It's the band you love to hate, right?  But why?  Why did this band, who sold millions of records, end up being the posterchild for music that was mocked and ridiculed.  We'll explain.  Come listen, you may end up a fan, despite our best efforts. Official video - How You Remind Me Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Episode 54- When the Time Comes- Gigi Rowe 11.08.2022

Join Julia, Christine, and Gigi Rowe as we discuss her song, her writing process, and all of her creative endeavors.  She drops a new song tomorrow and a new album, "Laura," on August 26th.  Melomaniacs, you don't want to pass up the chance to follow this artist, here career, and her new bestie, TikTok phenomenon, ClayBaby . Gigi Rowe was formerly signed to Island Def Jam Records by...

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