Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Michael Lannon Greybull, WY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:13:26 GMT

I don't remember who sings the song but the lyrics whispered "big boys don't cry". A friend of mine was singing along with the the song when I heard the lyrics, "Pink Floyd in quad". I almost fell out of my chair.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Cindy 15426 Tadworth Houston Tx 77062 — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:22:37 GMT

Blinded by the Light is by Bruce Springsteen. That other band covered it.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Alessia, Parma, Italy — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:24:43 GMT

Well, this study is interesting, but to me it's not really something new). I'm myopic (-8 diopters for each eye), so I'm like a bat crossbreeded with a mole, and when I'm not wearing my glasses or contacts I find it's really hard to understand what people say. I think it's a common thing for those with sight troubles.... because it is, isn't it? :)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

EJ Ruff, N. Carolina — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:33:32 GMT

When singing, the sound is all about the vowel sounds and often the consonant sounds are almost completely lost, especially at the end of words. Singers hold notes on vowel sounds with little emphasis on the ck, t, p, ch, etc. in the word because you can't sustain consonant sounds. I think this is probably the biggest reason the words are difficult to understand.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Victoria.Krziza@gmail.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:44:16 GMT

Soooo, What are the correct lyrics to "Blinded by the light" ? I can only hear "wrapped up by... every time I hear it, and I am old enough to have heard it when it originally came out!!! Vicki, Niles Mi

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Requin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:04:54 GMT

Been there, done that! I was singing bad lyrics for many, many times... but it's funny when you realize how stupid you was :)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jodi, TN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:07:01 GMT

Thank you for making me smile. I've heard of Mondegreens before and even have a book of them. My husband is the worlds worst for singing lyrics that bear no relation to what's actually being sung by the performer. It drives me crazy when he does that and he sings with abandon, certain he's right.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Bonnie, Ridgewood, NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:16:30 GMT

One of my daughters favorite bands, Oasis song lyric "So Sally can wait", I thought was "Sol Seneca Way" - sunlight & apple juice?? Relieved to hear this is a common thing. Also explains how we heard "I buried Paul" at the end of Strawberry Fields, instead of "I'm very small" during the "Paul is dead" hysteria of the late 60's early 70's.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

AmyG, Carrollton, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:26:25 GMT

I sing with an a cappella group that performs without amplification at a lot of outdoor festivals. People would look at us strangely when we said, "Pardon me, I have to go put on lipstick so our audience can hear us sing." Turns out that bright red lips helped folks with those visual cues.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tim, Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:29:40 GMT

I pretty much figured that was why I used to sing "make her believe that JUNK for real" in Billy Joel's "Tell her about it". I have a bad case of lyricosis, and the worst part is that once I start singing the lyrics wrong, it's very hard to sing them correct even when I know the real lyrics.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Debbie, NCW, Washington — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:29:45 GMT

Blinded by the Light might have been originated by Springsteen, but who knows that? Manfred Mann made it memorable.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Herb, Syracuse, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:30:21 GMT

@ Michael Lannon in Greybull: The song is "I'm Not in Love" by 10cc. Never heard that lyric before though!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

kevin, cartersville, ga — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:31:56 GMT

revved up like a deuce, springsteen

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Teri — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:35:06 GMT

I'm curious to know why some people don't have rythm. They hear the guitar and not the drum.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Lisa, Columbia, MD — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:36:38 GMT

The correct lyrics for "Blinded by the Light" are: "revved up like a deuce"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Noelle, Salem, NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:37:05 GMT

Vicki..the correct lyric is "revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night". A deuce referring to a car, for those who didn't know.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

cdrysdale @satx.rr.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:38:31 GMT

My 5-yr-old sing "Chasing Pavements" at the top of her lungs, only she sings," Should I give up or should I just keep chasing Peyton, even if he runs away" By the way, our dog's name is Peyton, so I smile every time I hear it.

Chrissie Drysdale, San Antonio,TX

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dan Nelson - Vancouver, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:40:05 GMT

The title line "Suffragette City" by David Bowie used to drive me nuts until I finally got the right combination of letters to look it up on the web.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Amy, Knoxville, TN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:48:26 GMT

@Alessia - yes - This is very a common issue for we bat-crossed-moles!! If I've taken my glasses off & someone talks to me, I find myself motioning for them to wait, putting on my glasses, and asking them to start over. I can't hear without my glasses :o)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Loyd, Springville, California — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:50:42 GMT

the lyrics for blinded by the light go: "rapped up like a deuce, another runner in the night". springsteen is a rodder.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mike, Owensboro,Ky — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:00:49 GMT

Thought I would share this one with you. A friend of mine thought the lyrics "Jimmie crack corn and I don't care" were "chicken crap corn and I don't care"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

becky, st. louis — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:06:01 GMT

The Blinded by the Light lyrics are "revved up like a deuce". it's the most mis-heard song lyrics of all time. ;)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John, Chicago — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:07:04 GMT

To Cindy: She's not saying Blinded by the light was written by Manfred Man, but their version is the popular one and the one who's lyrics are mis-heard. Don't worry though, we're all impressed with your vast musical knowledge.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

K, Seattle — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:14:48 GMT

My absolute fave is "I wanna be a wombat, I wanna be anemic" (instead of "however do you want me, however do you need me). I read that in a book of misheard lyrics and was laughing so loudly in the bookstore that my friends walked away and left me there.
Also, I believe the full correct lyric was "revved up like a duece" - not that THAT makes much more sense

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Emily, Lancaster, PA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:16:39 GMT

"Excuse me, while I kiss this guy!"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

JW, Portland, Or — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:17:36 GMT

Cindy 15426 "As of 2008, the Manfred Mann's Earth Band recording of "Blinded by the Light" is still Springsteen's only Number 1 single as a songwriter on the Hot 100. " Springsteen may have written and released it in 73, but Manfred Mann made it into the hit

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Warren, San Bernardino, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:17:52 GMT

"Blinded by the light, revved up like a duce, another runner in the night"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Valdis Kletnieks, Blacksburg, VA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:18:23 GMT

For those who don't know the Springsteen lyrics:

Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Nola, Edmonton, AB — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:19:07 GMT

Victoria, the correct words are revved up like a deuce.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

JCamper, Rosebud Creek, Montana — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:22:20 GMT

I was like Alissia, People used to be puzzled when I would say that I heard a lot better with my glasses.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mickey, Asbury Park NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:22:57 GMT

Victoria.Krziza@gmail.com

The lyric depends on which version of the song you are listening to:

"Revved up like a deuce" (Mann) or Cut loose like a deuce" (Boss)... either way it's in reference to hot rod cars & street racing

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Linda, OKC, OK — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:26:24 GMT

revved up like a deuce

Google is my friend. :)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Me — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:28:54 GMT

"Revved up like a deuce."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tucker, Richland, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:27 GMT

The "Blinded By The Light" lyric is actually: "revved up like a deuce(referencing the old car the Deuce Coupe) another runner in the night"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Joshua, La Crosse, WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:48 GMT

Victoria: The actual lyric is "Revved up like a Deuce", presumably as in a "little Deuce coupe", so the lyric is actually a backhanded reference to a different song. Speaking of which, as you may know, that famous nonsensical line "the pompitus of love" from Steve Miller's "The Joker" refers to an earlier Miller tune, which in turn refers to a lyric from someone else's song - but as it turns out, THAT lyric was misheard, and misquoted, by Miller in the first place. I guess even songwriters have mondegreens!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tony Powell, Murray, KY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:54 GMT

The lyric to Blinded by the Light is "wrapped up like a deuce."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kimberly, Superior, CO — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:33:55 GMT

I may stick my foot in my mouth, but I believe the correct lyrics are "revved up like a deuce, another roller in the night..."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Alan, New Castle, IN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:39:12 GMT

I remember when the song 'Sultans of Swing' came out on the radio. No videos to look at back then. I heard them singing 'we are the Sultans of Swank' everytime I heard the song. I finally saw the name in the paper, and even then, I thought the paper had it wrong. How embarassing.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Michael, San Francisco CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:40:35 GMT

When I was a child hearing Christmas carols, I was mystified as to why there were "three kings", when there were only two countries: "Orrie and Tar"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tom, Cincinnati OH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:41:57 GMT

"Soooo, What are the correct lyrics to "Blinded by the light" ? I can only hear "wrapped up by... every time I hear it, and I am old enough to have heard it when it originally came out!!! Vicki, Niles Mi"

'Revved up like a deuce' in the Manfred Mann version; 'Cut loose like a deuce' in the original...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

farawayray, las Vegas, Nv. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:43:03 GMT

Fine, ms. Mapes but what does "When the rain washes you clean you'll know" mean? and "I've been to a desert on a horse with no name" some once told me it was a reference to dropping Acid

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ben, Aurora, IL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:43:37 GMT

Vicki,
I looked up the lyrics on my favorite site and it seems the song goes, "Wrapped up like a deuce". But I saw some submissions that read, "Revved up like..." and "Cut loose like...".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

B. Young — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:44:39 GMT

der der der...internet - look it up. revved up like a duece.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Cindi, ABQ, NM — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:45:04 GMT

My boyfriend once asked me what ‘Abercwombie’ meant, I didn’t recognize the word so I asked him to use it in a sentence. He says “You know, like in the Alanis Morissette song, ‘Does she speak Abercwombie’”, he meant ‘Does she speak Eloquently’…I died laughing…

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sigh, Springfield, IL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:46:31 GMT

C'mon, I've just got to know...what ARE the lyrics to "Blinded by the Light"? Does anybody know except Manfred and his band??

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tom, Madison, WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:51:12 GMT

to this day I can still hear Wayne Newton singing "Donkey Chains" (Danke Schoen)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Grant, Burlington, NC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:53:07 GMT

I've been pretty good at getting the words right most of my life, but the funniest one I ever heard was when "Big Ol' Jet Airliner" by the Steve Miller band became "Big Ol' Jed had a light on" - that and "Hold Me Closer Tony Danza" (Tiny Dancer).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

farawayray, las vegas, nv. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:54:08 GMT

OMG, DO THE WORDS IN ROCK AND ROLL SONGS REALLY MEAN ANYTHING???? [I NEVER KNEW]

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John, New York, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:54:42 GMT

I'm astounded this actually took a study. I mean someone took time and money to conclude that it's easy to lose words with loud music playing? Or it's easier to recognize what may be said if you can see the words actually formed by lips?
I think a study on why people get paid to study and site the obvious is needed next. Unreal.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Russ Moling — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:56:54 GMT

Victoria.Krziza, I believe the correct lyrics to "Blinded By the Light" are "revved up like a deuce [the car, a deuce coupe], another runner in the night".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jerry Baker, Cedar Falls, Iowa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:56:58 GMT

In or about 1958, when I first heard Elvis' song, "The Stairway of Love," the words sounded to me like this:

"Heaven waits for those that pay the price,
It's their way of love."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jackie, Philadelphia PA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:57:43 GMT

Re: Victoria, the line is "wrapped up like a deus"

Re: Bonnie, Lennon actually says "Cranberry Sauce" at the end of Strawberry Fields Forever--you can hear this really well on the version that's on the Beatles Anthology.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dan, Whidbey Island WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:01:31 GMT

The "I buried Paul" is actually "cranberry sauce". It's described and heard fairly clearly on the Beatles Anthology CD.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Peggy Ellis, Edgewater, FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:01:41 GMT

I read somewhere that the correct word in Blinded by the Light is "deuce," as in come kind of car (Deuce Coupe). I still here the incorrect lyric, because I can't see how "deuce" fit either. I can't believe that Springsteen would use the word "douche" in a song.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Doug J., Fairfax, Va — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:06:02 GMT

But she was...
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Myrna, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:12:51 GMT

I am notorious in my family for Mondegreens. The one that I get kidded most often for is the song by Three Dog Night, 'Mama Told Me Not to Come.' I was singing it as, 'I'm a toad in the jungle.' I will never live that one down.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Very Confusing, Pittsburgh, PA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:13:39 GMT

I'm still confused by the song "Blinded By the Light." It really sounds like he says "wrapped up like a douche--"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Robin Steele Balto. MD — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:15:13 GMT

Big boys don't cry from I'm not in love by 10 CC, and it's wrapped up like a deuce, which I believe refers to a '32 ford

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

beth, oh — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:17:17 GMT

blinded by the light lyrics "revved up like a deuce"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Penelope Masiakowski, Delavan, WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:17:56 GMT

I recogized the speech therapist's comments:}, so I thought I'd throw in a few from interpreters. It's nice to have scientific confirmation on something we've known for years. If you can't understand the speaker(using verbal cues only), position yourself to see the speaker (adding visual cues) and understanding improves:} Gallaudet University (D.C.) apparently did a study many years ago that proved even though Deaf students studied speech-reading, hearing students did better because of their experience with the language. But even after watching a video of "Blinded by the Light", I still swear they're singing "wrapped up like a douche...." :}

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

LLP, Duluth — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:18:14 GMT

Found this on Wikipedia's entry for Blinded By The Light:
'The song is notable for lead vocalist Chris Thompson's garbled enunciation, especially of the phrase "revved up like a deuce" which has led many fans to interpret it as "wrapped up like a douche". The original Springsteen lyric is neither of the above, instead being "cut loose like a deuce". Springsteen once attributed the popularity of the Manfred Mann version partially to Thompson's enunciation.'

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

April. Massachusetts — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:22:08 GMT

The funniest one I ever heard was to "I am Woman Hear Me Roar." Instead of "If I have to..." my friend Jane was singing "If I ask you, I can do anything." made me laugh that all-powerful woman would ask permission first.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Chris, Jacksonville, Florida — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:24:39 GMT

I once heard that 70% of all speech was in the high frequency range (18 to 20 kHz), and that 80% of the information in a sentence was carried in those higher frequencies. Since frequent exposure to loud noises causes high frequency hearing loss first, many people that fit this demographic say "huh?" more often than others because they're missing the 'meat' of the sentence. Maybe that's another reason why, as a teen, I thought Def Leppard was singing about a Porsche from Shigarmay (Pour Some Sugar on Me).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Danielle, Seattle, Wash. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:25:39 GMT

Michael Jackson EASILY has the most misunderstood lyrics. It isn't just his accent causing that, it's his unusual yet very fascinating way of blending words and making different sounds out of nowhere. Just brilliant.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Barb, Ballston Spa, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:25:42 GMT

Help! If it isn't wrapped up like a douche, then what the heck is it? I've been waiting to find out for twenty years!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mary Davis — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:29:11 GMT

crossbreeded? apparently you are not only blind, but soemthing else as well

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dave Sanborn, Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:31:02 GMT

Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

dbrigham, Madison, WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:32:31 GMT

Manfred Mann's version replaces the line "Cut loose like a deuce" with "Revved up like a deuce." In their version, "Deuce" was commonly misheard as "Douche." Springsteen's original line makes a lot more sense - a deuce is a 1932 Ford hotrod--called both a "deuce" and a "deucer," which may have been the actual pronuciation in the recording of the #1 hit. On his Storytellers special, Springsteen said (in a jesting manner) that the only reason Manfred Mann's version went #1 was because they said "Douche" instead of "Deuce."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

JBriney, Sioux Falls, SD — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:37:32 GMT

Cindy15426 is wrong. Blinded By the Light has always been done by Manfred Mann ONLY

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tony in Dallas — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:38:43 GMT

FYI

Everyone who has heard that song “Blinded by the Light” and wondered what the line about a douche is, here is your answer.

Blinded by the Light was originally written by Bruce Springsteen and was his first single off the album Greetings from Asbury Park N.J. A version of the song recorded by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band was a major hit, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 on 19 February 1977. Interestingly enough, as of 2008, the Manfred Mann’s Earth Band recording of “Blinded by the Light” is still Springsteen’s only Number 1 single as a songwriter on the Hot 100.

Okay here’s the big question, so what’s up with the “wrapped up like a douche” line in the chorus. The original Springsteen lyrics for the chorus are He was just blinded by the light, Cut loose like a deuce another runner in the night…

In Manfred Mann’s version, the chorus is Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce another runner in the night…

The contentious word is “deuce”, which Springsteen clearly pronounces. However, Manfred Mann pronounces “deuce” with a little flourish at the end making it sound like douche, which is French for “shower”. In addition, once you know that “wrapped” is actually “revved” it make’s more sense.

Alright, so what the hell is a “deuce”?!?
Although there really is no definitive answer, Springsteen nor Mann have ever commented on it, most folks, including myself, believe that it is a reference to the 1932 Ford Coupe beloved of hotrodders, nicknamed the Deuce Coupe ala the Beach Boys’ hit, “Little Deuce Coupe”

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Cat, No. Attleboro, MA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:44:49 GMT

And she was blinded by the light. cut loose like a deuce
Another runner in the night. blinded by the light
She got down but she never got tight, but she’ll make it alright

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

DK in SF — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:48:56 GMT

They Lyrics o Blinded by the Light are....
Wrapped up like a duce.... as in cards or dice...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Aaron, St. Pete, FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:49:12 GMT

revved up like a deuce

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Victoria, Yucaipa, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:00:22 GMT

I still sing "hang on stupid, stupid hang on. That was my take on Hang on Sloopy, Sloopy hang on. I also sing "secret asian man" instead of secret agent man. I like my lyrics better so I'm sticking to my version....oy.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Angela, Rock Springs, WY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:04:09 GMT

Blinded by the Light-- the phrase is actually "revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

KJ, Nashville — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:04:37 GMT

blinded by the light, cut loose like a deuce is how i think bruce springsteen did it. the other guys did wrapped up like a deuce. of course, i could be wrong.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

cherl arlington wa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:05:34 GMT

Wrapped up like a deuce

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kathy, Wichita, KS — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:07:28 GMT

Rocky Mountain High, by John Denver always through me for a loop beacuse I couldn't understand why he kept singing, "Rocky Mountain High, Father Rago", instead of Colorado.
My sister used to sing "Felix, oh oh oh Felix" instaed of the real song, "Feelings, oh oh Feelings".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Amanda — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:10:14 GMT

@Victoria.Krziza@gmail.com

From what I've read in other articles, the correct line is "Cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

andrea doe, NC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:13:26 GMT

We were on a road trip and my brother picked out the song by Drowning Pool 'Let the Bodies hit the floor.' My daughter was 3 1/2 at the time and heard it. Later on that day she was asking to play the song about the Barbies again.
We were like 'Barbies? We don't know that song.'
Then she went, "You know the one about the Brabies hitting the floor!"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jerry, Dallas, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:19:17 GMT

The research seems sound...;)Pun intended.

However, it seems odd that when hearing a song titled "Bad Moon on the Rise" or rather, "Bad Moon Rising" that you would mistake the key chorus with "bathroom on the right". I've certainly made my mistakes, they just never included the title of the song.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tara, Wis — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:19:26 GMT

Vicki...it's "revved up like a deuce" :*)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Cal H. Dobbs Chicago, IL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:19:55 GMT

I used to think Carole King was singing "Your so bain." until I finally looked it up. Generaly, I change the lyrics myself. I always wondered if the groups had an XXX-rated album of their songs.
That is until c-RAP came along.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tara, Wis — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:21:58 GMT

MY favs are my bro's ex girlfriend singing "Dirty deeds...and the thunderchief" by AC/DC and my mother's "I want a new truck" by Huey Lewis and the News...hehe

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Josh, York, PA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:22:30 GMT

the correct lyrics to blinded by the light are: "rev'd up like a deuce" it's a reference to a sports car...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sean, Ronkonkoma — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:22:31 GMT

Ha, there are quite a few of these. Try Fear Factory New Breed - Once one of my friends started yelling "Food Fight!" and ruined that song forever for me.
I think some of the time the words just don't sound like what they really are.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Peter, Russellville, AR — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:23:43 GMT

"Wrapped up like a douche" is really "Revved up like a deuce" Deuce as in "deuce coupe", a kind of car, remember the Beach Boys song: "Little Deuce Coupe." On several occasions, lyrics have become clear to me when sung as cover versions: a different singer with different enunciation and suddenly the lyrics are clear!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Julie in Cheverly, Maryland — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:28:48 GMT

"Wrapped up like a douche" in the Blinded by the Light" song, I just sang it just like that yesterday. I am proud that I was not wrong all by my lonesome. LOL!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

RS, Atlanta, GA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:29:38 GMT

That's hilarious...I'm sure I've mistaken the lyrics to many songs over the years, but the 2 that stand out were from my brother. When he was about 4, he used to sing "Hot potato, hot potato" rather than "Amadaeus, Amadaeus" and later, misinterpreted some Pearl Jam lyrics as "glorified virgin on a pelican" (real lyrics: "glorified version of a pellet gun").

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Deborah, Tampa FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:31:30 GMT

Hi Victoria,
The lyrics to Blinded by the Light are "wrapped up like a deuce, another runner in the night," which makes little sense anyhow.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rita Moen, Winger, MN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:32:25 GMT

My daughter and get the biggest kick out of our own misinterpreted lyrics. "Take a Letter Maria", my daughter thought was Take a Left, Maria and she was upset with a "mean" song that she thought said, Hang on Stupid instead of "Hang on Sloopy". The brain has a sense of humor!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

scott, LA, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:35:29 GMT

Blinded by the Light - revved up like a duece, it's a reference to a hot rod. It was written by Bruce, yes, but Manfred Mann made it famous, I don't think The Boss ever really had it in his playlist.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Steven, Charleston, WV — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:35:57 GMT

In the song Loser by Beck... I always thought that it said "so open the door" instead of "Soy un Perdedor" I guess if I knew that Perdedor was spanish for Loser prior to hearing the song, I wouldn't have had the issue.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Amanda, Seattle, Wash — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:40:15 GMT

When I was little I thought the Song by Journey "Open Arms" was "Broken Arms" Which completely changes the context of the song.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John Dough, Seattle Wash — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:40:39 GMT

It's "Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night" (think Little Deuce Coupe).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Claus, Huntsville, AL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:41:11 GMT

Yo Greybull, WY - That's 10cc ("I'm Not in Love")

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Matt, NY, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:41:20 GMT

@EJ Ruff: "Singers hold notes on vowel sounds with little emphasis on the ck, t, p, ch, etc. in the word because you can't sustain consonant sounds."

So what about songs in languages where you have aspirated consonants? All of the Sanskritic languages have aspirated consonants, basically consonants where you keep breathing out as you pronounce them. There's a hard 'k' and an aspirated 'kh', for example. Doesn't exist in English. Do they hold aspirated consonants in these languages?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dawn, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:42:06 GMT

For years I thought the lyrics "Life in the fast lane" were "pipe in the vasaline". What can I say we all have our moments.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sigh, Springfield, IL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:46:30 GMT

C'mon, I've just got to know...what ARE the lyrics to "Blinded by the Light"? Does anybody know except Manfred and his band??

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Crystal, California — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:51:29 GMT

My biggest mondegreen - Genesis' "Invisible Touch" sounds an awful lot like 'Physical Attraction' and it makes sense, too.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

dbrigham, Madison, WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:51:33 GMT

Manfred Mann's version replaces the line "Cut loose like a deuce" with "Revved up like a deuce." In their version, "Deuce" was commonly misheard as "Douche." Springsteen's original line makes a lot more sense - a deuce is a 1932 Ford hotrod, called both a "deuce" or a "deucer," which may have been the actual pronunciation on Mann's #1 version. On his Storytellers special, Springsteen said (in a jesting manner) that the only reason Manfred Mann's version went #1 was because they said "Douche" instead of "Deuce."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Alejandro Rodriguez, Birmigham, AL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:53:11 GMT

Instead of "wrapped up like a douche" it is "revved up like a deuce"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Johnny, Tucson Az — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:55:16 GMT

Blinded by the light;
wrapped up like a deuce another runner in the night;

This lyric "wrapped up like a deuce" refers to the deuce coup, a hot rod commonly modified with a high revving motor which produces alot of horsepower. The deuce was a favorite of street racers in the sixties. because of its relatively low cost and low weight it could be made very fast for little money. so the term "wrapped up like a deuce" refers to a deuce coup revved high during a race.

very nerdy way to explain it but there ya go.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Aradia — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:57:49 GMT

revved up like a duece another runner in the night

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Lee, Niles MI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:58:08 GMT

So, I'm not the only one in Niles MI who read this.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dan, Columbia, Maryland — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:02:03 GMT

I think the real lyrics for Blinded by the Light are: "Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night." But I have to admit I was one of the many who could swear it was "wrapped up like a douche."

My own personal mondegreen: instead of "this one goes out to the one I love" I briefly sang "this one goes out to the one-eyed dove."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mitch Dallas Texas — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:05:52 GMT

I was riding with a buddy of mine some 20 ago. The Aerosmith song "Dude looks like a lady" came on and he started singing "Do me like a lady". I just about died right there on the spot! He was mortified when I told him what he was really saying.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

rockinray, Mansfield, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:06:10 GMT

The Springsteen lyric is "wrapped up like a deuce" and the Lennon lyric is "cranberry sauce" at the end of Strawberry Fields. The "big boys don't cry" line is from I'm Not In Love, by 10cc.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Michelle — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:13:03 GMT

The lyrics to Blinded by the Light are "Revved up like a Deuce". Springsteen was referring to a car when he wrote the lyric

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Candice, Minden, la — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:18:44 GMT

I have a friend that listens to current pop music and always gets the lyrics wrong. The most recent was a Gwen Steffani song. Instead of "I ain't no holla back girl", he says "There ain't no harm in that girl!"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Brian Davis, Orange County, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:20:12 GMT

These are the correct lyics.

"Blinded by the light. Wrapped up like a deuce, another runner in the night."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Hugh O'Reilly, Key Biscayne FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:23:51 GMT

I loved the original "Lady Mondegreen" (laid him on the green) article which appeared in a national magazine in the mid 50's. My own favorite mis-hearing was of "the Harlem shuffle" which for me came out "the hollow shot-ball>"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Marie, Austin TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:25:44 GMT

This makes total sense. Thank you. Oh, and I think it's "wrapped up like a deuce, another roller in the night..." but I'm sure you can look it up.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

chris — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:25:54 GMT

revved up like a deuce

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Stephanie, Missoula, MT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:27:14 GMT

"Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night..." has to do with hot rod cars-remember "Little Deuce Coupe"? I can't believe I know this one-my family is always laughing at me because I sing my own song versions incorrectly all the time! But I remember an interview somewhere when Bruce Springsteen was explaining these lyrics, so I remember the words now-before that, I was just like all the rest who sang it wrong. Great article!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jim, Brighton, MI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:27:39 GMT

Vicki - the lyrics to Bruce Springsteen's version of 'Blinded By The Light' are:

Madman drummers bummers and Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat
With a boulder on my shoulder, feelin' kinda older, I tripped the merry-go-round
With this very unpleasing sneezing and wheezing, the calliope crashed to the ground
Some all-hot half-shot was headin' for the hot spot, snappin' his fingers, clappin' his hands
And some fleshpot mascot was tied into a lover's knot with a whatnot in her hand
And now young Scott with a slingshot finally found a tender spot and throws his lover in the sand
And some bloodshot forget-me-not whispers, "Daddy's within earshot, save the buckshot, turn up the band"

And she was blinded by the light
Cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
She got down but she never got tight, but she'll make it alright

Some brimstone baritone anti-cyclone rolling stone preacher from the East
He says, "Dethrone the dictaphone, hit it in its funny bone, that's where they expect it least"
And some new-mown chaperone was standin' in the corner all alone, watchin' the young girls dance
And some fresh-sown moonstone was messin' with his frozen zone to remind him of the feeling of romance

Yeah, he was blinded by the light
Cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
He got down but he never got tight, but he's gonna make it tonight

Some silicone sister with her manager's mister told me I got what it takes
She said, "I'll turn you on, sonny, to something strong if you play that song with the funky break"
And Go-Cart Mozart was checkin' out the weather chart to see if it was safe to go outside
And little Early-Pearly came by in her curly-wurly and asked me if I needed a ride
Oh, some hazard from Harvard was skunked on beer, playin' backyard bombardier
Yes, and Scotland Yard was trying hard, they sent some dude with a calling card, he said, "Do what you like, but don't do it here"
Well, I jumped up, turned around, spit in the air, fell on the ground and asked him which was the way back home
He said, "Take a right at the light, keep goin' straight until night, and then, boy, you're on your own"
And now in Zanzibar, a shootin' star was ridin' in a side car, hummin' a lunar tune
Yes, and the avatar said, "Blow the bar but first remove the cookie jar, we're gonna teach those boys to laugh too soon"
And some kidnapped handicap was complainin' that he caught the clap from some mousetrap he bought last night
Well, I unsnapped his skull cap and between his ears I saw a gap but figured he'd be all right

He was just blinded by the light
Cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Mama always told me not to look into the sights of the sun
Oh, but Mama, that's where the fun is
I was blinded
I was blinded
I was blinded

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Gail, Belle mead, NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:32:28 GMT

How many people thought "There's a bad moon on the rise" was "There's a bathroom on the right" ?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Shawna, Vancouver, Canada — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:35:13 GMT

In the Manfred Mann version of Blinded by the Light, the line is "revved up like a deuce." Apparently a deuce is an old 1930's hot rod. I had to look it up after I read this article because I've always thought he said "wrapped up like a douche" as well!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Danyel Gimeno New York, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:35:26 GMT

So it's not "Hold me close, I'm Tony Danza"??? -Elton John, Tiny Dancer

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Pete, Windsor, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:35:59 GMT

Let's not forget Elton John's "Hold me closer Tony Danza, find the eggplant on the highway".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Vicki - Westchester, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:36:08 GMT

According to the lyrics on Greetings from Asbuyr Park, the lyric is "cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night." It is a lot easier to understand in Springsteen's version. The Manford Man (?) version really does sound like what was written.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kirk Ellsworth, Arlington Heights, Illinois — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:40:55 GMT

Vicky wrote:
"Soooo, What are the correct lyrics to "Blinded by the light" ?"

Revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Scott, Albuquerque NM — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:43:21 GMT

"Blinded by the Light" lyrics " Reved up like a duece". The "Duece" being a type of car engine configuration. Think of the Beach Boys song "Little Duece Coupe"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Chris, Denver, CO — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:44:53 GMT

The song was performed by Manfred Mann and written by Springstein. He never "originally" performed it.

The line is:
"Revved up like a deuce"

I am assuming a deuce is either a motorcycle (likely) or a two ton vehicle (unlikely).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

AEA, Shawnee, OK — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:45:58 GMT

Here we go, here's another example......
Tiny Dancer, by Elton John....Did anyone ever think he was singing "Hold me closer Tony Danza???"

Stop singing it to yourself....hahaha

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

EMS, Biloxi, MS — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:59:53 GMT

Blinded by the light is actually "Revved up like a deuce another runner in the night.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Brooke, Cincinnati, OH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:00:13 GMT

Victoria.Krziza-Allegedly, the correct lyrics are "revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night," however, I always sing 'wrapped up like a douche" because darn it, that's what it sounds like!! ;-)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Bruce NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:08:26 GMT

And she was blinded by the light
Cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
She got down but she never got tight, but she'll make it alright

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sarah, Portsmouth, OH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:09:16 GMT

For years whenever I heard the Garth Brooks song Friends in low places, when it got to the part about "I'm not big on social graces," well I always thought it said "I'm not big on sausage gravy." I learned the hard way: karaoke night at a local pub with my friends...I still hear about it!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Steve, MN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:11:41 GMT

Bonnie, I think you still missed... I heard that what John is really saying on Strawberry Fields is "cranberry sauce".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mike, Superior, CO — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:12:45 GMT

The lyrics for "blinded by the light" say "Cut loose like a duece..."

And Manfred Mann just gets credit because it was a bigger hit for them than it was for Bruce.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ted Pagel, San Luis Obispo, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:15:10 GMT

What about the Rascal's Groovin..."Life would be exstacy, you & me and Leslie"? Was actually " you and me endlessly". Who was Leslie anyway?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Joel, Kalamazoo Michigan — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:15:34 GMT

The lyrics from SPRINGSTEEN can be found here:
http://www.metrolyrics.com/blinded-by-the-light-lyrics-bruce-springsteen.html
Enjoy the real music.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Marty, San Diego, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:16:57 GMT

I'm a singer, and I always get the words wrong even when they are printed out in front of me. As long as I stay on key I am happy.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jen, Maine — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:20:16 GMT

Blinded by the light .... "revved up like a deuce"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

bill moore, carmel indiana — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:30:14 GMT

My brother-in-law said he used to think Neil Diamond's 'Forever in blue jeans, babe' went a little something like: 'the reverend's in blue jeans, babe.'

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

James, Whitewater, WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:35:03 GMT

When I was a very young lad, I always wondered "who rode the moo cow now?"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sarah, Portsmouth, OH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:41:00 GMT

What about the McGurk effect?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

FapFap,Tampa,Sudan — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:50:19 GMT

brown chicken brown cow

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Joel Lake Arrowhead Ca — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:58:30 GMT

Blinded by The Light is listed as the most misunderstood lyrics--but you should check out the song "Crawlin from the Wreckage" by Dave Edmunds--you will have to get the lyrics to understand what he is saying--it is a great song

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jeannie, Burlington, Vermont — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:04:29 GMT

When my grown son was little he sang the Eagles song Take It To The Limit as "ticket to the lemon"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tracee Collins, Topeka, ks — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:05:15 GMT

Revved up like a deuce....
When I was much younger, I used to sing along with a popular song of the time, "Juantanamera" (sp?) I was a little kid and thought they were singing "one apple bear, ho he ho one apple bear" lol

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

fusseltier — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:10:39 GMT

that is so funny! manfred mann was way before springsteen, they for sure didnt cover it.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Michelle, Youngstown, Ohio — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:18:49 GMT

What about the infamous "There's a bathroom on the right" by Creedence Clearwater Revival? Anyone remember that one? :-))

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

fusseltier — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:19:32 GMT

ok i was wrong, springsteen did it but it was a flop in 1973, then manfred mann covered it in 1977.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kathy, Fremont, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:32:55 GMT

hi guys - i have the same struggles and here is what i found. Blinded by the light was sung by Manfred Mann (could be Springstein wrote it, I don't know that) and they are saying 'blinded by the light, revved up by a deuce, another roamer in the night.' Deuce apparently means Deuce Coupe.. but for the rest of it, don't ask me what the heck it means! Also the group who whispered "Big boys don't cry" was 10CC and the song is "I'm not in love".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Bill, Seattle, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:42:05 GMT

My favorite is the cell phone commercial with the two less than intelligent looking guys that are singing "the sheep don't like it, lock the cash box" Then they decide the correct words are "stop the cat box" So proud of themselves for finally getting it right.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Gerald Hill — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:53:04 GMT

That was "I'm Not in Love," by 10cc. Actually, I used to think they were saying, "request a dumb kwi."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Gerald Hill — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:58:51 GMT

Sorry, to clarify, my response was to the very first comment posted, by Michael Greybull.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

TAH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:04:12 GMT

My problem is two-fold: I'm a child of the 80s who loves Duran Duran AND I love Weird Al Yankovic. Now, there's probably not one DD song that any of the lyrics makes a hoot of sense (look at the lyrics of ANY of their songs) and WA loves to make lyrics that DO make sense. So, I end up bellowing out the WA version of any song of his that I hear (radio/TV/iPOD, etc). Makes for an interesting drive when I hear Madonna's "Like A Virgin" and I end up singing the lyrics to Weird Al's "Like a Surgeon." Also makes a lot more sense. :)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

B. Lanag, Savannah, GA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:08:26 GMT

Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Madman drummers bummers,
Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat
With a boulder on my shoulder, feelin' kinda older,
I tripped the merry-go-round
With this very unpleasin', sneezin' and wheezin,
the calliope crashed to the ground
The calliope crashed to the ground
But she was...
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Some silicone sister with a manager mister told me I go what it takes
She said "I'll turn you on sonny to something strong,
play the song with the funky break"
And go-cart Mozart was checkin' out the weather chart to see if it was safe outside
And little Early-Pearly came by in his curly-wurly and asked me if I needed a ride
Asked me if I needed a ride
But she was...
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
She got down but she never got tired
She's gonna make it through the night
She's gonna make it through the night
But mama, that's where the fun is
But mama, that's where the fun is
Mama always told me not to look into the eye's of the sun
But mama, that's where the fun is
Some brimstone baritone anticyclone rolling stone preacher from the east
Says, "Dethrone the dictaphone, hit it in it's funny bone,
that's where they expect it least"
And some new-mown chaperone was standin' in the corner,
watching the young girls dance
And some fresh-sown moonstone was messin' with his frozen zone, reminding him of romance
The calliope crashed to the ground
But she was...
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Madman drummers bummers, Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat
With a boulder on my shoulder, feelin' kinda older,
I tripped the merry-go-round
With this very unpleasin', sneezin' and wheezin,
the calliope crashed to the ground
Now Scott with a slingshot finially found a tender spot and throws his lover in the sand
And some bloodshot forget-me-not said daddy's within earshot save the buckshot, turn up the band
Some silicone sister with a manager mister told me I go what it takes
She said "I'll turn you on sonny to something strong"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

debbie - charleston SC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:08:45 GMT

In the 60's my brother had a friend who sang "I believe in nickels, where you from, you sexy thing? We almost died laughing

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Snow, Kailua, HI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:09:43 GMT

This can even happen in church. When I was a kid we sant something called the Doxology, and part of the lyrics are 'praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost'. I thought they were saying 'Holy Toast' and every Sunday morning I thought that is what we were eating for breakfast.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Lisa, Fishers, IN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:51:34 GMT

A friend of mine NEVER gets any lyrics correct. Tom Petty's "Free Fallin" she thought it was, "Free Ballin" "Wake my up before you go go" she thought was "Shake me up before you go go" These are just a few of the funniest ones I thought I would share. ENJOY!!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Carl, Austin, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:00:00 GMT

I have one other point to add to the article. Besides the words being sung and the music making it harder to hear, most lyrics are poetic and not like spoken language. Your brain has to do some "thinking" to interpret.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

D in CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:01:10 GMT

OK this is confusing even to me, but I have an original vinyl copy of Asbury Park which I bought in high school when it was first released, and the lyrics printed on the inner sleeve are:
"Wrapped up like a vision of a runner in the night."

Go figure.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Vegasmellie — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:01:40 GMT

my favorite is, "There's a bathroom on the right", instead of, "There's a bad moon on the rise". -CCR

and who the heck knows what Eddie Vedder is ever singing??

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Hutch, Boulder, CO — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:07:39 GMT

The correct words on that line from "Blinded by the Light" (learned after many years of singing about douches *LOL*) are "revved up like a deuce [as in a "Little Deuce Coupe"], another runner in the night". Wikipedia says that Bruce's original lyrics were "cut loose like a deuce". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blinded_by_the_Light

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

SDGemini — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:07:48 GMT

John, from New York. These studies are often done at Universities a way to help future scientists learn. Probably also needed so a thesis can be completed or published to earn a degree. We also learn a lot more about how the human brain works by these 'unreal' studies. Calm down and just enjoy new knowledge, instead of throwing a hissy fit on a comment blog. You know many people may not be as all knowing as you are and not have known of such a connection between hearing and seeing. Grow up a bit...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dave in NM — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:10:44 GMT

From Dave Barry: "Guantanamera" was widely misheard as "One-Ton Tomato." Just as funny as Manfred Mann's douche, IMHO (and does anyone ever actually play the Springsteen version?).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Wes J., Atlanta, GA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:16:54 GMT

I just listened to Bruce Springsteen's original version of "Blinded By The Light" on my Ipod and can say 100% sure that the original lyrics ar "cut loose like a deuce, another ruuner in the night"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

CBKitty Springfield, MO — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:17:27 GMT

Seriously, I laughed so hard when I read those that weren't Manfred vs. the Boss. I have a new one...my own indistinction of Huey Lewis and the News The Heart of Rock and Roll...the Opal's barely breathing...the actual words are the old boy's barely breathing...oh yeah! I thought what a random reference to a car in a song so not about a car...enjoy!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jane Doe, NH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:24:04 GMT

The girl with colitis goes by . . .

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John Clifton, Oceanside, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:25:09 GMT

'big boys don't cry' is from "I'm Not in Love" by 10cc. Great song.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Julie, San Francisco, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:26:21 GMT

Thought the words to "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John were"

...and the biggest d--- I ever got ..." (nick name for Richard)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jorge, San Diego — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:28:50 GMT

A friend of mine intentionally told her 8 yr old daughter that the Madonna song was "Like a Persian" instead of "Like a Virgin".. like a persian, touched for the very first time.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Bob — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:31:54 GMT

I once worked at a sporting goods store that sold Raleigh bicycles. One of the most popular models was called a Record. A a customer called on the phone to inquire if we had any Raleigh Records in stock. The new girl that answered the phone told him we didn't sell music and hung up.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

billy booble, colonia nj — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:32:13 GMT

i used to sing jimmy buffets Margartaville wasted awat agin in my buritto van

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ron Madison WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:33:04 GMT

THE AC/DC Classic "DIRTY JEANS AND THE DUNGEON CHIEF"HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE>

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mary S., Mosinee, WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:34:14 GMT

When I was a kid, the Braves played in Milwaukee, so when I heard the Star Spangled Banner, I thought the words were "and the home of the Braves"!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Greg, Riverside, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:36:13 GMT

I read of a girl who thought her favorite Go-Go's song was "Otis the Seal" (Our Lips are Sealed). And I thought the line in "Hound Dog" was "I set you a side glance" (I said you was high class).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dave, Vacaville, Ca. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:36:33 GMT

For those that may have wondered and not looked up "Deuce Coupe" , It is a 1932 Ford Coupe available with a flathead V-8, new for 1932. Very popular among Hot Rodders of the era.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Karen Flinn, Burlington VT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:38:29 GMT

There is a website that my 2 teenagers told me about named azlyrics.com. At that website, you can search by song or by artist to find lyrics. It's been a very helpful website.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kat, Great Falls, MT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:38:35 GMT

I don't know why this is news - it is not new. I learned this in high school - in the 70's after attending a play. Our high school teacher discussed why we could not hear as well when it was dark in the theater. We all lip read. Maybe my high school teacher was ahead of her time. Also, according to the dictionary deuce means "the devil".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Terry — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:38:49 GMT

I thought the same thing when listening to Britney Spears "If you seek Amy". I could have sworn she was saying F you see Kay me.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Don Winkler Hereford, AZ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:39:00 GMT

I cannot believe how many people gave the incorrect "correct" lyric. Check it at any music lyric site!! The lyric as performed by Bruce Springsteen is "...cut loose like a deuce". It most certainly is not revved up like a deuce!!!The Manfred Mann version of the song may say revved up like a deuce, but that is NOT what Springsteen wrote.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

C. Beecher Eagle River, wi — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:39:02 GMT

The correct lyrics for "Blinded by the Light" is "Revved up like a duece" a "duece" is a duece coupe

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ken — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:39:08 GMT

Good God, how many times is that damned song going to have to be explained? You know which one I'm talking about.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

juzme. canada — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:39:27 GMT

From Manfed mann's web site

Lyrics from The Roaring Silence
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT
Bruce Springsteen-Zomba Music Publ.Ltd.
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a Deuce
Another runner in the night
[repeat to fade]

Madman drummers bummers Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way in to his hat
With a boulder on my shoulder feeling kinda' older I tripped the merry go round
With this very unpleasing sneezing and wheezing the calliope crashed to the ground

The calliope crashed to the ground and she was blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.

Blinded by the light
Revved up like a Deuce
Another runner in the night
[repeat to fade]

Some silicone sister with her manager mister told me I got what it takes
She said I'll turn you on sonny to something strong play the song with the funky break
And go kart Mozart was checkin' out the weather chart see if it was safe outside
And little Early Pearly came by in his curly wurly and asked me if I needed a ride

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

CinDee Johnson,louisville, kentucky — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:39:50 GMT

some silicone sister with a manager mister told me i got what it takes. she said i'll turn you on son to something strong?????????? gokart mozart checking out the weather chart see if its safe outside????

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

gary — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:41:48 GMT

This might be the most NS Sherlock article I've ever read. WE need a professor of neuroscience to tell us this?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Karen, Colo Spgs, CO — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:42:01 GMT

Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy! A kid'll eat ivy, too, wouldn't you?

Or, in the immortal words of Urethra Franklin - CHain chain chain - Chain of Food.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Heather, Glendale, AZ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:43:36 GMT

My favorite one now is the Pussycat Doll's WHen I grow up - the Line is "When I grow up I want to have groupies", but my 6 yr old sings "I want to have boobies!"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jenny, Imperial Beach, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:43:53 GMT

when I was a kid I used to think that Robert Palmer's Addicted to Love said "Mice wear faces, you're addicted to love"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

sweeter, VA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:45:45 GMT

Ok not to get off track tooo much but the hymn..''When the roll is called up yonder''....my friend thought it was ''When they roll and scald up yonder'' No wonder he didnt want to go !!!....and btw I've really enjoyed this thread

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Gayle, Austin, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:46:24 GMT

I'm like Alissia. I can't hear without my glasses. I can't talk without my hands, either.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Lisa Johnson, Billings, MT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:46:37 GMT

One of my favorite memories is my kids singing "taking care of bisquits", instead of 'business', at the top of their little lungs.
We still refer to it by their own special lyrics whenever we hear it on the radio.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Bill Bunterfurd — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:46:58 GMT

She's the little ole lady from past my weiner

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

LS, San Diego, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:49:21 GMT

A buddy of mine thought the Eagles song, 'Life in the Fast Lane' was 'pipe in the vaseline.'

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Brad Boston — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:52:29 GMT

Areosmith, Ten inch record...

my girl don't go for smokin'
and liquor just make her flinch
seems she don't go for nothin'
*suck on my big ten inch*....

I know the lyrics, and I still hear it that way

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

NEW JERSEY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:52:57 GMT

OK MY NEPHEW WAS I THINK 17 AND HE WAS SINGING TINY DANCER AT WORK WHILE WORKING ON A TRUCK...BUT INSTEAD OF SINGING "TINY DANCER" HE WAS SINGING "TONY DANZA" ALL THE GUYS JUST LOOKED AT HIM..NEEDLESS TO SAY HE WAS EMBARRASSED

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

greg mn — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:53:08 GMT

So did anyone think it was "reverend blue jeans"
They even poked fun of that one on King of Qweens.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Skippy, Hotckiss Colorado — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:53:57 GMT

My mother is 87 and the queen of butchering lyrics..."Dark Star" became "Dodge Dart", "Have You Seen Her?" was interpreted as a woman's name, "Abysina", but my personal fave was when she tripped around the house singing the lyrics to Robert Palmer's "Adicted to Love" as "You're going to have to face it, it's my dick that you love!" - and the hits just keep on coming.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

jillamar833@msn.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:57:09 GMT

When Whodini came out with "The Freaks Come Out At Night", my mother thougt they were saying The Flintstone's Pilot Light. Til this day it makes me holla.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

R.M. MT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:57:14 GMT

In Taylor Swift's "Love story" it still, even though I know better, souds like "Romeo save me,Good Charlotte Tell me how to feel" rather than "they try to tell me how to feel".... I know the right answer yet every time I hear it, I ask "Goody charlotte?"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Beth, Houston, Tx — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:57:17 GMT

Hey Debbie, Bruce Springsteen fans would know that and there are millions of us!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

glen, buffalo, ny — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:57:22 GMT

In college during the 70's I botched an Eagles song, singing: "There's going to be a party tonight, a party tonight, I know." The correct word is heartache, not party. I blame the error on my environment. I lived in a frat at a party school (almost Animal House), and listened to music on an AM car radio (not stereo), with the windows rolled down in summer (and volume turned up).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Larry T. Artesia, NM. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:57:57 GMT

Victoria, the correct lyrics are, "Racked up like a duece,another roller in the night. Blinded by the light."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

brown11534@hotmail.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:59:12 GMT

Instead of More Than a Woman to me - Baldheaded woman for me - John Brown, Hackettstown, NJ

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Loretta, SLC, UT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:59:25 GMT

Oh, people, forget the bathroom, revvin', whatever! Get serious and someone give me the real lyrics for "Louie, Louie" THAT is the greatest musical mystery ever!!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Pikesh, Greenfield, MA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:04:17 GMT

How about
"They paved paradise and put up a f***ing light".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Erin, Glendora, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:04:43 GMT

I dont know who sings the song with the lyrics "my eyes adored you..." but I always thought it was "my sweet georgia..." until my husband of all people corrected me!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mark, Bethlehem, PA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:05:10 GMT

My Granfather thought "Funky Nassau" was Fuc#ing As@hole

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

mdoats@msn.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:08:14 GMT

My ex thought Neil Diamond's lyrics were "she's got the wedding movement" instead of she's got the way to move me. One of the reasons he's an ex

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Patrick - happened in Maine — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:08:40 GMT

I admit I didn't read through all the comments, but didn't see this one- FUNNIEST THING I JUST ABOUT EVER SAW! Committed by still one of my best friends as the NEW KID in 5th grade when prompted by Mrs. C. to stand up, introduce himself, and tell the class what his favorite song was? (The kid was home-schooled. played piano, and it probably was Chopin or something) But to seem cool he said: "I lost my brains down in Africa!" LOL as I write this. The class errupted, fell out of desks, onto the floor etc. The Teacher had to tell him- "I think you mean..." It still makes me laugh today. B.O. forgive me for sharing this with the whole webosphere! Love ya!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Donna, East Haven, CT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:08:49 GMT

anyone here old enough or musically knowlegeable enough to know "Mairzy Doats"?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Deb in Ashland, Oregon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:09:57 GMT

How about in Love Potion Number 9 "that gypsy w/a gold tatoo"? Instead of a gold capped tooth - or Maty told Hatty about a thing she saw, Had two big horns and a a wooly dog, er wooly jaw! My husband sings the oldies all wrong! Great laughs, tho when we discover the right words.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

MAC, Manila, Philippines — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:11:21 GMT

I have to share the funniest lyric that I misheard. The song is Easy by the Commodores. The actual words are "Girl, I'm leaving you tomorrow." However, I heard them as "Girl, I'm leaving you to my brother." I always thought that it was that way until a couple of years ago when my sister pointed out to me that I was singing the wrong words. I'm old enough to remember the song when it first came out, so that tells you how long I thought it was that way. :)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

john doe, dallas, texas — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:12:18 GMT

...its "rapped up like a duece"...as in tachometer is rapped out...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mike Beaumont, Texas — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:12:27 GMT

Big ol Jed and the Rhino?

Oh, its "revved up like a...." oh nevermind.

Springsteen is a tool.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sarah, LA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:12:31 GMT

My son thinks that the lyrics to Poker Face (Lady Gaga, I think) are "My Butt Broke Her Face" instead of pu pu poker face...lol

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Anela, HB, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:12:39 GMT

We is MSN recycling stories? If you have nothing new to say, don't say anything at all. This story was just posted less than a month ago.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Deb in Ashland, Oregon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:13:16 GMT

How about in Love Potion Number 9 "that gypsy w/a gold tatoo"? Instead of a gold capped tooth - or Maty told Hatty about a thing she saw, Had two big horns and an older dog, er wooly jaw! My husband sings the oldies all wrong! Great laughs, tho when we discover the right words.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

musichead, loudon,tn — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:13:54 GMT

How's this? I'm in a band a few years back, and we decide to do "Drift Away" by Dobie Grayand and I can't stop singing "Give me the Beach Boys and free my soul..." Embarassing!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

kdkoenig — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:14:42 GMT

Comments: (1) My coworkers and I heard "I'm not talking 'bout millinium" or something similar. Finally, we couldn't stand it and called the radio station to ask what the wordswere; answer: "I'm not talking 'bout moving in." By Hall & Oats & don't remember the song name. (2) Manfred Mann--Always heard "wrapped up like a douche in the middle of the night." (3) Don't recall the song or group who sings it but what I heard was "I'm your penis, I'm your (something), I'm your one desire." And, finally, (4) For years I have always had to tell people I couldn't hear them when my glasses were off. Lots of LOL. However, it was proven years ago that we hear not only with our ears, but by watching a person move his mouth (lip reading sound familiar?). Noise had nothing to do with it. I see this study as another waste of taxpayers nmoney.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tony Suvie Georgetown,DE — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:14:43 GMT

Wrapped up like a duece.
What the h*ll is a duece wraped up like?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dori-Charleston, SC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:16:52 GMT

I always thought the words to that song by Paul Young were:
Every time you go away....you take a piece of MEAT with you. It was more visual that way. LOL

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

LeAnn, Muncie, IN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:17:06 GMT

One of my friends always thought Bon Jovi's "You gave Love a bad name" was really "you gave love a band-aid"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dennis - Florida — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:17:54 GMT

How about this one from Aretha Franklin:
Lyrics I used to sing "you make me feel like a man should a woman", when the real lyrics are "you make me feel like a natural woman"
well, at least the meaning pretty much stayed the same and it still fit the song! But trying to hear those songs on an old AM transitor radio was a challenge in itself. We could sit in Iowa and pick up WDGY (Minneapolis) KAAY (Little Rock) KOMA (Oklahoma City) WJR (Detroit) WHO (Des Moines) and WLS (Chicago). Of course, you never knew when the signal would come in and fade out, plus, try and tune that station with a dial instead of digital technology today. No wonder we messed up lyrics so bad back then.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Christine L. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:18:57 GMT

What about CCR's Bad Moon Rising... For years I thought the lyrics were "Thre's a bathroom on the right"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Joe of Seattle, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:19:55 GMT

My biggest misheard lyrics are Elton John's Rocket Man.

"Burning all the shoe's of everyone" is what I thought he said. But it is actually

"Burning out the fuse up hear you know"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

jesseb, applevalley, ca. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:20:08 GMT

hey!! it's all about having fun..who gives a fart

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kerry, Fremont, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:21:02 GMT

Bonnie,

The "I buried Paul" line is John Lennon saying "Cranberry Sauce". Don't know why. I'm not sure if it is on the LOVE soundtrack or the Beatles Anthology but it is more discernible than the original release.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Anne Charleston, SC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:21:44 GMT

I have a friend who always sang Prince's Little Red Corvette as "Baby, come back"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jusy - Seattle WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:22:18 GMT

for you old folks, remember "Groovin". I thought it was about a three-way. "you and me and Leslie"
Who the heck was Leslie and where did she come from?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Karen, Bartow, FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:23:26 GMT

The funniest one I ever heard was in that Roberta Flack song "The First Ever I Saw Your Face." My friend sang "like the trembling heart of a cat at birth" and I nearly busted a gut laughing. Of course the real lyrics are "like the trembling heart of a captive bird." Priceless! :)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Greg Michaels, Dallas, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:25:12 GMT

My cousin told me that the song "Juke Box Hero" by Foreigner (??) came on the radio one day, and it must have hit the right note with his little boy, because he began singing "Juice Box Hero!!!" at the top of his lungs.
I guess a person's perspective on life can have a big part in what kind of mondegreen is created. I never would have linked Foreigner with CapriSun.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Julie - St. Louis, MO — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:30:19 GMT

OK....What about Jimmy Buffett's Cheeseburger in Paradise. My brother knew exactly what the words were but he opted to change them to, "Cheeseburger and a bag of fries...Bag of fries...bag of fries." We are not a drive-thru family...but I thought that was funny.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

ittybittyphx1@yahoo.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:33:12 GMT

Funny! My husband is also among those who can totally butcher a song at the top of his lungs its the best thing ever! One of his best is "pixie dust" instead of "Exodus" by Bob Marley...I giggle every time I hear it now.

Nett, Phoenix, AZ

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rob — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:34:45 GMT

This is all very well, but I still can't figure out who left the cake out in the rain. I mean, you know, it took so long to bake it and all. Fact is that some songs are better when left to the imagination.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rich, Smalltown, IL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:35:54 GMT

On the CD Premonition by John Fogerty is the song Bad Moon on the Rise. At 1:50 he does say "there's the bathroom on the right".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

kjs — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:37:02 GMT

Then there's that '60s song by the Young Rascals "Good Lovin'"...that always sounds to me like they're saying "Goodle up!" (whatever that's supposed to mean)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Aimee, Santa Ana, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:39:27 GMT

"Revved up like a deuce; another runner in the night." There are a bunch of lyrics in that song that are misheard.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Aimee, Santa Ana, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:40:16 GMT

Also, "that other band" is Manfred Mann's Earth Band.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jo Jo, NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:41:25 GMT

A long time ago, Herb Alpert sang "This Guy's In Love With You." I still sing "The Sky's In Love With You."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

frank shvank — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:41:28 GMT

the correct lyrics are "layed out like a goose, don't use the butter knife"

you idiots

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

oldguy, nowhere, nohow — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:42:13 GMT

Nothing ever changes.
Remember "Louie Louie", by The Kingsmen? Lyrics so unintelligible the song was banned, just it case it may be obscene.
A 5 year old asked me, as he listened to George Thoroughgood singing, "Why does he drink cologne?"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

T and T's mom — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:43:48 GMT

What about "I'm not talking about Bolivia" instead of "I'm not talking about moving in."? or My sweet Georgia instead of My Eyes Adored You?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ann, Livermore, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:47:02 GMT

How about Milli Vanilli's song "Blame it Lorraine"? (Blame it on the rain...)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jay Bee, Dearborn Heights, MI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:52:16 GMT

OMG, my mother in law thought the hook to "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" by Bone Thugs-Harmony was "Smothers Brothers Ball" :-)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

allen keith, trashtabula ohio — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:52:52 GMT

letssingit.com youll find the two diferent songs thayhave some same dut not all

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

MJ, Irvine, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:58:05 GMT

the punch line to old jokes...
Jose, can you see (oh say, can you see) and
Round John Virgin ('round yon Virgin)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jasmine, Sac, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:59:57 GMT

Hey guys, let's just keep saying that the lyrics are "revved up like a deuce" over and over again. Just about every post on here says that. It's quite annoying.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Bill Cranford, NJ — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:48 GMT

The original Springsteen lyric is neither of the above, instead being "cut loose like a deuce".[1] Springsteen once attributed the popularity of the Manfred Mann version partially to Thompson's enunciation.[2]
If you believe Wikipedia...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

ekiole ablatakka sokelio — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:04:50 GMT

A lot of heavy metal songs, I have no idea what they are saying.

I think there is more to it than this article suggests, because a former boss of mine couldn't tell any of the lyrics to the song "How To Save A Life" by The Fray, even after hearing it multiple times. I screw up so many songs, but not that one, I could tell every word.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mike, MN — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:05:26 GMT

What about ELO's "Don't Bring Me Down"

"Don’t bring me down,grroosss" is what most lyrics sites say, although there are a few of them that conflict on the final word. Most people assume "Bruce"......

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tilly, wmspt, pa — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:10:26 GMT

What about elton john's Bennie and the Jets???

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

T Grady, Waldport, Oregon — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:13:50 GMT

I'm constantly telling my kids to look at me when they talk, otherwise I can't understand them. VINDICATION AT LAST!!!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Chelsie — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:14:34 GMT

This reminds me of the Britany Spears song "If you seek Amy" but I have a feeling that play on words is what she was going for. ;)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Puzzled Listener — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:15:08 GMT

So what IS the Manfred Mann lyric?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kate Eugene, Or — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:18:16 GMT

My husband always thought "life in the fast lane" was "sand in the Vaseline". Why would one sing about that!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

steve — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:24:00 GMT

Yes, it is "Revved up like a duece" and was done by Manfred Man, NOT spingsteen.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Paul, Trenton,N.J. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:27:38 GMT

Blinded by the light is not origanlly by Bruce Springsteen. Manfred Mann released it back in 1972. Please get your facts straight!!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

steve,maryland — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:27:42 GMT

LOL..john from New York...No doubt..Can you belive the government shells out millions of dollars fo our tax dollars for this crap..To "study the obvious"..sounds like a Satuday Night Live skit.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tyler, Grand Rapids MI — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:46:15 GMT

I'm really in to foreign languages, and it's MUCH easier to talk to someone in another language face to face than on the phone.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

T , Minnesota — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:50:07 GMT

OK, Enough of Blinded by the Light...Did you know when Steve sings the final verse of Bad Moon Rising, he actually points to the right and says "There's a bathroom on the right" just for the fun of it? It's true!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mark Schurr, South Bend, IN — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:55:47 GMT

I think there is something else about Blinded by the Light by Manfred Man - maybe too much reverb? My college roommate thought the line "And little Early-Pearly came in by her curly-wurly" was about someone or something getting "a swirly." Don't ask.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

STEVE WEBSTER, PORTLAND OREGON — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:57:03 GMT

THE CORRECT LYRICS TO "BLINDED BY THE LIGHT" ARE

"WRAPPED UP LIKE A DUECE, ANOTHER RUNNER IN THE NIGHT"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

angela sue,dekalb,il — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:00:47 GMT

I think it's the singers choice,if they want to be cutsie, they sing what they want despite what is in print. So "wrapped up" could have been used to as a publicity stunt,just to appeal to the base instincts of dumb guys. I have checked many lyrics some just are'nt sung as written.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mary Stiles, Hayward WI — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:01:00 GMT

My son was in first grade when his teacher heard him sing Silent Night for the first time and realized he was singing "drown the virgin, smother the child". That is still the best one I have heard.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Cathy Central Point Oregon — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:01:12 GMT

OMGoodness!!! You people are cracking me up! LOL LOL.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John, Nacogdoches TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:01:51 GMT

Areosmith - "Walter Sway" ...er, Walk this way

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rita, Des Moines, Iowa — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:05:47 GMT

My favorite misheard lyric is by a country group (I think they're called the Kentucky Head Hunters). They're talking about a bar called "Dumas Walker" and they say "Let's all go down to Dumas Walker". I know a lot of people are like me and thought they were saying "Let's all go down and do Miss Walker".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Nancy, White Rock, NM — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:09:14 GMT

There's a Rage Against the machine song that goes "we're the renegades of funk,funk" and someone I know thought it was "did the reindeer change the font,font" and she was just singing away with it.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kate, San Diego CA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:17:39 GMT

This is so funny, my sister and I actually had a discussion about songs and lyrics this week. I used to sing songs wrong all the time; for example, for Footloose.... instead of "Footloose, kick off your Sunday shoes" I sang "Footloose, hit your body with juice" I still have no idea why I thought those were the words.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Green Girl, Pocatello, Idaho — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:24:20 GMT

When I was younger I used to think the lyrics to "He's got the Whole World in His Hands" was "He's got the Whole World in His Pants....."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sue, Potsdam NY — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:29:12 GMT

When my son was small, he thought the lyrics to "Wild Thing" were..."Wild Thing, you make my horse sing"!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Randy McMunn Birmingham Alabama — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:46:27 GMT

These are the kind of earth shattering studies that justify an assistant professor of neurology's education and training. I am so glad that grant money from taxpayers goes to such worthwhile endeavors. Thank you Dr. Ma for your brilliant research. If Al Gore can get a Nobel prize, then you certainly deserve two.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Alex, Texarkana, TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:52:32 GMT

My wife got a kick when I told here I thought Katy Perry was singing "I kissed a girl and I liked it / the taste of her cherry chopsticks.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Susan B., Cheyenne WY — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:53:50 GMT

I haven't read all the comments, but one of my favorites is Creedence's "Stuck in Old Lodi Again," which I always heard as "Suckin' on old diaphragms..."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Austin, San Antonio, TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:58:52 GMT

I always wondered what a "dunder sheep" was? From the AC/DC song, "Dirty Deeds and the dunder sheep," but now I do them cheaply instead.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kristina, Keyser, WV — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:05:23 GMT

I remember when I was very little (about 4 and I am almost 23 mow) I thought I KNEW that lyrics to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "Free Fallin'" were actually "Free Farting." I still get a kick out of it when my mom or brother bring up the fact that I used to sing that at the top of my lungs or if I hear it on the radio.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

David Toupin, Cleveland OH — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:08:36 GMT

Someone made a study of this?? Anyone that has learned another language could tell you that it is much easier to understand what someone is saying when you can see them. I'm just amazed that someone could get published with such a well known concept.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Renee, Providence, RI — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:16:15 GMT

looking through this i died laughing cause i truly never knew the true lyrics to Blinded by the Light.
To me it was:
"wrapped up like a douche another roner in the night" haha

but the funniest thing i heard was to the song tipsy by J Kwon. The lyrics are supposed to be:
"everybody in the club getting tipsy"
and an elderly lady was singing:
"everybody in the club eating chips"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Bill, Bayonet Point, Florida — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:18:49 GMT

Hi Bonnie,

The phrase that John says (twice if you have bootleg versions) in the close of "Strawberry Fields Forever" is "cranberry sauce" not "I buried Paul" or "I'm very small" (I never heard that before!).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

stephen piniaha, sparta,nj — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:24:07 GMT

Who cares about The Boss since he's been Blinded by The Bama's light.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Marty - Kansas — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:26:06 GMT

Good point - John from New York. Crazy the stuff being spent researched. ntw - i thought the lyrics to "Tulsa Time" were living on Toast and Wine.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Kara G., Brookings, South Dakota — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:29:35 GMT

Alot of the reasons we can't get the lyrics based off of listening has to do with the way pop singers enunciate, which usually is not at all. Trills make it hard to understand what the actual word is. I think in general, most of the music from the 60s and 70s is easier to understand compared with today's music partly because of the change in singing styles. **Artists of the day, this one's for you -- "You need to open your mouth and actually pronounce the words for your audience!"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John I I — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:44:47 GMT

... my 7 year old son was singing along with John Denver - "Rocky Mountain High in Avocado..."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Santiago, Robstown, Texas — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:48:38 GMT

If you guys are looking for lyrics, you can find them at rick.com from rick dees website.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

brenda tam, syracuse, ny — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:04:55 GMT

i finally looked up the lyrics to the Lynyrd Skynyrd's "That Smell". I used to hear "ooh, that smell. cant you smell that smell? the smell of gas (or ass) around you..." i just thought that was nasty and couldnt be right. as many times as i squinted my eyes to hear better i kept hearing the same words.

well, I see now I was wrong. it's the smell of death surrounds you.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Gary-Louissville — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:09:12 GMT

There's a bathroom on the right-Credence
Wipe in the vaseline-The Eagles

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ivan, Houston, TX. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:21:53 GMT

My son Paul used to sing 'Speedy Gonzales" by Pat Boone as he heard it, as follows. "Cun peeny na saaday". He was about 3 or 4, and would kill me of he read this!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

SLS, Texas — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:22:11 GMT

@ John from NY, NY

Studies like that are more in depth than you think. They help scientists figure out neurological function and how different parts of the brain process informaiton to come up with a coherent whole.

For example, if you saw a video of a person saying "My gag kok me koo grive" but a speaker was playing "My bab pop me poo brive," you would most likely end up 'hearing' "My dad taught me to drive." (Massaro and Stork, 1998)

Just because something SEEMS intuitive doesn't mean it doesn't deserve study....or even that it's necessarily true.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Chiyoko — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:27:46 GMT

LMAO @ John from NYC.
It may be obvious but society needs proof.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Robert Miami Florida — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:46:35 GMT

in the Beetles Lucy in the sky my friend use to sing The Girl With Colitis Walks By

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Leann Athens, GA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:48:06 GMT

My aunt used to sing looking for my blue eye gel instead of blue angel no one ever corrected her its too funny.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jahn, Rochester, NY — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:52:07 GMT

How about my son's favorite when he was 6, to the 59th St Bridge Song, instead of "kicking down a cobblestone", he used to belt out in the back seat of the car "sittin' round Chicago stoned, feeling groovy"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Allison Osceola, iA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:52:33 GMT

How about BTO's "Taking care of business". When I was a little girl, I thought it was "taking care of biscuits"(referring to a dog named biscuits). My ex-husband told everyone that story after he found out about it, so every time that song came on in a crowd, I was the laughing stalk of the party!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Shannon, B.C. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:55:52 GMT

"Orrie and Tar" - that's hilarious! (Michael, San Fran). That must have messed you up for years.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Susan, Johnstown, PA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:00:11 GMT

the most memorable lyric flubs I've ever heard was "How's about a date?", instead of Billy Idol's lyrics "Eyes without a Face"
Also, a few years ago while listening to Christmas carols, my daughter ask me who Esther Rose was. Confused, I asked what song she was referring to. She said, "you know, 'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...Jack Frost nipping at your nose...Yuletide carols besing like a choir...and folks dressed up like Esther Rose.' "

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

David Lincoln, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:02:56 GMT

I have noticed the same issue, except the area is in speaking to people who are speaking in a non-native language. I speak English. I work in Kyrgyzstan, where Russian is the primary language. When I try to speak to local people on the telephone, both I and the other person have a lot of trouble understanding each other. But if I am face to face with the same person, both viewing them speak and their body language make it much easier to communicate.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Albert, Wausau Wi. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:05:58 GMT

Purple haze are good for my brain
rainy days i dont see the same
i get funny but i dont know why
excuse me while i kiss the sky

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Flick's Girl, Wichita, KS — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:07:20 GMT

The song 'Sold' by John Michael Montgomery...The lyrics are 'man, I gotta have her, she's one of a kind.' However for years, my sister sang loud and clear, 'Man I got a heifer.' I still laugh out loud when I think about her belting that out!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

migrantwrkr,chicago,IL — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:13:09 GMT

Its "revved up like a deuce". "Rewed" is not a word.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Scharlie, SC — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:14:23 GMT

These are hilarious. It makes me think of kindergarten, when I thought there was,"nothing I could do, a turtle eclipse of the heart."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

T. Young, San Antonio, TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:20:14 GMT

"I want a new truck"! My husband, a true motor head, thought that was the lyric to the Huey Lewis song "I want a new drug". That is an example of what endeared me to him, no drugs needed just new vehicles.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

joseph pratt salt lake — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:24:04 GMT

Come on people! Louie louie! They even were subpeaned to appear before congress to divulge the lyrics! And the funny thing is there never were any!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Joe — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:33:22 GMT

Are you SURE it is not "another roamer in the night"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

"the CrazyMathaFuginWhiteBoy" Thornton, CO — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:36:04 GMT

"Get on Back"
Blue on Black? Yeah it does make sense now.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rod Thornton, Oakland, CA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:49:34 GMT

Goodbye groovy toothpaste: that's what I thought Mick Jagger was singing instead of "goodbye Ruby Tuesday." Of course I was only 11 yrs old at the time.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Greg — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:00:48 GMT

For cryin' out loud... I've only seen one post refer to "Rev'd up like a deuce."

C'mon what's "Rewed up like a deuce"?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Blax Myth, Soweto, South Africa — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:40:33 GMT

"Sweet dreams are made of cheese,
Who am I to dis a grease"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Don, Elma, Iowa — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:13:34 GMT

I always thought Bruce's "Cut loose like a deuce" reference was to being considered worthless like a low card.
Don't know why you'd "wrap up a deuce", so "revved up like a deuce", maybe, I guess, if you say so.
I'll leave it to poetic license.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jen, Trenton, NJ — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:18:08 GMT

Wow. Great article. I have to add two more to the list: My friend loves "Dirty Deeds"; except to her, they're not done dirt cheap - they're done to sheep. And we've never let my brother live down the classic "Draggin' The Line" - which he swore was about pie - "Lemon Meringue".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

S.L. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:23:20 GMT

My cousin Jennifer used to sing "Jenny and the Bets" to Elton John's Benny and the Jets song. Maybe she thought the song was about her, I don't know. We thought it was funny.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

ds ktown, tn — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:40:16 GMT

blinded by the light ... the correct lyrics in question are ... wrapped up like a deuce, another runner in the night ...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

ds ktown tn — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:42:01 GMT

and it has nothing to do with a little deuce coup ... it has to do with gambling .... deuce's wild, etc .... and money runner

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

BD, Bartlett, NH — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:45:36 GMT

When I roll my mouse over the picture of Freddie Mercury at the start of this story, it reads Barack Obama is sworn in. And a bat eyesight is a is at least a good as a humans.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

you gotta be kidding me usa — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:47:21 GMT

bruce springsteen... revved up like a deuce
manfred... wrapped up like a douche

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

BD — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:59:08 GMT

I had always thought the most misinterpreted song lyrics were the one for Louis, Louis by the Kingsmen.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

jk, great falls , mont — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:05:54 GMT

my favorites...aerosmith, "back in the saddle again"...back inside of the dead, steve miller, "jungle love"....chug-a-lug

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Bill Wagers — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:38:25 GMT

My daughter sings Crystal Gayle's song "Donuts make my brown eyes blue."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Apparently_Shoulda_Been_a_Scientist — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:05:14 GMT

What?!? We really needed a study to tell us: "'Understanding speech can be difficult, especially when it’s noisy,' or overwhelmed by a loud music track"?

And, to overcome this, as if it weren't already common knowledge, the study finds "this process can be helped a lot by looking at the speaker’s face."

What are these mysterious "other verbal miscommunication problems" that are going to be cleared up? That re talking over the person speaking also results in miscommunication problems?

Why was this study undertaken in the first place? What's the research gap it's trying to fill?

p.s. Debbie, the question isn't who knows Springsteen actually wrote the lyrics, the question is who SHOULD know that fact... and the answer is, the person writing the article--it's like one of those "credibility" things...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

MaryH, Savannah, GA. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:08:54 GMT

Boy! It's really nice to know that other "normal" people have trouble hearing the lyrics of a song. I'm one of those people who always has a song in her head, and I'm deaf and wear a hearing aid. But the internet has been my biggest help in finding the words to a song that's in my head and was finally able to sing the song properly. But it is funny to hear how others "hears" a song, only to find that they were sadly, or happily mistaken.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rafique Farooqi Lahore Pakistan. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:15:01 GMT

I am pleased to read this article,and got cleared myself,from a problem prolonged from years,that i was mostly unable to understand the lyrics ,even someone's hit songs.For reason to this, i got pure tone audio test,with idea of partial deafness for some frequencies,but it was okay.I am now sure there is some shit with singer,and not my ears and brain.Thanks to the great write.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Charlie, Douglasville,GA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:36:42 GMT

I think if people would realize that most music lines in a verse rhyme, it may help

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Margaret Hein Chico, California — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:08:35 GMT

When I was 22 I also thought "life in the fast lane"was"life in the vaseline". No so long ago I saw John Fogerty sing "bathroom on the left" as a joke, to see if the audience was paying attention. "Sweet little hitchhiker", I heard as "sweet little honeycutt."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Lori, Allegan, MI — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:05:03 GMT

My favorite mixed up lyric in our family was my daughter singing "Billy goat loves Charlene" instead of "Billy Bob" to Joe Diffie's "John Deere green". It's nearly a decade later and I still smile when it comes up.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

J.C., Mn. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:07:51 GMT

I got a kick out of my friend Kay singing "Dead Ivy" Instead of "Dear Diary" Moody Blues. Well that's a blast from the past!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

TJ the DJ, Mount Airy (Mayberry), North Carolina — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:17:12 GMT

What about the classic "Bad Moon Risin'" which I (being a DJ over 30 years) had it requested moree than once "Mr DJ, could you please play CCR's Bathroom on the Right".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

john, tampa florida — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:20:12 GMT

theres a bathroom on the right... I mean theres a bad moon on the rise!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

inothngs2, ohio — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:34:14 GMT

so sorry to be the old fogey in the bunch but I remember my mom singing what I thought was a bunch of nonsense when I was a kid, turns out "mare's eat oats and doe's eat oats and little lamb's eat ivy" actually makes complete sense

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

TrooperRecon 101st Hopkinsville, KY — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:54:01 GMT

HENDRIX was talking about "kissing the SKY" not kissing a GUY. Wow, the wonderful world of LSD...Hendrix was buried in his military uniform, and was a member of the 101st Airborne Div.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Claud Hessville, IN — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:55:58 GMT

You're my Candelabra..Billy Squier

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Nat Dillon Jacksonville, Florida — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:01:43 GMT

my girlfriend was singing EWF~ Hearts of Fire, & started to sing "Hoogy Hoogy Higgy How." The lyrics are "Woman dont cha hear me now."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Crystal Brock, Jacksonville FL — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:08:56 GMT

Blinded By the Light. Revved up like a duece another runner in the night.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Gloria, Panama City FL — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:10:09 GMT

My husband thought that the BeeGees were saying "bald headed woman" instead of "more than a woman"!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John Larkin, Denver CO — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:16:50 GMT

Blinded by the light lyrics are on the original album by Springsteen, Greetings from Asbury Park. But I gave up my turn table years ago.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

suz, Austin, TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:18:29 GMT

We had a friend growing up who though the Alman Bros. Whipping Post went "going down to the fishin' hole". Also, my husband thought that old song Midnight at the Oasis said "Midnight after you're wasted". So silly!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Michele, Norris City, IL. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:23:10 GMT

The song Jet Airliner by Steve Miller Band, my son was singing 'we don't chat in a line up', when it is saying 'Big ol jet airliner'. I heard him singing that one day and told him what it was saying, and we got the biggest laugh out of it..

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

fsilber, Memphis, TEN — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:24:23 GMT

This is a problem peculiar to rock-and-roll and its derivatives. Ever since the 1950s its amateurish performers were criticized for mumbling their lyrics -- either out of ignorance or in the hope that teenage listeners would imagine that the words were dirty. In _regular_ music (e.g. Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Bing Crosby), in contrast, the performers are well-trained professionals who enunciate the words carefully with proper diction, so people don't have this problem.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John, West Islip, NY — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:27:40 GMT

At the end of Strawberry Fields John Lennons says "Raspberry Sauce" not "I'm very small"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

pam, terra alta,wv — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:29:14 GMT

For years I looked for "the little brown church in LaVale"..."the vale"! An audiologist tried to tell me my son had an auditory problem because he did this sort of thing. It is good to learn that everyone does it!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Joe, Chicago — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:35:12 GMT

One of the most commonly misheard lyrics is from 'America the Beautiful', where many say "For purple mountain majesties" (wrong), rather than "For purple mountain's majesty" (right). The wrong lyrics have even been incribe in a bronze plaque at Pikes Peak, the view from which inspired the song.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dr.Jim San Antonio, TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:40:37 GMT

Did it ever occur to anyone that the reason people can't understand the lyrics to certain songs is simply because the singer(s) makes absolutely no attempt to truly enunciate the words?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jens, NJ — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:40:41 GMT

yes it's revved up like a deuce.

people there's no need to retype it out 20 times. we can all read. holy f-ing cow.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sharee, Morgantown, WV — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:43:34 GMT

My favorite mistaken lyrics is my daughter singing "Give me the Beach Boys" instead of "Give me the beat, boys" in Dobie Gray's Drift Away.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ray Broeker, Niagara Falls — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:50:22 GMT

If you think these are hard to understand, try Bob Dylan's!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

dpegasus40@comcast.net — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:58:26 GMT

There was a song called "Running Bear", in the 50s or early 60s (I think) and I, as a young child, thought it said "happy town in the ground". Since I had never heard of a "hunting ground". The actual words were "happy hunting ground". My older brother teased me unmercifully about that!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

jim Oklahoma — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:02:17 GMT

I have been married to my wife for many years ,while in the car going to see my sister My wife and I were listening to the radio,it wasn't too loud so I heard her more clearly singing "bald headed woman bald headed woman to me? I quickly told her dear that's " More than a woman to me?We has been had a good chucle out of that for years?When I told her what she thought about the lyics you gave as an example she says they wold put that in a song ?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Susie Shmotts — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:06:01 GMT

A friend in college (!) thought that, in the Pledge of Allegiance, he was pledging allegiance to the Republic "for Richard Stans".

Guess this phenom doesn't require music!

P.S. Until I READ the lyrics, I thought the line in Blinded By the Light was "revved up like a goose"!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Carisa, Oklahoma City, OK — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:22:29 GMT

John, from New York...I think you are a genious! Although this is funny and mildly interesting, it should be common sense. All people watch faces when they are listening. So one WOULD conclude that they are reading visual clues to understand what is being said. Why was money wasted on this? That money would have been better spent on the AIG bailout. HAHAHA!!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Roy, Utah — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:26:34 GMT

My little brother used to sing the song "Open Arms" by Journey as "Broken Arms" I thought it fit. And my friend used to sing "Roller Coaster" as "Howard Cosell" Hilarious!!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

jc newark nj — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:31:22 GMT

to me it soundedlike reved up like a deuce another ruler in the night

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:38:10 GMT

I am another bat/mole. Everyone laughs at me if they come over or I am out and I am not wearing my contacts and have to take off my glasses. I have to tell the to wait or get right in there face to see them.

As for one of my many song lyric mess ups:
Terrible Lie by Nine inch Nails... I was always confused why they were say "Turn on the Light" cause it makes NO sense with the song.

I also got "blinded by the light" messed up for a few months after hearing it for the first time, but I hate mis-understanding songs, so if I am listening to a song, and I am not sure what I hear, I go find the lyrics online, though some of those are wrong too.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

eab, cleveland,ohio — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:42:39 GMT

My friend thought the Santana song "Smooth" started "It's a hot one, like 7 Ninjas in the midday sun." Couldn't figure out what Ninjas had to do with it.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

jim Oklahoma — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:00:30 GMT

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Georgia Indianapolis — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:10:52 GMT

This explains why I have trouble understanding people on the telephone.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Nina, Cleveland, Ohio — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:14:13 GMT

@ John
THANK YOU!!! People just seem to get dumber each passing year...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Brenda, Wabash, IN — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:23 GMT

I remember the artist or song title but I used to sing "four hundred children and a crop in the field", instead of "four hungry children...". My husband thought it was hilarious and set me straight.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

asdfasdf — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:36:50 GMT

Yes, there is nothing new here. This is all pretty obvious. It's not just sounds either, but images on the edge of sight are affected the same way as well. Your mind can fill in/extrapolate missing information (which we only notice when we are wrong). One time I was getting an eye test and was asked to "read the 6th line down". They were just on the edge of my vision, and I tried to say what they were. I read something like, "3, 4,6,3,2,9" to which the optomitrist answered, "They're letters." I was then able to read all the letters correctly. Weird.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Angela, Scranton, PA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:23:11 GMT

I've always heard "That's all I could do, oh the rumor in the night." xDDD

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Devynn - Fayetteville, NC — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:29:00 GMT

"blinded by the light" was originally written by bruce springsteen and then "covered" by manford mann. i say "covered" b/c even bruce aknowledges the lyric change of "reved up like a duce/another runner in the light" to "wrapped up like a douche/another runner in the night." so unless THE MAN HIMSELF heard it wrong, we've all been singing the right lyric all along and just didn't know it. but i've heard many a missung lyric and have done it myself occassionally. that's why i try NOT to sing alone the first time i hear a song and just learn the words and what the song is trying to say. it would be helpful if artists posted lyrics on their websites or on their cd jackets, tho.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ann, Seattle — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:33:20 GMT

Forget Blinded by the Light. What are the lyrics to "Benny and the Jets," that's what I want to know!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

C_Ya, Memphis, TN — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:07:00 GMT

I knew somebody who sang Billy Squier's "My Kind of Lover" as "My Candelabra". HA!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jamie, Prescott, AZ — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:24:16 GMT

When I was little I would sing the song Who Are You by The Who only I thought it said "Ewwwwww Waddie, Ewww Ewww, Ewww Ewww. Ewwwwwww Waddie, Ewww Ewww, Ewww Ewww". My family still makes fun of me for it and I still hear lyrics wrong all the time.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Techcat, Albuquerque, NM — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:34:22 GMT

After hearing my daughters version of Can't Get you out of My Mind I now sing Meow meow meow to lalala.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Husker mom — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:39:05 GMT

I always thought Prince's "Little Red Corvette" was "pay the rent, Collette"!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

John doe — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:43:09 GMT

Been there, done that! I was singing bad lyrics for many, many times... but it's funny when you realize how stupid you was :)

Or, when you realize how stupid you still are! I was singing lyrics for many many times,What???? Also to correct your last sentence,it's how stupid you were, not was.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

sw — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:44:35 GMT

awww man. you've ruined the fun by telling us the real lyrics. wrapped up like a douche is much more fun.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Teri, Sarasota FL — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:06:20 GMT

My daughter recently heard the ABBA song Rich Man's World and wondered why they were singing about a rich mad squirrel. If you listen closely, it does sound like rich mad squirrel.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sharon Anderson, Minneapolis, MN — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:23:23 GMT

The funniest I've heard was from the sister of a college roommate belting out "Pay the rent, Colette!" (Little Red Corvette)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

B'thanne, Redmond, WA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:24:26 GMT

Can't get this one right, even tho' I actually know it (just funner this way): "She's got electric boobs...her mom has two...you knowa(something/sumthin) Nagasakiiiiiiiiiiii- oohh...B-b-b Benny & the Jets"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Razna, Greenville, TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:51:02 GMT

If you think rock lyrics have been misquoted, you should listen to what kindergarteners think they're saying as they "pitch a smidgeon to a fag" as they solemnly place right hand over heart and look at the flag, all without the least idea of what that's about.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Annie, San Francisco, CA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:56:06 GMT

I don't even know the name or the lyrics, but I'll bet this is a serious mondegreen - 'Tragedy! When you get back home and your wombat's dead! Tragedy!"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sarah, chicago.. currently in LV AKA hell — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:39:57 GMT

I'm with John in New york, why are there studies conducted for things that are common sense? Are people that stupid it has to be written out for them by "experts", oh my.But I must admit this article was entertaining, I didn't know misheard lyrics were called mondegreens.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Aric,Elida,Ohio — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:42:27 GMT

manfred mann made the song guys springsteen covered it.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

DC — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:22:45 GMT

Forever and ever I thought "Send me on my way" was "Simi and the Whale" kinda like Pete and his magic dragon.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Annie, San Francisco, CA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:06:26 GMT

I don't hear especially well after years of live shows and stupid Walkman practices as a kid. I need to actually see a person's mouth to understand them, and for some reason can't navigate tricky directions in a car with the radio on. The minute I have to follow instructions, the stereo goes off.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Ed, NY, NY — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:08:54 GMT

What do most people think the lyrics to the Pretenders' Brass in pocket are?

I checked on a web site, and one line is listed as "I got a new skank so reet." reet?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Joy, Greenville,SC — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:35:31 GMT

LOL! I've got one for ya! CCR's song Bad Moon On The Rise is sometimes confused for "There's a bathroom on the right"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Portland Oregon — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:21:13 GMT

awwww I always thought it was wrapped up like a dush....sheesh

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

S. Gibson. Cambs. UK — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:36:01 GMT

Incidentally, they are called mondegreens after a misheard lyric in a version of the Earl of Moray..."they have slain the Earl of Moray and laid him on the green" misheard as "and Lady Mondegreen"!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Goody, Lancaster, PA — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:20:36 GMT

For the love of God, stop posting the lyrics to "blinded by the light."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Julie, Tucson, AZ — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:51:15 GMT

This makes sense- when I was a kid, I first heard "Secret Agent Man" around the time we were studying the Cajuns in school, so I thought the song was called "Secret Cajun Man". It's been almost 20 years and my familiy still won't let me forget :)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Marian P., Little Rock, AR — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:15:23 GMT

I knew an older woman who thought some of the words to 'I'm you Venus, I'm your fire...' were 'I'm your fetus, I'm your fire..' She also thought that the words to 'Everytime you leave you take a piece of me with you' were 'Everytime you leave you take a piece of meat with you.' She was an older person but BOY...was she misunderstanding those words! Too cute!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Amara, Atlanta — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:22:45 GMT

heh. When I first heard Beyonce's "Single Lady" I thought the beginning of was "I want a cigarette" instead of "All the single ladies"...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jazz, San Antonio TX — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:35:28 GMT

Best one I ever heard was "oh a tree in motion" (she's poetry in motion.) My own mix up was due to bad pronouciation by Three Dog Night. The guys said what sounded like "Lady Godiva, lie-zakazaka." No kidding! Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote it, and the words are Lady Godiva glides like a tiger.Even TDN live, I could not hear those words in what they sang.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

jessie, Mn — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:58:07 GMT

that christmas carol, I'm getting nothing for Christmas because someone snitched on me. When i was like 5 i would walk around singing,
"i'm getting nothing for Christmas because somebody sh** on me.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dovid — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:08:47 GMT

How about Steve Miller's "Shoot the children with no shoes on their feet?"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Lauren G., Dallas, TX — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:08:16 GMT

You know.. I've done in-depth audio analysis of Manfred Mann's "Blinded By The Light" and I'm quite certain that this has always been a case of *mispronounced* lyrics, rather than misheard lyrics.

The word he says consistently ends in an "sh" phoneme /ʃ/.

Sorry, but you just can't make "deuce" out of that any way you slice it. That may have been what was written, but it wasn't what was sung. We just all need to accept it, like we did for "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Tim New Orleans, Louisiana — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:40:54 GMT

In "Let's get physical' by Olivia Newton John, I thought she was saying 'Let's get enemas! I wanna get enemas! Let's get into enemas!' I now know she was singing 'Let's get animal! I wanna get animal!'

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Abby, Detroit, MI — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:50:33 GMT

My twin sister had the most hilarious lyric for the Fiona Apple song "Criminal". What should have been, "All I need is a good defense, 'cause I'm feeling like a CRIMINAL" was instead "GRIMMING LORD." To this day, I about fall off of my chair thinking of it.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Katy, St. Louis, Mo — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:04:42 GMT

What about the song lyrics "concrete under your feet" that I always thought was "palm trees under your feet" in the song You belong to the city

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

SJ Milwaukee Wisconsin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:15:07 GMT

Nobody mentioned the Clash's "Roch The Casbah"

Right: The Shareef don't like it, Rockin' the Casbah

Wrong but HIlarious: The sheep don't like it, lock the cashbox
Or stop the cat box????? WTF?!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Danielle, Lakewood WA — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:14:17 GMT

My favorite experience with this phenomina is when my daughter, then 3, would sing at the top of her lungs "biscuits, biscuits... unstoppable" instead of the actual "this kiss" lyrics by Faith Hill. 10 years later it is a favorite family story as my daughter just loved that song and sang it all the time!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

juanita lubbock tx — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:00:25 GMT

and I thought I was the only one who couldnt hear with my glasses off. LoL

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Delynn, Cleveland, OH — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:24:40 GMT

My brother always sang "She was a gay stripper, a one way ticket yeah... And I FOUND OUT." and "Give me the Beach Boys to free my soul. Don't wanna get lost in your rock n roll." Somehow they made more sense ;-)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

James — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:19:01 GMT

This is silly. Singing isn't talking. When you're singing, you're emoting, trying to hit the right note, trying to protect your vocal chords, trying to convey a message with music. What you're NOT trying to do is enunciate. It's mostly a matter of style, and some singers' style is easier to hear the right words than others. If you heard these singers speak these lines without a band behind them, you'd hear these lines correctly. A study? A book? My goodness..!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Laura, Honolulu HI — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:50:11 GMT

You've got to be kidding me??? Does ANYONE read the posts BEFORE commenting? Enough already about "blinded by the light". I was really interested in this site..but OMG!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Julie Southlake, Texas — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:36:46 GMT

That new Justin Timberlake song that says "the old me dead and gone ... dead and gone" I thought he was saying "homey dead and gone... dead and gone"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

G Hayes, Okmulgee, Ok. — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:09:23 GMT

I thought the line was,'cut loose from the deuce,another runner in the night

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

D, Omaha, NE — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:41:45 GMT

I thought the resolution of the "Paul is dead" hysteria was that the line on the record was actually "I buried Paul's sound"?
Also, I always thought the line in 'Arizona' was "hair is go now".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Amy, Kansas City, MO — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:46:29 GMT

Kenny Rogers, "Lucille" I grew up singing "four hundred children and a crop in the field." My parents laughed and laughed when they heard.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

CVz, Kansas City, KS — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:50:16 GMT

re: Upbringing and understanding playing a large part - for 30 years I sang "take a ride on the slide, it's cool" - to one of my faves, (Fogarty's Lookin out my back door.) Until just recently - my husband was playing it on his guitar and I walked thru the room singing that line, and he showed me, in print, "take a ride on the flying spoon" What the heck is a flying spoon??

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Mad Blogger, Anthony, TX — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:39:14 GMT

@Herb and @Michael - A girl whispers "Big boys don't cry, Big boys don't cry" during the bridge.
She has has a slight (slight?) English accent, and it almost sounds like she is saying "Big boys don't cwy".

Some radio edits of the song don't include this part of the song.

It's on their 1975 album "The Original Soundtrack" and on the "Very Best of 10CC", and on the Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason soundtrack.

The full lyrics are:

I'm not in love
So don't forget it
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
And just because I call you up
Don't get me wrong
Don't think you've got it made
I'm not in love
No, no
It's because

I'd like to see you
But then again
It doesn't mean you mean that much to me
So if I call you
Don't make a fuss
Don't tell your friends about the two of us
I'm not in love
No, no
It's because

(Be quiet...big boys don't cry... big boys don't cry....)

I keep your picture
Upon the wall
It hides a nasty stain that's lying there
So don't you ask me
To give it back
I know you know it doesn't mean that much to me
I'm not in love
No, no
It's because

Ooh, you'll wait a long time for me
Ooh, you'll wait a long time

I'm not in love
So don't forget it
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
And just because I call you up
Don't get me wrong, don't think you got it made
Oooh
I'm not in love
I'm not in love

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Michael — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:44:57 GMT

My grandson while watching Wall-E sings "There's a world outside of YOGURT" instead of Yonkers. and instead of "Listen Barnaby" sings "Listen for the bees" at the top of his voice. (From the clip of "Hello Dolly" in the film)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Amy, walla walla, wa — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:06:28 GMT

I always thought that the pussycat dolls sang, "when I grow up, I wanna have boobies." not groupies. Too bad. I liked it better my way.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

HarleyRider, Miami, Florida — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:14:45 GMT

How about the old Beatles lyric "She's got a chicken to ride, and it's in my hair" instead of "She's got a ticket to ride, and she don't care".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

E_B_Roque, San Diego, CA — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:12:42 GMT

in response to "Mairzy Doats..." I believe the lyric text is "mare's eat oats and doe's eat oats and little lamb's eat ivy. A kid will eat ivy too, wouldn't you?" Of course when run together at first hearing it can cause a double take. I couldn't figure this one out until I saw a showing of Big Crosby-Bob Hope briefly performing this at what looked like a WWII war bond drive. Once I was able to see their faces while singing, it made it much easier to parse.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

CB, Bayville NJ — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:46:26 GMT

how about Pearl Jam's "Yellow Ledbetter"??? There is a video on You tube by the mis understood lyrics guy,,,,,,, and he goes thru the entire song,,,with ALL of the lyrics wrong,,,,and it is hysterical! I LOVE PJam,,,,and EVERY time I hear this song I see Mr. Potato Head waving, (for the lyrics "but they don't wave",,,he puts in Potato wave"). It's a great video!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Connie, Lancaster, PA — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:51:43 GMT

I always thought the deuce was a ChevyII(two), a car from the 60's

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Steve Young, Houston Texas — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:54:29 GMT

The one that gets me is out of that Stone Temple Pilots song where they say "Feeling, like a hand in rusted chains". I thought for the longest they were saying "Feeling, like a ham and mustard shake."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

KK, Texas — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:34:20 GMT

My grandma loves to tell me the story about her favorite Christmas song as a child (Silent Night)where Mary and her child are jumping around the Christmas tree "Round young fir jump mother and child". I laughed so hard when she told me.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Donna, Portland, ME — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:03:37 GMT

My favorite was my 5 year old son's version of the Christmas carol "God rescue merry gentlemen, there's nothing to display".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

lydia — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:59:13 GMT

i used to think the words to secret agent man, where ,, secret asian man, and wonderd how a man could be secretly asian..LOL

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dennis Emerson Boise, IDaho — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:59:59 GMT

I can remember way back when I thought, "There's a bad moon rising", was "there's a bathroom on the right."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sam, Fullerton, CA — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:40:59 GMT

What? People actually listen to the words of a song by the "Boss" or anybody for that matter. Does the lyrics mean anything whether you have them exactly like the singer sings, he/she like Elvis never used the same lyrics twice. Did he?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Gus, Sedona,AZ — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:14:28 GMT

For years I thought the words to "Bad moon on the rise" were "There's a bathroom on the right"
Anyone else?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Sam, Spokane, Wash — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:57:26 GMT

When my daughter was little, we sometimes played Elvis tunes. When she listened to "Teddy Bear" she sang "Put a chain around my neck and leave me hanging there..." instead of "Put a chain around my neck and lead me anywhere..." (I still laugh at the images this provides!)

She's 24 now... I need to remind her of this!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rick Marcil, Southwick, MA — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:24:23 GMT

For years I thought Steven Bishop was singing "I'm not talkin' 'bout the linen" instead of "I'm not talkin' about movin' in"!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Eileen, Chapel Hill, NC — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:42:25 GMT

My sister always thought the CCR song was "there's a babboon on the ride" she couldn't understand how he got on there :))

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Evan — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:27:09 GMT

By the way Deuce refers to the year the coup was built 1932.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dallas, TX — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:35:30 GMT

Until just last year, I swore Michael Jackson sang that, "Billy Jean is at my door..."

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Peter, Frazier Park, CA — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:04:03 GMT

I believe a substantial issue is whether a person is a visual or auditory learner. I'm very visual; I rarely understand ANY lyrics. I have to ask auditory friends what was sung (or even spoken in TV shows).

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Rita Messina Bothell WA — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:30:52 GMT

Painting on a hot summer day, listening to the radio and zeroing in on my friend singing "H.R. Puffenstuff" when the lyrics were "Love is Tuff Enough" by the Fabulous Thunderbirds. She honestly thought she was singing the right words!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

billy, Brattleboro, VT — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:44:38 GMT

And I thought it was "State Trooper" to the Beatles " Day Tripper" first time I heard it on the radio.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Lee W, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:16:12 GMT

http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/blow/blindedbythelight.htm

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

vly, Arlington, VA — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:10:33 GMT

As a young teen, I wondered (and asked many an adult) what or who 'the dundergee' was/were after loving and singing along with AC/DC's Dirty Deeds (and they're 'done dirt cheap').

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Pam Beck, Cleveland OH — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:03:22 GMT

Lipreading helps in watching the singer or speaker, but it can't make clear all the words. Every speech phoneme/sound looks like at least one other. To make each sound visually clear, there is Cued Speech - a system of 8 handshapes (for the consonants) and 4 locations near the mouth (for the vowels). It was developed at Gallaudet University in 1966 and has been adapted to more than 60 languages.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

3G_Cydia, Miami, FL — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:06:21 GMT

My favorite was when I sang an Everclear song years ago at camp. The song "Father of Mine" ends with the lead singer saying "My Daddy gave me away" ecept that someone stopped me and corrected the lyrics : 'My Daddy gave me a name!'

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Chris, Highlands Ranch CO — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:42:16 GMT

I used to sing 'lookin for my lost sugar song' instead of 'lookin for my lost shaker of salt' from Margaritaville. My husband heard me singing that and laughed so hard. The salt shaker makes a heck of a lot more sense... I also used to sing 'there's gonna be a party tonight'...

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dave — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:45:57 GMT

The worst part for me isn't getting the lyric wrong in the first place...I always end up finding out what the right lyric is. However, the wrong lyric gets somehow imprinted on my brain so I can't sing the right lyric even when I know what it is. What is that all about?

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Cat Edwards, Wiesbaden, Germany — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:16:36 GMT

My little son was an early talker and a very confident guy. He sang loudly no matter where he was, and with great gusto, such as when he sang out, "Let's be a lady tonight!"
Let's be a lady, be a lady, be a lady---let's be a lady tonight! was, of course, "Luck be a lady tonight!"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

ccrider, Lexington, KY — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:34:22 GMT

I've heard and sang MANY misheard lyrics over the years, but the best has got to be from my ex. We were working one day and listening to Simon & Garfunkle's "Kodachrome". He was belting out something that just didn't sound right so I turned down the music and asked him what he was singing. He looked rather sheepish and told me - and I about died laughing. I still can't listen to this song with hearing his version in my head!!! LOL

Actual words: "Mama don't take my Kodachrome away!"

His version: "Momma don't take my coat and throw it away!"

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Caroline, Richmond, VA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:34:15 GMT

My favorite is one I read years ago. Someone misheard the lyrics to "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" as "meaner than a junkyard duck" (instead of "junkyard dog") and it's an image that just tickles me any time I remember it.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

KE, Memphis TN — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:22:49 GMT

It was many years before I learned that Aerosmith was singing "life in the fast lane" not "flies in the vaseline".

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Dee, Flint, MI — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:38:06 GMT

My FAVORITE mix up was from Bowie's major tom.... instead of "this is Major Tom to ground control," someone had "this is Mao Tse Tung to clown control!" what a riot.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

ed, corning,ny — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:48:13 GMT

fyi- allan clarke of the hollies did a solo version of blinded by the light as well as many other of bruce's songs.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jim Shorts — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:34:21 GMT

When I was living in Germany, when I said goodbye to my Americans friends, I would always say, "our feet are stained." ;-)

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Lynn, Albuqueruque, NM — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:43:56 GMT

My mom cracked us all up with "santa never had a gentle woman" instead of "sentimental woman" - oh that Mrs. Claus!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Amy, Michigan City, IN — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:07:43 GMT

Instead of Stevie Wonder singing "You can feel it all over" it was "puking feelings all over" to me. Drove my mother absolutely crazy as I sung along in the back seat.

Also, I was singing "Constipation" instead of "Anticipation" by Carly Simon.

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Jennifer, Killeen, TX — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:36:06 GMT

My mom sung "hoe's taste good with gravy" instead of "o its a good look baby" when singing Usher's hit "Lovers and Friends" I cracked up so hard I started crying!

Blinded by the lyric? Study reveals why we get the words wrong

Un leaded - Louisville Ky — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:43:33 GMT

Can anyone understand a word that Robert Plan sings in Stairway to Heaven? That entire song is a continuous mondogreen. Great song, Just wish i knew why that lady was buying the stairway