8 Classic Rock Music Videos That Made No Sense and Were Unrelated to the Lyrics

Music videos often enhance a song’s story, but sometimes they take unexpected turns that leave viewers confused. These eight classic rock music videos are notable for their baffling visuals that don’t seem to match the lyrics.

#8: “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham

In this video, Lindsey Buckingham finds himself trapped in a bizarre office building or prison. Strange elements include a water cooler filled with a Windex-like solution and a construction worker building a wall. Buckingham’s escape at the end makes the whole concept even more puzzling. Despite the confusion, the song gained fame from its use in the film Vacation.

#7: “Separate Ways” by Journey

Journey’s video for “Separate Ways” features a mysterious woman wandering around a shipping dock. The visuals include exaggerated air instrumentation and intense direct camera stares. The ending reveals that it was all just a dream, adding to the video’s strange appeal.

#6: “Love Is A Battlefield” by Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar’s video for “Love Is A Battlefield” is known for its odd plot. Benatar’s character leaves home to dance in the city, confronts a pimp, and triumphs in a dance-off. The disconnect between the video’s storyline and the song’s lyrics makes it memorable for its strangeness.

#5: “Numb” by U2

The video for U2’s “Numb” features The Edge enduring various annoying scenarios without reacting, symbolizing his numbness. The unsettling scenes, like the one with feet, add to the discomfort. The video’s bizarre approach highlights the song’s theme but leaves viewers puzzled.

#4: “Always” by Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi’s “Always” video tells a confusing story involving an artsy couple. The male character cheats on his partner, leading to a chaotic sequence of events including a fight over a painting and an unexpected bomb. The video’s chaotic plotline adds to its confusing nature.

#3: “Rock Me Tonight” by Billy Squier

In this video, Billy Squier dances around his home, asking to be rocked tonight. The video is known for its odd and unconvincing visuals. It has become infamous for its role in Squier’s career decline, rather than enhancing the song.

#2: “Hip to be Square” by Huey Lewis and the News

Huey Lewis and the News’s video for “Hip to be Square” features little to no plot. Instead, it focuses on close-up shots of Huey Lewis’s mouth and throat. The lack of narrative makes it a curious addition to the video genre.

#1: “After The Rain” by Nelson

In Nelson’s “After The Rain” video, a troubled kid is transported into a Nelson poster. He meets a Native American who gives him a feather and leads him to the band performing on a rocky hillside. The video ends with the reveal that it was all a dream, adding to its surreal nature.