While some of the most memorable anthems in the history of rock & roll have endured, not all of them have. Our perception of what is acceptable changes along with society, which makes us rethink the meanings underlying certain well-loved songs. Here’s a closer look at a few iconic rock songs whose troubling themes have provoked debate.
“Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by the Police (1980)
The Police’s hit shines a light on the inappropriate relationship between a male teacher and his young female student. The song captures the inner turmoil and guilt of the teacher, juxtaposed against the Catch-22 situation he finds himself trapped in. At a time when the topic was barely discussed openly, the song brought attention to the power dynamics and ethical boundaries crossed in such relationships. However, despite its unsettling theme, it remains one of the band’s most famous tracks, showing how compelling storytelling in music can sometimes overshadow the gravity of the subject matter.
“Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners (1982)
Upon closer inspection, “Come on Eileen” narrates a man, possibly older, persuading a young woman into intimacy with unsettlingly charming words. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody mask the underlying theme of manipulation and questionable consent. This contrast between the lively music and the problematic narrative invites discussions on how societal norms around relationships and consent have evolved, demonstrating the importance of revisiting and re-evaluating past hits with a contemporary lens.
“Run for Your Life” by the Beatles (1965)
Even the Beatles ventured into troubling territory with lyrics that depict a man’s violent threat towards his lover if she were to be seen with another man. The song’s inclusion on the “Rubber Soul” album shocked many, as it starkly contrasted the Beatles’ otherwise love-centric discography. The cavalier approach to jealousy and possessiveness as expressed in the lyrics serves as a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained and normalized such attitudes were in the past. As we move forward, acknowledging these problematic elements in beloved classics is crucial for understanding and deconstructing toxic narratives in popular music.
“Christine Sixteen” by Kiss (1977)
This track has stirred significant controversy for its lyrics that seemingly promote pedophilia, making it a difficult listen for many in today’s context. The song blatantly expresses a desire for a much younger girl, highlighting a narrative that has become increasingly unacceptable as awareness and conversations around consent and age-appropriate relationships have advanced. “Christine Sixteen” serves as a reminder that rock ‘n’ roll, for all its rebelliousness, often crossed lines that are now recognized as indefensible.
“A Little Less Conversation” by Elvis Presley (1968)
Elvis Presley’s demand for a woman to be less talkative and more compliant in “A Little Less Conversation” has been criticized for its dismissive and objectifying message. Written in the late ’60s, the song reflects a time when gender roles were more rigidly defined and women’s voices were often marginalized. Today, the song serves as a conversation starter about how far we’ve come in recognizing and respecting women’s autonomy and the importance of mutual respect in relationships.
“Under My Thumb” by the Rolling Stones (1966)
The Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb” boasts about emotional control over a girlfriend, striking many today as unsettling. The song’s relaxed, almost cheerful, rhythm contrasts sharply with the controlling and demeaning nature of the lyrics, illustrating a problematic dynamic that has since become widely recognized as unhealthy. It invites a reflection on how such narratives may have influenced attitudes towards relationships and women at the time, emphasizing the need for a more equal and respectful understanding of romantic partnerships.
“Island Girl” by Elton John (1975)
Elton John’s song “Island Girl,” penned by his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, drew attention for its portrayal of a Jamaican sex worker. The lyrics, combined with its catchy melody, brought to light not only racist and sexist undertones but also perpetuated stereotypes that have long plagued narratives about women of color. In the context of today’s more aware and sensitive cultural landscape, the song prompts discussions on how women and particularly women of color are portrayed in media and entertainment, highlighting the importance of respectful and nuanced representation.
“Into the Night” by Benny Mardones (1980)
Benny Mardones’ “Into the Night” defends a relationship with a teenage girl against critics, a theme that sparked significant controversy, especially as the song regained popularity years later. The song’s alluring melody belies the discomforting acknowledgment of the age gap and the power imbalance it implies. This track serves as a stark example of how romanticizing relationships with significant age discrepancies, especially involving minors, can be harmful and perpetuates dangerous norms about consent and exploitation.
“One Way or Another” by Blondie (1979)
Blondie’s “One Way or Another” presents a seemingly upbeat tune that masks a darker subject of stalking. The song’s catchy phrasing and energetic tempo have often led listeners to overlook the seriousness of the narrative it portrays—a reflection on the obsession and violation of personal boundaries. This song opens a dialogue about the romanticization of persistence to the point of harassment, challenging listeners to consider where the line is drawn between romantic pursuit and threatening behavior.
“867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone (1981)
Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny” has been interpreted as unsettling, with the song’s protagonist obsessively seeking out a woman based on a phone number found on a bathroom wall. While catchy, the song inadvertently highlights issues of privacy invasion and the objectification of the titular Jenny. It serves as a reminder of the casual attitudes toward women’s autonomy and consent prevalent in the era, encouraging a rethinking of how personal boundaries are respected and depicted in popular culture.
“My Sharona” by the Knack (1979)
The Knack’s “My Sharona” drew scrutiny for its lyrics that overtly sexualize a younger woman, raising eyebrows for their inappropriate reference to a preference for younger individuals. The relentless energy of the track and its iconic bassline could not overshadow the discomfort that the lyrics evoke upon closer listening. The song’s enduring popularity challenges audiences to confront the ways in which youth and women are sexualized in music, shedding light on the broader conversations regarding ageism and sexism in the entertainment industry.
“Good Morning, Little School Girl” by the Grateful Dead (1967)
Originally by Sonny Boy Williamson, the Grateful Dead’s version of “Good Morning, Little School Girl” joins the ranks of classic rock songs with themes of pursuing significantly younger women. This song, with its bluesy tune, unabashedly narrates the speaker’s interest in a school-aged girl, laying bare the normalized predation embedded within the music of the past. It highlights the need for ongoing discussions about the representation of relationships and consent within popular music, urging a critical examination of what messages we pass on through the art we celebrate.
“Sweet Little Sixteen” by Chuck Berry (1958)
Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” encapsulates the rock ‘n’ roll fascination with youth, chronicling the experiences of a teenage girl amid the early rock music scene. Despite its seemingly innocent celebration of youth culture, the song feeds into the concerning patterns of underage fascination within rock music history. As cultural standards evolve, revisiting such tracks invites a reassessment of how youth and innocence are idolized, often at the expense of acknowledging the complexities and vulnerabilities of growing up.
“Keep It in the Family” by Deodato (1982)
Deodato’s “Keep It in the Family” presents a seemingly upbeat track that has led listeners to discover unsettling themes within. The title itself can evoke a sense of discomfort, prompting questions about the song’s narrative and lyrical intent. This song, while less known than others in the genre, contributes to the broader conversation about the subtle ways in which inappropriate themes have been woven into popular music, often masked by catchy melodies and vibrant arrangements.
“Young Girl” by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap (1968)
“Young Girl,” performed by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, delves into the story of a man who becomes romantically entangled with an underage girl. Realizing she is much younger than she appears, he laments his predicament but also urges her to leave before things go too far. Its lyrics reflect a bygone era’s attitudes toward such situations, where the onus is seemingly placed on the young girl rather than addressing the adult man’s responsibility. In a contemporary context, the song can be seen as a talking point for the importance of clear boundaries and the issues surrounding statutory relationships.