The American rockers Paramore have retired their breakthrough smash Misery Business from their live shows, owing to frontwoman Hayley Williams’ discomfort with the slut-shaming lyrics (“Once a whore, you’re nothing more)” penned when she was 17. However, pop has a long, dishonourable lineage of songs that now sound unfortunate or offensive. Here are some examples:
The Beatles – I Saw Her Standing There
“She was just 17/You know what I mean.” We do. Not Fab.
Beastie Boys – Girls
Whisper it, but even the hallowed Beasties once portrayed women as domestic/sexual servants.
The Rolling Stones – Under My Thumb
Surprisingly, perhaps defiantly, this politically incorrect 1966 song about subordinating a “squirmin’ dog of a girl” remains in their setlist.
Sinitta – So Macho
1986 smash filled with political incorrectness (“I don’t want no seven stone weakling/ Or a boy who thinks he’s a girl”) and still widely played in gyms.
Lily Allen – Not Big
In 2018, is it big or clever for Allen to ridicule her ex’s penis?
Gary Puckett & the Union Gap – Young Girl
Still a local radio staple, Gazza confesses to underage carnal desires.
Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime
“Have a drink, have a drive …”.
Akinyele feat Kool G Rap – Break A Bitch Neck
Hip-hop’s litany of offence plumbs the depths.
Guns N’ Roses – One In A Million
Few songs are as offensive as GNR’s 1988 rant about “immigrants and faggots”.
The Crystals – He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss)
Co-songwriter Carole King now disowns husband Gerry Goffin’s 1962 lyrics, inspired by babysitter Little Eva’s justification for a boyfriend’s abuse.
Elton John – Island Girl
The now reliably woke, Sir Elt once asked “Island girl, what you wanting with the white man’s world?” and adopted cod patois.
The Vapors – Turning Japanese
A fine 70s power-pop hit about masturbation. Great! Apart from Asian stereotyping.
Gary Glitter – What Your Mama Don’t See (Your Mama Don’t Know)
The outcast Leader’s paedophilia convictions make this 1980 single particularly uncomfortable.
Katy Perry – Ur So Gay
The “I Kissed A Girl” singer uses “gay” as an insult and adds: “You don’t even like boys.”
Frank Loesser – Baby It’s Cold Outside
Covered by June Carter and Michael Buble, a 1944 song with allusions towards date rape.
