Back in the Day: Romantically Charged Lyrics That Are Horrifying Today
Music has the power to transport us to different eras and evoke a range of emotions. However, some lyrics that were once seen as romantic or sweet have become quite alarming and even horrifying in today's context. This article delves into the lyrics of several classic songs from the past, shedding light on why they might have been considered romantic back then but now elicit a sense of discomfort or even horror.
Songs from the '80s and '90s with Outdated Lyrics
The Stray Cats' song, "Sexy 17," is a prime example of lyrics that may have been quite titillating back in the day but now sound quite inappropriate. The lyrics, which sing about a promiscuous 17-year-old girl, provide a stark reminder of how times have changed. The song's chorus, with lines like "Acting a little bit obscene / Gotta let off a little steam / Dig that sound, shake it around, yours mine mine," hardly pass the modern scrutiny concerning age-appropriate content.
Other similar songs from the era, such as KISS's "Christine Sixteen" and Winger's "Seventeen," paint a curious picture. These songs have received renewed attention in recent years as their aging performers in their 60s and 70s have been subject to ageism and accusations of exploiting younger girls, making them decidedly uncomfortable for contemporary listeners.
A similarly troubling song is Ted Nugent's "Jailbait," which celebrates a underage girl in a romanticized way that is now considered highly inappropriate. These songs, along with others like "Gee Whiz (Wilson')" by The Clique, raise important questions about age and consent in popular culture and why these songs continue to be celebrated despite their problematic nature.
The Creepy "Brown Eyed Girl"
Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" is a timeless classic, but its line "I saw you just the other day, my how you have grown!" becomes unsettling in today's context. Given the current trend of holding musicians accountable for inappropriate behavior, these lyrics take on a new and concerning meaning. It's a reminder of the importance of context in music and why certain lyrics from the past may now be viewed as inappropriate.
Lyrics in Context
Different songs have different contexts. One such example is Van Morrison's "Gloria," which contains the line "She stood there laughing / I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more." Though the imagery is indeed grim, the line is part of a song about a man's grief over the loss of his love and his feelings of humiliation, rather than an erotic or sexually violent scenario. Context is key when evaluating the lyrics of older songs.
It's crucial to understand that the content of music can change over time, as societal norms and values evolve. Lyrics that were once seen as romantic or sweet may now be considered outdated or even horrifying, reflecting the progress in social awareness and the changing attitudes towards age and consent. This realization prompts us to reevaluate the lyrics of our favorite songs from the past with a critical eye, ensuring that the music we listen to aligns with our current values and morals.
Conclusion
The music we listen to today reflects our current societal norms and values. While some songs from the past may have been seen as romantic or sweet, they now seem outdated or even horrific by today's standards due to changes in our understanding of age and consent. As we continue to evolve as a society, it is important to critically assess the lyrics of the songs we listen to and the messages they convey.