10 Famous Songs That Wouldn’t Be Released Today

Music evolves, and so do societal standards. What was once considered acceptable in song lyrics might now be deemed offensive or inappropriate. Many old songs contain problematic themes that wouldn’t fly in today’s world. Let’s look at ten famous songs that would likely never see the light of day if they were released today.

10. “Brown Sugar” (Rolling Stones)

Released in 1971, “Brown Sugar” was a hit for the Rolling Stones. However, its lyrics are laden with references to slavery and violence against women. One particularly jarring line is, “Gold coast slave ship bound for cotton fields / Sold in the market down in New Orleans / Scarred old slaver knows he’s doing alright / Hear him whip the women just around midnight.” The racism and misogyny in this song are hard to ignore. Mick Jagger has altered the lyrics in live performances, acknowledging its problematic nature.

9. “Ur So Gay” (Katy Perry)

Katy Perry’s 2007 single, “Ur So Gay,” hasn’t aged well. The song uses “gay” as a pejorative to describe a metrosexual man. The lyrics, such as, “I can’t believe I fell in love with someone that wears more makeup and / You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys,” reflect an outdated and offensive perspective. In a more inclusive era, this song’s premise is deeply problematic.

8. “Picture to Burn” (Taylor Swift)

In 2008, Taylor Swift released “Picture to Burn,” a song about a breakup. However, one line stands out as particularly problematic: “So go and tell your friends that I’m obsessive and crazy / That’s fine, I’ll tell mine that you’re gay.” Accusing someone of being gay as an insult is both juvenile and homophobic. Swift has since replaced this verse in remastered versions, acknowledging its inappropriateness.

7. “Turning Japanese” (The Vapors)

The Vapors’ 1980 hit, “Turning Japanese,” uses a metaphor to describe self-love. The song’s comparison of masturbation to being Japanese is disrespectful and plays on stereotypes. Such a comparison would likely be considered highly offensive by today’s standards.

6. “Indian Outlaw” (Tim McGraw)

Tim McGraw’s “Indian Outlaw,” released in 1994, is steeped in cultural appropriation. The lyrics include stereotypical imagery such as “wigwam,” “tom-tom,” and “peace pipe.” McGraw’s character claims to be “an Indian outlaw, half Cherokee and Choctaw,” despite not being Native American. Such blatant cultural appropriation is widely recognized as inappropriate today.

5. “Island Girl” (Elton John)

Elton John’s “Island Girl,” released in 1975, contains lyrics that are now seen as racially insensitive. Lines such as, “Island girl, what you wanting with the white man’s world / Island girl, black boy want you in his island world,” and references to a prostitute who is “black as coal but she burn like a fire,” constitute racial fetishization. These lyrics would likely face significant backlash today.

4. “Tonight’s the Night” (Rod Stewart)

Rod Stewart’s 1976 hit, “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” is highly controversial due to its suggestive lyrics. The line, “Don’t say a word, my virgin child, just let your inhibitions run wild,” raises concerns about statutory implications. The music video, featuring Stewart wooing a very young woman, only amplifies the song’s unsettling nature.

3. “One in a Million” (Guns N’ Roses)

Guns N’ Roses’ “One in a Million,” released in 1988, is marred by xenophobic and homophobic slurs. Lyrics such as, “Immigrants and f****ts, they make no sense to me / They come to our country and think they’ll do as they please,” and “They talk so many f*****g ways / it’s all Greek to me,” are overtly offensive. No mainstream record company would likely publish such a track today.

2. “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” (Aaliyah)

Aaliyah’s “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,” released in 1994, is problematic due to Aaliyah’s relationship with R. Kelly. The lyrics, “Age ain’t nothing but a number / throwing down ain’t nothing but a thang / This lovin’ I have for you, it’ll never change,” are disturbing given that Aaliyah was 14 and Kelly was 27 at the time. The song normalizes an inappropriate and illegal relationship.

1. “He Hit Me (and It Felt Like a Kiss)” (The Crystals)

The Crystals’ “He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss),” released in 1962, is perhaps the most disturbing song on this list. The lyrics, “He hit me and it felt like a kiss / he hit me and I knew he loved me,” make excuses for domestic violence. While the writers intended to highlight the wrongness of domestic violence, the song’s message is deeply troubling and unacceptable.

These songs offer a glimpse into how societal standards have evolved. Lyrics that were once overlooked are now recognized as problematic. While these songs were famous in their time, it’s unlikely they would be released today due to their offensive content.

What are your thoughts on these songs? Leave a comment below!