20 Rock Anthems from the ’80s That Would Be Banned for Their Lyrics Today
The 1980s were a time of rebellion, excess, and unapologetic rock music. From anthems of defiance to songs celebrating freedom of expression, the ’80s produced some of history’s most iconic rock songs. However, in today’s heightened sensitivity and awareness era, many of these songs would likely face scrutiny and potential censorship due to their controversial lyrics. Here are 20 rock anthems from the ’80s that would be banned for their lyrics if released today.
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“Darling Nikki” by Prince (1984)
Prince’s “Darling Nikki” remains a bold exploration of sexual desire and self-pleasure, reflecting the uninhibited spirit of the ’80s. However, its explicit lyrics and graphic imagery would undoubtedly face heightened scrutiny and potential censorship in today’s cultural climate, where there is a growing emphasis on promoting healthy and respectful attitudes toward sexuality. The song’s unabashed celebration of sexual liberation may clash with contemporary sensibilities regarding appropriate content in mainstream music.
“She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper (1984)
Cyndi Lauper’s “She Bop” is a fun and upbeat song that celebrates female pleasure and independence. However, its barely hidden references to female masturbation could be viewed as controversial in today’s society, where there is rising sensitivity towards sexual content in popular culture, especially regarding its portrayal of women.
“Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1983)
Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” is a quintessential ’80s dance anthem known for its catchy melody and provocative lyrics. However, the song’s overtly sexual content and controversial music video would likely face condemnation and calls for censorship in today’s more conservative cultural landscape. Themes of casual sex and hedonism once celebrated as symbols of liberation and rebellion, may now be viewed through a more critical lens.
“I Want Your Sex” by George Michael (1987)
George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” is a bold declaration of desire and passion, reflecting the uninhibited nature of ’80s sexuality. However, its explicit lyrics and overt celebration of physical intimacy would undoubtedly face backlash and potential censorship in today’s more conservative cultural climate. It may be perceived as contributing to harmful attitudes towards intimacy and consent, leading to calls for its censorship or critical examination in modern society.
“Too Drunk to ****” by Dead Kennedys (1981)
“Too Drunk to ****” by Dead Kennedys is a punk rock anthem that revels in the chaos and debauchery of youth culture. However, its glorification of excessive alcohol consumption and casual sex would likely be met with criticism and potential censorship in today’s more socially conscious climate.
“Girls, Girls, Girls” by Mötley Crüe (1987)
Mötley Crüe’s “Girls, Girls, Girls” is a hard-rocking anthem that celebrates the hedonistic lifestyle of strip clubs and objectifies women. However, its portrayal of women as mere objects of desire would be met with criticism and potential censorship in today’s era of heightened awareness of gender equality issues.
“Walk This Way” by Aerosmith featuring Run-D.M.C. (1986)
This groundbreaking collaboration blends rock and hip-hop influences. However, its lyrics perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women and their role in relationships, which would likely face criticism in today’s cultural climate. “Walk This Way” may be perceived as perpetuating outdated attitudes towards women, leading to calls for its censorship.
“Smokin’ in the Boys Room” by Mötley Crüe (1985)
Mötley Crüe’s “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” is a rebellious anthem that celebrates teenage delinquency and defiance of authority. However, its glorification of smoking and breaking school rules would likely face criticism and potential censorship in today’s culture, which places a greater emphasis on promoting healthy behaviors and respecting school regulations.
“Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen (1984)
Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” is a classic rock anthem that would likely spark controversy and potential censorship today due to its depiction of inappropriate relationships between students and teachers. In an era where safeguarding minors and maintaining professional boundaries in educational settings are paramount, songs that romanticize or trivialize such relationships are viewed with increased scrutiny.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard (1987)
Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is a rock anthem celebrated for its catchy melody and energetic vibe. However, its overtly sexual lyrics and objectification of women would likely face criticism and potential censorship in today’s cultural climate. As discussions around consent, respect, and the representation of women in media gain prominence, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” may be seen as promoting unhealthy attitudes towards intimacy and consent.
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police (1983)
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police is a classic rock ballad celebrated for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics. However, its portrayal of stalking and obsessive behavior would likely face criticism and potential censorship in today’s cultural climate.
“Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” by Aerosmith (1987)
Aerosmith’s “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” is a rock anthem with a catchy riff and playful lyrics. However, its portrayal of gender ambiguity and cross-dressing would likely face criticism and potential censorship in today’s cultural climate. “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” may be seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and attitudes towards gender nonconformity.
“Like a Virgin” by Madonna (1984)
Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” is full of provocative lyrics and imagery that would likely face criticism and potential censorship in today’s cultural climate. As discussions around consent, respect, and the representation of women in media gain prominence, songs that perpetuate stereotypes and objectify women are viewed with increased scrutiny. “Like a Virgin” may be seen as contributing to harmful attitudes towards sexuality and relationships, leading to calls for its censorship or reevaluation in modern contexts.
“Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince and The Revolution (1984)
Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” encourages listeners to live life to the fullest and embrace freedom. However, its intertwining of religious imagery with themes of hedonism could provoke criticism today. In a society increasingly focused on religious sensitivity and the impact of media messages, such a blend might be scrutinized for potentially trivializing spiritual beliefs.
“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins (1981)
Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight” is renowned for its haunting atmosphere and the iconic drum break. However, the song’s ambiguous lyrics, often interpreted as conveying themes of betrayal and vengeance, might face criticism in today’s more vigilant cultural climate towards mental health and interpersonal violence. Misinterpretations that link the song to real-life violence or retribution could lead to calls for its censorship.
“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen (1980)
Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” is a classic rock anthem known for its infectious bassline and catchy melody. However, its lyrics, which depict violence and death, would likely face criticism and potential censorship in today’s cultural climate. As discussions around the glorification of violence and its impact on society gain prominence, songs that trivialize or glamorize death are viewed with increased scrutiny.
“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits (1985)
Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” is an iconic rock song known for its distinctive guitar riff and commentary on the music industry. However, its lyrics, which include a homophobic slur, would likely face significant criticism and potential censorship in today’s cultural climate.
“Animal (**** Like a Beast)” by W.A.S.P. (1984)
W.A.S.P.’s “Animal (**** Like a Beast)” is an explicit hard rock anthem that embodies the shock rock genre of the 1980s with its aggressive sound and provocative lyrics. However, its overtly sexual content and objectification would undoubtedly face severe criticism and potential censorship today.
“Fight for Your Right” by Beastie Boys (1986)
Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right” is an anthem of rebellion and party culture, celebrated for its infectious energy and defiance. However, its lyrics, which glorify partying, rebellion against authority, and disregard for academic and personal responsibility, would likely face criticism and potential censorship in today’s cultural climate.
“One in a Million” by Guns N’ Roses (1988)
Guns N’ Roses’ “One in a Million” sparked controversy when it was released due to its explicit lyrics, which include racial slurs and derogatory language towards immigrants and gay people. In today’s cultural climate, focused on inclusivity and respect for everyone no matter their background or identity, such content would undoubtedly face severe criticism and calls for censorship.
