Sept. 7, 2015
Megan Lunsford
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While driving and jamming out to some tunes on the way to class, a catchy, upbeat song came on the radio. I felt inclined to turn the volume up to disturb the neighboring vehicles.
As I was nodding my head and tapping my feet to the music, I started to pay attention to what lyrics the singer/songwriter Andy Grammer was spouting at me.
“So nah nah honey, I’m good, I could have another but I probably should not. I got somebody at home, and if I stay I might not leave alone,” Grammer croons.
Did that song just say what I think it did?
The bouncy tune masked the true meaning behind the song: Grammer has a significant other at home, but might be unfaithful and leave with another woman if he were to indulge himself in another drink.
This song reached number nine on the hot 100 Billboard chart. A song about a man’s wavering ideals concerning monogamy was well-received by the masses.
Other popular songs are guilty of having the same questionable lyrics and meanings.
Meghan Trainor received heat for her hit song “All About That Bass,” which has been accused of supporting “skinny shaming.”
The song includes lyrics such as “Boys like a little more booty to hold at night,” and “You know I won’t be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll.”
When asked about the controversy, Trainor explained that it was a misunderstanding and that the song was about supporting all body types.
Nicki Minaj received similar criticism for the lyrics in her song “Anaconda.”
Not only does this particular song contain explicit sexual material and drug references, “Anaconda” seems to be full of lyrics ingrained with hatred for thin women.
“He say he don’t like ‘em boney, he want something he can grab,” the lyrics explain, adding later “Fuck the skinny bitches in the club! … Fuck you if you skinny.”
This is the same woman who fans claim to be a “role model” and “inspiration” to young women everywhere.
The last song worth a mention is the infamous and exceptionally catchy song, “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke.
This hit was critiqued for objectifying women and for supporting misogyny and rape culture.
Some lyrics include: “I hate these blurred lines, I know you want it,” which some critics claimed implies the songwriter isn’t too concerned about consent.
It’s become the norm for popular songs to have these questionable song meanings.
Next time you’re listening to the radio, humming to songs you don’t quite know all the words to, take a minute to listen and absorb the words that are being broadcast to you.
The song that has been stuck in your head all day might not have such a friendly message.