Growing up in the 1980s, I was raised by a kind, well-mannered, and protective Catholic mother who navigated single parenthood after my father’s passing. This was an exciting era for music, marked by the launch of MTV, which was filled with eye-catching, sometimes controversial videos and infectious beats. I was captivated, spending countless hours immersed in this vibrant world. My discovery of MTV was serendipitous; I stumbled upon it while watching a Heart concert. From that moment, I was hooked.
During a visit to my cousins, I learned they were not allowed to watch MTV. Yet, my mother permitted it, despite her strictness about other media. She once embarrassed me by forbidding me from watching Fame with my cousins due to its R rating—without realizing the film contained a topless scene! However, she was blissfully unaware of the more provocative content on MTV as we would quickly change the channel whenever risqué videos aired. When she entered the room, it was a swift click of the remote.
Recently, I asked her why she allowed us to watch MTV. Her reply was straightforward: “I thought it was just like listening to the radio.” But did she see Madonna writhing in a sheer lace wedding dress while singing “Like a Virgin”? Nope, we were too quick with the channel-changing.
Here are some 1980s music videos my mother would have disapproved of had she known their content:
The J. Geils Band, ‘Centerfold’
This video features a narrator’s old girlfriend appearing in a provocative magazine. I remember wondering, “What is a centerfold?” as images of girls transitioned from innocent schoolgirls to sultry models parading around, singing and cheering. Did they realize that their moment in the spotlight would lead to guest roles on shows like The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote, or were they just enjoying their moment?
Madonna, ‘Like a Virgin’
This was no naive Madonna; she was oozing with confidence and sensuality, singing about her sexual encounters while luxuriating in Venice. How many kids must have asked their parents about the meaning of being a virgin after this video aired?
Culture Club, ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?’
I vividly recall watching this video for the first time, sipping hot chocolate with my sister and debating Boy George’s gender. How do you explain a figure like him to sheltered suburban kids? This was a challenge for many parents at the time.
Van Halen, ‘Hot for Teacher’ / The Police, ‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me’
Both of these catchy tunes feature themes that would raise eyebrows. The Van Halen video is infamous for its suggestive content, while The Police’s song touches on inappropriate relationships. Would I have been tempted by Sting’s brooding charm? Perhaps, but I knew better than to engage with strangers—especially given the song’s implications.
Glenn Frey, ‘Smuggler’s Blues’
This video is filled with drug-related imagery, possibly inspired by Miami Vice. While I was oblivious to the realities of drug culture, the glamorization of smuggling was enticing. Growing up with the mantra of “Just Say No,” I was more interested in watching the story than engaging with drugs.
The Tubes, ‘She’s a Beauty’
This lesser-known video featured circus performers and provocative imagery, which I didn’t fully grasp at the time. Regardless, the catchy tune made a lasting impression. The Tubes are also known for their banned video “Mondo Bondage,” which left parents speechless.
What scandalous music videos did you sneak a glimpse of when your parents weren’t around?
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Summary:
The 1980s was a vibrant era for music videos that often pushed boundaries. While many parents, like the narrator’s mother, allowed their children to watch MTV under the assumption it was harmless, numerous iconic videos featured provocative themes that could spark difficult conversations. From Madonna’s bold imagery to the gender-fluid presentation of Boy George, these videos left a lasting impact on youth culture and musical tastes.