As a child raised by a well-meaning, cautious Catholic mother, my childhood was shaped by her protective nature after my father passed away. I came of age during a pivotal moment in music history—the rise of MTV—where bold, provocative videos met infectious, unforgettable melodies. I was captivated, often glued to the screen for hours. MTV expanded my musical horizons beyond the mainstream, and it all started when I accidentally stumbled upon a Heart concert video. From that moment, I was hooked!
One day while visiting my cousins, I learned they were strictly forbidden from watching MTV. Meanwhile, my mom was surprisingly lenient. This was the same woman who once embarrassed me by refusing to let me watch Fame because of its R rating, despite not even knowing about the risqué scenes. Yet, she never seemed to notice when I swiftly changed the channel during the more provocative music videos. “CLICK!” went the remote whenever she entered the room.
When I asked her why she allowed MTV in our house, she shrugged and said, “Oh, I thought it was just like listening to the radio.” But, Mom, did you see Madonna writhing on the floor in a sheer lace wedding dress while singing “Like a Virgin”? Nope, we were always one step ahead with that bulky cable box.
Here are a few 1980s music videos that, if she had known better, would have definitely been off-limits:
The J. Geils Band, ‘Centerfold’
This video features a narrator’s old flame appearing in a risqué magazine. I remember wondering, “What on earth is a centerfold?” The visuals of girls transitioning from innocent schoolgirls to sultry calendar models singing and performing cartwheels were both confusing and intriguing. Were they aware of how fleeting their moment in the spotlight would be?
Madonna, ‘Like a Virgin’
Forget the innocent Madonna of yesteryear. This version, adorned in black rubber bracelets and leather, was all about her latest romantic escapade. While being rowed through the canals of Venice in a sheer, flowing gown, she gazed seductively at the camera. How many kids asked their parents about the meaning of being a virgin after hearing this?
Culture Club, ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?’
I’ll never forget the first time I saw this video, sipping hot cocoa with my sister. We were left debating whether Boy George was a boy or a girl. How do you explain someone like him to sheltered suburban kids?
Van Halen, ‘Hot for Teacher’ & The Police, ‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me’
Both of these catchy tunes feature some of my favorite artists. The Van Halen video, with its bold visuals, raised more than a few eyebrows. As for The Police, the content was enough to make any parent cringe. I had a crush on Sting, and the allure of his mysterious persona was hard to resist, even when the message was clear: don’t talk to strangers!
Glenn Frey, ‘Smuggler’s Blues’
With drug-related imagery reminiscent of Miami Vice, this narrative-driven video chronicled the life of a drug dealer. It glamorized the world of smuggling, and while I was oblivious to the real-life implications, I couldn’t help but be drawn in. Is this a “gateway” video? Who knows!
The Tubes, ‘She’s a Beauty’
This video, featuring circus performers and provocatively dressed women, might have gone over my head at the time, but it left an impression. The catchy tune is unforgettable, and without the visuals, it might have faded into obscurity. The Tubes were notorious for their banned video “Mondo Bondage,” which left parents speechless!
So, what scandalous music videos did you sneak a peek at when your parents weren’t watching? For a deeper dive into the world of parenting and cultural moments, check out this other post on Modern Family Blog. If you’re exploring family planning options, consider visiting Make a Mom for reputable at-home insemination kits, or check out Hopkins Medicine for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the 1980s music videos were a wild ride that shaped a generation’s understanding of music, culture, and the boundaries of what was appropriate for kids.
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