The experience of singing along to our favorite tunes in the backseat of our parents’ car has changed drastically. Now, as we listen, we pay closer attention to the lyrics and understand their meanings. We begin to realize that our parents may have been blissfully unaware of what we were belting out, likely just relieved we weren’t fighting or complaining about boredom or hunger. Here’s a look at some of the songs we sang without fully grasping their implications.
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“She Bop,” by Cyndi Lauper (1984)
This catchy tune celebrates female desire, with lines that hint at more than just innocent fun. The chorus references a euphoric experience that alludes to self-pleasure, a concept we likely overlooked as children. -
“Little Red Corvette,” by Prince (1982)
Often confused with another hit, this song uses a clever metaphor to discuss intimate relationships. The “little red Corvette” actually represents a woman’s private parts, while the “jockeys” symbolize past encounters. It’s safe to say this went over most of our heads when we were young! -
“Like a Virgin,” by Madonna (1984)
With lyrics that initially sound innocuous, this song cleverly disguises its themes of sexual awakening and romance. As kids, we may not have questioned the meaning of “virgin” or even noticed some of the more adult messages hidden in the lyrics. -
“Seventeen,” by Kip Walker (1988)
This hair metal anthem reflects inappropriate desires, as it narrates an adult man’s attraction to a 17-year-old girl, disregarding her age and parental boundaries. While the upbeat sound may have captured our attention, the underlying message is decidedly not family-friendly. -
“All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You,” by Heart (1990)
The title is quite revealing, but the narrative unfolds a story involving a woman who engages in a one-night stand hoping to conceive a child. The metaphorical aspects of the lyrics may have made it sound innocent, but the actual content is far from suitable for children. -
“Boom Boom,” by Paul Lekakis (1987)
This catchy track features lyrics that suggest a night of intimacy, but the euphemism “it” leaves room for misinterpretation, especially for young listeners. -
“Me So Horny,” by 2 Live Crew (1989)
Although my parents kept me away from this one, many kids still learned the lyrics and sang along, often unaware of the explicit content. Even the “clean” version retained the suggestive title, making it challenging to fully escape its meaning. -
“I Touch Myself,” by Divinyls (1990)
By the time this song hit the airwaves, we may have had a better grasp of what “She Bop” alluded to, but this track made its intent clear. Many parents were quick to switch off the TV when the music video played, recognizing the inappropriate nature of the lyrics.
As we reflect on the music of our childhood, it’s hard not to chuckle at the thought of belting out these songs in front of our parents or younger siblings. Today, we might find ourselves switching the station to avoid any awkward moments or cringeworthy lyrics. If you’re interested in learning more about family planning and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on family-building options.
In summary, the songs we sang as kids often contained themes and messages that we were blissfully unaware of at the time. While they might have been catchy, many of them were far from appropriate for young audiences. As we grow older, we gain a better understanding of the lyrics and their implications, making us more cautious about what we listen to, especially around children.