Apr 07 2009
Explicit Lyrics
Oops she did it again. Can Britney Spears do anything without creating controversy? Her new song “If U Seek Amy” is a doozy. What’s so bad about looking for a girl named Amy? It took me awhile to figure out the controversy. Then I realized how she sings the title… yep, it spells a really bad word. But all this controversy got me questioning the music I grew up listening to and listen to now. Do I want my daughters listening to the same things I do?
Growing up I really enjoyed Grease. I had (on record) the soundtrack to the movie as well as the Broadway musical. I’m still confused. Is the song “Mooning” about someone head over heels with a girl or is it about dropping your pants? My parents let me listen to it, dance around in the living room and belt the lyrics out at the top of my lungs so it can’t be that bad… right? I think they knew I had no idea what I was singing. It took me years to figure out Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” was not about exercising but about being physical with someone. Perhaps it’s the fact that I still mess up lyrics that made my parents allow me to buy questionable music. If I sang the words wrong then clearly I had no idea if the song was explicit.
Yet they also let me buy “License to Ill” by the Beastie Boys when I was in sixth grade. Even for someone who can’t figure out the lyrics, I could certainly understand words like “beer” and “loose” (as in “I think her name’s Lucy but they all call her loose”).
I’m getting tired of nursery rhymes when I drive my daughters to school or various appointments. But I’m not sure my music is “kid friendly.” John Mayer? Yeah, as long as they can tolerate his “ewww ehhh ohhs.” Barenaked Ladies? Despite the name they’re actually pretty toned down. Besides I think my daughters will laugh at “I can hide out under there. I just made you say underwear.” But then it starts getting dicey. Amy Winehouse? They love repeatedly singing “no, no no.” Years from now will they wonder why I let them listen to a song about going to rehab? Kid Rock? Do I really need to explain why they won’t be listening to that? And Hubby’s collection is out of the question for now. (Sorry, hon!)
I think I’ve figured out a fool-proof way to turn them off from anything controversial or explicit. As my daughters get older it’s my job to embarrass the heck out of them. So when they find a song on the radio that I think is questionable I’ll simply belt it out at the top of my lungs, preferrably while their friends are in the car. Of course, I’ll have to make sure I understand the lyrics myself!
17 Responses to “Explicit Lyrics”
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They music my daughter (14) listens to is enough to make me pull my hair. Violent, profane, blecch, no subtlety at all. Believe me, your collection is benign comparitively. She loves the sound track for “Rent,” for example.
When my daughter was young, I had a serious thing for Nelson Eddy, operetta from the 30’s-50’s which is about as benign as humanly possible.
Nursery rhymes do get old, I know, but there are some pretty benign songs out there. Practicing singing out loud with your girls NOW. When they’re older, they’ll be embarassed. NOW, they’ll just have fun and so will you.
I taught my daughter Silent Night in German and Song of the Volga Boatman in Russian. That’s another way to get around the questionable lyrics.
I haven’t heard britney’s new song but hearing it came from britney we know already theres something in it just to make noise. 70’s music still the best compared to some music now a days. I’ve seen the “Grease” on cable many times , hubby and I still watch it. we find it so funny the singing and dancing.
Yeah, the soundtrack for “Rent” would make anything “Grease” has to offer seem pretty tame. Oh, we do sing in the car at the highest volume possible. They think it’s great and I think it’s hilarious.
70’s music… now that’s one I might be able to get my daughters to listen to!
All symphony all the time! Play nothing but classical!
Does it sound like I’m shamelessly plugging my new blog site http://symphonyrocks.today.com? Cause I am. I’ll admit it.
I have been meaning for MONTHS to send you guys a compilation of our greatest Kiddo friendly hits.
We’ll talk.
Classical music might work, expect we generally use that to help the girls fall asleep. Not that it’s boring… but it’s soothing.
Clearly I was distracted in that reply. I meant to say “except.”
Hey, I grew up listening to my dad’s music: Steve Miller, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt (never judged him for that one), etc. And I turned out just fine!… (Twitch-twitch)
But I’m pretty sure the girls should be ready to trade in the Wiggles for AC/DC sometime next year? Hmmmm….
I had to look up the lyrics to the song on urbandictionary.com when the fuss started and she changed it to “if you see amy”. Clearly I didn’t say the words out loud first. When I got it, it was a lightbulb moment. LOL. Needless to say that song came on the radio when we were all in the car and I turned the radio off. Hubs of course wanted to know why and there I am trying to explain with one kid who repeats everything we say and the other one who’s learning to spell. LOL.
I also stopped listening to my JC Chasez CD in the car because I didn’t want to hear my babies singing “All day long I dream about sex!” Yeah, I can just imagine the parent teacher conference about that one.
AC/DC huh? Dream on pal!
Jayewalking: I was the same way. I had to actually say the title slowly before I got it.
I’m not familiar with Britney’s song, luckily none of my kids are fans. Makes Grease’s catchy tunes seem pretty tame. I guess it makes Rocky Horror seem like a harmless romp too.
I know, it’s so difficult to choose music when Thomas is with me. Forget about it when Daddy’s in the car. I constantly tell him to change the song!
I end up listening to a lot of talk radio- NPR mostly. Not too racy.
Rocky Horror Picture Show… they might be able to handle the songs. At least some of them… maybe?
Scoopcath: I’m constantly telling Hubby “not appropriate!” when he’s in the car (and I’m talking about his radio station choices, nothing else). Even talk radio can be dicey, though.
I remember when I was in 5th grade, some of the kids wanted to dance on stage to some of the Grease songs. The principal said no way to the one with “Look at me, I’m Sandra Dee, won’t give up my virginity…” Two boys did get to do a roller skating routine to Another Brick in the Wall. My dad (a teacher) couldn’t believe they were allowed to do it (and they won!). Me, still a goodie-two-shoes, played piano and sang Candy Man with my sister.
Back to your topic, my daughter does listen to a lot of questionable songs, but I only let her buy the edited ones and I talk to her about why I don’t like some of the songs.
Thanks for sending me the EC credits, that was very nice of you!
The thing about the edited versions is that you can still usually tell what they’re saying… but it’s better than having your children hear the actual swear word.
I love how you are going to handle this when they get older!! So funny!!
Yet oh such a great way to get them to realize!
Even now they’ll tell me to “stop singing mommy!” so I figure it’s just a matter of time before I can really embarrass them.
I love Amy Winehouse music because it has a taste of soul in it and really displays her talents. I am sure she will come out with an even better display that will blow listeners out of the water. As far as kids repeating what they hear in songs , that is normal but mom is supposed to be the LAW. What mom says is supposed to go… point blank because my momma played no games and I am thankful for that everyday. If certain songs are to explicit for kids then just make sure they are not around while you are playing them. even if they do here a lyric or two it does not meant they can go around saying “bad words”.
My son know that “bad words”= a pop on the mouth.