The Kingsmen – “Louie Louie”
Originally a 1955 Richard Berry track, The Kingsmen’s hit cover was the subject of an FBI investigation in 1964, triggered by a parent who was upset by the song’s “obscene” lyrics. The FBI’s response was that the song “unintelligible at any speed”, and after interviewing a member of The Kingsmen they finally determined it was not obscene. Indeed, government spending actually went toward “Louie Louie” at one point.
Bob Marley – “War”
The cluttered state of Bob Marley’s vast songwriting estate was due to him crediting hit songs to many friends, mainly because that better helped evade an unfavorable recording contract. “War” has several controversies, rooted in both its unique lyrical content (a word-for-word repeat of a speech by former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie) and the legal chaos that would ensue over its ownership. Although Marley’s sons now own the song, it caused lengthy legal battles and political questioning.
Sinéad O’Connor – “War” (Bob Marley cover)
Even as the original “War” inspired plenty of controversy, there’s no doubt that Sinéad O’Connor’s cover performance of it on Saturday Night Live in 1992 was one of the most controversial scenes in musical history. Turning the song into a protest of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church, she tore a photo of then-Pope John Paul II on stage — a complete surprise to NBC executives, who by all accounts jumped out of their chairs in shock. The rest of the world did, as well.
Guns N’ Roses – “Used to Love Her”
The backlash against the lyrics of Guns N’ Roses’ “Used to Love Her” was comparable to any song in modern music history. It’s probable the rockers anticipated such a response after writing lyrics like these: “I used to love her, but I had to kill her / She bitched so much, she drove me nuts.” Writing about being the offender in a case of domestic violence is a surefire way to get recognized, for better or worse.
Judas Priest – “Better by You Better than Me”
Judas Priest’s “Better by You Better than Me” shows unrequited love at its most morbid, when one’s fear of rejection drives them to suicide. A track from Priest’s 1978 album Stained Class, “Better by You Better than Me” apparently inspired a string of suicides. Prosecutors allege the song’s use of the words “do it” convinced young listeners to take their lives. Blame can ease the pain, after all.
XTC – “Dear God”
Atheists look to “Dear God” as an important moment in musical history, where religious freedom was expanded to allow those who don’t believe in any higher supernatural power to voice their opinions as such. Using choir boy vocals to question why so many atrocities happen in the world if God exists, the song ends with the line: “If there’s one thing I don’t believe in, it’s you, Dear God.” “Dear God” is probably not your church group’s favorite song.
Rage Against the Machine – “Killing in the Name”
The controversy surrounding “Killing in the Name” is a lot more straightforward than some of the songs above that have garnered political and legal controversy. What did parents hate about “Killing in the Name”? It was simply its repetition of the F-word. Vocalist Zack De La Rocha churns out the word 17 times in this defiant blast of youthful angst. The track was actually a condemnation of police brutality, but critics just heard that one word.
Ozzy Osbourne – “Suicide Solution”
Similarly to Judas Priest’s “Better by You Better than Me”, Ozzy’s “Suicide Solution” received backlash for its alleged encouragement of suicide. The parents of John McCollum, a teen who committed suicide apparently after hearing the track, alleged that the line “Why try? Get the gun and shoot!” pushed their son over the edge.
The Beatles – “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
I’m sure that some fans were disheartened when they realized many of their favorite Beatles songs rode on vague drug references. It shouldn’t take away from any greatness, though, especially on a track like the LSD-inspired “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”. Paul McCartney cleared things up in 2004: he said “Got to Get You Into My Life” is about pot, “Lucy” about LSD, and “Day Tripper” about acid, among many others. Enjoy!
The Shamen – “Ebeneezer Goode”
Speaking of drug references inspiring controversy, the 1992 club hit from British electronic collective The Shamen referenced ecstasy with lines like “But go easy on old ‘Eezer, he’s the love you could lose.” ‘Eezer referred to ecstasy, and many parents grew concerned about the club’s scene to promote drugs among youth, despite the fact that “Ebeneezer Goode” was actually endorsing practicing good judgment and moderation in the face of drugs being imminent.
Ten Most Controversial Rock Songs
The Kingsmen – “Louie Louie”
Originally a 1955 Richard Berry track, The Kingsmen’s hit cover was the subject of an FBI investigation in 1964, triggered by a parent who was upset by the song’s “obscene” lyrics. The FBI’s response was that the song “unintelligible at any speed”, and after interviewing a member of The Kingsmen they finally determined it was not obscene. Indeed, government spending actually went toward “Louie Louie” at one point.
Bob Marley – “War”
The cluttered state of Bob Marley’s vast songwriting estate was due to him crediting hit songs to many friends, mainly because that better helped evade an unfavorable recording contract. “War” has several controversies, rooted in both its unique lyrical content (a word-for-word repeat of a speech by former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie) and the legal chaos that would ensue over its ownership. Although Marley’s sons now own the song, it caused lengthy legal battles and political questioning.
Sinéad O’Connor – “War” (Bob Marley cover)
Even as the original “War” inspired plenty of controversy, there’s no doubt that Sinéad O’Connor’s cover performance of it on Saturday Night Live in 1992 was one of the most controversial scenes in musical history. Turning the song into a protest of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church, she tore a photo of then-Pope John Paul II on stage — a complete surprise to NBC executives, who by all accounts jumped out of their chairs in shock. The rest of the world did, as well.
Guns N’ Roses – “Used to Love Her”
The backlash against the lyrics of Guns N’ Roses’ “Used to Love Her” was comparable to any song in modern music history. It’s probable the rockers anticipated such a response after writing lyrics like these: “I used to love her, but I had to kill her / She bitched so much, she drove me nuts.” Writing about being the offender in a case of domestic violence is a surefire way to get recognized, for better or worse.
Judas Priest – “Better by You Better than Me”
Judas Priest’s “Better by You Better than Me” shows unrequited love at its most morbid, when one’s fear of rejection drives them to suicide. A track from Priest’s 1978 album Stained Class, “Better by You Better than Me” apparently inspired a string of suicides. Prosecutors allege the song’s use of the words “do it” convinced young listeners to take their lives. Blame can ease the pain, after all.
XTC – “Dear God”
Atheists look to “Dear God” as an important moment in musical history, where religious freedom was expanded to allow those who don’t believe in any higher supernatural power to voice their opinions as such. Using choir boy vocals to question why so many atrocities happen in the world if God exists, the song ends with the line: “If there’s one thing I don’t believe in, it’s you, Dear God.” “Dear God” is probably not your church group’s favorite song.
Rage Against the Machine – “Killing in the Name”
The controversy surrounding “Killing in the Name” is a lot more straightforward than some of the songs above that have garnered political and legal controversy. What did parents hate about “Killing in the Name”? It was simply its repetition of the F-word. Vocalist Zack De La Rocha churns out the word 17 times in this defiant blast of youthful angst. The track was actually a condemnation of police brutality, but critics just heard that one word.
Ozzy Osbourne – “Suicide Solution”
Similarly to Judas Priest’s “Better by You Better than Me”, Ozzy’s “Suicide Solution” received backlash for its alleged encouragement of suicide. The parents of John McCollum, a teen who committed suicide apparently after hearing the track, alleged that the line “Why try? Get the gun and shoot!” pushed their son over the edge.
The Beatles – “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
I’m sure that some fans were disheartened when they realized many of their favorite Beatles songs rode on vague drug references. It shouldn’t take away from any greatness, though, especially on a track like the LSD-inspired “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”. Paul McCartney cleared things up in 2004: he said “Got to Get You Into My Life” is about pot, “Lucy” about LSD, and “Day Tripper” about acid, among many others. Enjoy!
The Shamen – “Ebeneezer Goode”
Speaking of drug references inspiring controversy, the 1992 club hit from British electronic collective The Shamen referenced ecstasy with lines like “But go easy on old ‘Eezer, he’s the love you could lose.” ‘Eezer referred to ecstasy, and many parents grew concerned about the club’s scene to promote drugs among youth, despite the fact that “Ebeneezer Goode” was actually endorsing practicing good judgment and moderation in the face of drugs being imminent.
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