Surprising Reasons These Popular Songs Were Banned

Published on 07/17/2024
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“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones

When this song was first published in the United Kingdom, only pirate radio stations broadcast it. In the United States, “Satisfaction” remained at number one for four weeks. However, its harsh words were muted on television, in part because Mick Jagger’s onstage gyrations were deemed vulgar. The phrase “I’m trying to make some girl,” were zapped. Following the 1965 ban in the United Kingdom for lyrics deemed too provocative, the song also reached No. 1 on the U.K. charts. However, it was criticised for having “tasteless themes.” Critics discovered anti-establishment sentiments in lyrics such as, “When I’m watchin’ my TV, and a man comes on and tells me / How white my shirts can be / But, he can’t be a man ’cause he doesn’t smoke / The same cigarettes as me.” Despite criticism, Rolling Stone magazine ranks it as the second greatest song of all time. Devo, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Britney Spears, and Vanilla Ice have all released cover songs.

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction By The Rolling Stones

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction By The Rolling Stones

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“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

The dispute seems to concentrate around why Adele’s song was restricted by radio stations. Broadcasters were concerned that the phrase might mean, “I’ll lay your sh*t bare,” so they bleeped it out. To clarify, Adele substituted the word in question with “stuff” during a television performance. What is clear is that the ballad “Rolling in the Deep” caused a huge sensation. The No. 1 hit single remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks straight.

Rolling In The Deep By Adele

Rolling In The Deep By Adele

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