70s Rock Songs That Haven’t Aged Well: Problematic Lyrics Explained
The Rolling Stones removed “Brown Sugar” from their 2021 setlist, a decision reflecting a growing reevaluation of rock’s past and its problematic lyrical content. The song, a 1971 hit, has come under increasing scrutiny for its depiction of slavery, sexual exploitation, and drug utilize, sparking debate about the boundaries of artistic expression and historical context.
“Brown Sugar” was written primarily by Mick Jagger, and recorded during a period when the band was experimenting with a rawer, more blues-influenced sound at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, in December 1969. While it became a number one hit in the United States and Canada, and reached number two in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the song’s lyrics have drawn criticism for their explicit references to the sexual abuse of enslaved Black women. Jagger himself reportedly described the song as a “mishmash of nasty subjects” and “disgusting,” according to reports.
The controversy surrounding “Brown Sugar” is not isolated. Other classic rock anthems from the 1960s and 70s are facing similar re-examination. The Rolling Stones’ 1968 track, “Under My Thumb,” released shortly after the emergence of the women’s rights movement, has been criticized for its depiction of a woman’s subjugation. The song, along with other tracks on the Aftermath album like “Stupid Girl” and “Out of Time,” celebrates a power dynamic where a man controls and dominates a woman.
Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “Hey Joe,” a blues standard, also faces scrutiny for its violent narrative. The song details a man hunting down and shooting his unfaithful partner. While Hendrix’s guitar work is widely celebrated, the lyrics glorify lethal violence against women, a theme common in some blues traditions.
Elton John’s 1975 hit, “Island Girl,” has been removed from his performances due to its racist and sexist lyrics. The song describes a Jamaican woman working in the adult entertainment industry and employs offensive language, including the phrase “Black as coal but burning like fire.” Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics, and John has acknowledged the song’s problematic content.
Even The Beatles were not immune to criticism. John Lennon later expressed regret over the lyrics of “Run for Your Life,” a 1965 track that threatens a woman’s life if she is seen with another man. The casual acceptance of such violent threats reflected attitudes prevalent at the time, but are now widely condemned.
More recently, Winger’s 1988 song “She’s Only Seventeen” has been criticized for celebrating a relationship with an underage girl, presenting the age gap as exciting rather than predatory. The song exemplifies a pattern of rock music normalizing inappropriate and harmful dynamics.
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap’s 1968 hit, “Young Girl,” depicts an adult man’s attraction to an underage girl, framing this inappropriate dynamic as romantic. The song’s premise would likely be rejected by modern record labels due to its disturbing and predatory nature.
The removal of these songs from concert setlists and radio play reflects a broader cultural shift in understanding and addressing harmful representations in music. While acknowledging the historical context of these songs, contemporary audiences are increasingly unwilling to accept lyrics that promote misogyny, racism, and violence.