# Profanity in Songs **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 25, 2011, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556 "2011-09-25T15:19:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![brittekland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2011, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/1 "2011-09-25T15:19:58Z")
Profanity laden songs that you think the usage of profanity is integral and works… and/or simply interesting and noteworthy? [Lisa Germano - Red Thread](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYalr_Ktck8) (profanity starts after about 2:00 mark) ---
**Author:** ![cerberus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/71e660/32.png) [@cerberus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cerberus)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2011, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/2 "2011-09-25T16:04:01Z")
Liz Phair specializes in this. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/3 "2011-09-26T17:11:31Z")
Cake’s song ‘‘Nugget.’’ Groovy guitar, funky brass, strange and thought-provoking lyrics, and the chorus is a mildly irritated, [‘‘Shut the fuck up.’’](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JR8ols4mYc) ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/4 "2011-09-26T17:13:41Z")
[You’re Breaking my Heart](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02lXLiFsRtE), by Harry Nilsson. The perfect song for a bad breakup. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/5 "2011-09-26T17:25:55Z")
Cee-Lo’s “[Fuck You](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc0mxOXbWIU&ob=av2e).” The sanitized “Forget You” is a terrible song, but the original has such a great angry punch to it. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/6 "2011-09-26T17:27:58Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#): > > Cee-Lo’s “[Fuck You](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc0mxOXbWIU&ob=av2e).” The sanitized “Forget You” is a terrible song, but the original has such a great angry punch to it. I enjoy both versions, but what I like about it is that the profanity is so natural and organic. ‘‘Ain’t that some shit.’’ Yes, Cee-Lo, it certainly is. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/7 "2011-09-26T17:32:16Z")
> [@cerberus](#): > > Liz Phair specializes in this. In case anyone wants links to Liz Phair examples, [Fuck & Run](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzVLD6J_O8E), [Flower](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4ZjEShp-vY), and [HWC (Hot White Cum)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpx_VXRG_qc)are all good examples. ---
**Author:** ![Simmerdown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simmerdown/32/14859_2.png) [@Simmerdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simmerdown)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/8 "2011-09-26T17:36:42Z")
The Rollings Stones - [Star Star](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZjxoZdWblI) (a.k.a. Starfucker). ---
**Author:** ![brittekland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/9 "2011-09-26T17:43:49Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > [You’re Breaking my Heart](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02lXLiFsRtE), by Harry Nilsson. The perfect song for a bad breakup. What year was this song released and why didn’t I ever hear it until now… not that I ever bought Nilsson’s record before. ---
**Author:** ![Stauderhorse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Stauderhorse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stauderhorse)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/10 "2011-09-26T17:49:52Z")
NIN - Closer I can’t imagine the song without “I want to fuck you like an animal” in the chorus. ---
**Author:** ![brittekland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/11 "2011-09-26T17:53:45Z")
There’s something quite satisfying about these songs… ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/12 "2011-09-26T18:03:15Z")
Mumford and Sons’ “Little Lion Man” has the chorus And it was not your fault but mine. And it was your heart on the line. I really fucked it up this time, didn’t I my dear? I don’t think “messed it up” or “screwed it up” or other less-offensive phrases would have worked as well. The singer is feeling terribly guilty, and “fucked it up” seems appropriate. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/13 "2011-09-26T18:16:56Z")
> [@brittekland](#): > > What year was this song released and why didn’t I ever hear it until now… not that I ever bought Nilsson’s record before. 1972, on the album _Son of Schmillsson_. ---
**Author:** ![Sunshine\_and\_Smiles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Sunshine\_and\_Smiles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunshine_and_Smiles)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/14 "2011-09-26T18:22:10Z")
Damien Rice - [Rootless Tree](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25cO4K4kHpE), the chorus. Rilo Kiley - [A Better Son/Daughter](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7N-0I8Y1rk), the brief bit starting at 1:41. A sparse and surprising two ‘fucks’ to really elevate the tone and pack a punch. ---
**Author:** ![Crazyhorse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crazyhorse/32/31_2.png) [@Crazyhorse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crazyhorse)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/15 "2011-09-26T18:34:15Z")
“_Shut Your Fucking Face Uncle Fucker_” --South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999) In this classic piece, I think the South Park creators really captured the emotion of the moment. Lyrics like “Be quiet, you unsavory person” would have diluted the wellspring of emotion these lyrics convey. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/16 "2011-09-26T19:57:53Z")
Lair Of The Minotaur’s [Let’s Kill These Motherfuckers](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpfpjE7HbsY) The Bronx with [Shitty Future](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwDOpL7vKY) The Bronx with [History’s Stranglers](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJVcEdEC-Bo&NR=1) The Dead Milkmen’s [Life Is Shit](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEgkDuJyI0U) ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/17 "2011-09-26T20:18:05Z")
> [@brittekland](#): > > What year was this song released and why didn’t I ever hear it until now… not that I ever bought Nilsson’s record before. I’m pretty sure it was a classic “Contractual Obligation Album” - where the artist is forced to make and release an album by a record company they no longer wish to work for. See also Donovan’s _Cosmic Wheels_ with the classic _The Intergalactic Laxative_: > [@](#): > > The Intergalactic Laxative will get you from here to there > Relieve you, and believe me, without a worry or care > If shitting is your problem when you’re out among the stars > Oh The Intergalactic Laxative will get you from here to Mars Kate Bush shocked her fans with the song _[Song of Solomon](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owAkE4GLH4w)_ on _The Red Shoes_: > [@](#): > > Don’t want your bullshit > Just want your sexuality > Don’t want excuses > Write me your poetry in motion > Write it just for me > And sign it with a kiss Todd Rundgren has a history of dropping bombs into things that could otherwise be hits. [His song _Jesse_](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7HqqrvMQjg) is a really beautiful melody that he used for a partisan attack on Jesse Helms, Tipper Gore and Pope John Paul II: > [@](#): > > I wanted to be so honest. > Tell you a story you’ve never heard, > Now that I finally got the nerve. > I wanna fuck you, Tipper. > I wanna fuck you, Tipper. > 'Cause you showed me that > Things are still the same. > Everybody’s parents turn out lame. > I wanna say “fuck you,” Tipper Gore …and the song _Flaw_ from _Liars_ could have been played on the radio. [Just a little problem with the chorus](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGhaXrexm-o&feature=related): > [@](#): > > And all my friends they look at us > Say ‘he won’t bend when he could just live happily ever after’ > It’s not that I’m afraid of it, but every time you force a fit > There’s crying instead of laughter > > So why you gotta be such a lyin’ ass motherfucker? > So why you gotta be > Such a lyin’ ass, lyin’ ass, lyin’ ass > Motherfucker ---
**Author:** ![Spavined\_Gelding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@Spavined\_Gelding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spavined_Gelding)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/18 "2011-09-26T20:28:06Z")
My darling daughters, when junior high age, would take great delight in singing along to the chorus to Stan Roger’s Barrett’s Privateers: Goddamn them all! We were told we’d sail the seas for American gold, We’d fire no guns, Shed no tears, But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers. ---
**Author:** ![Rattlehead02](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rattlehead02/32/3944_2.png) [@Rattlehead02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rattlehead02)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/19 "2011-09-26T20:41:43Z")
Ween’s Piss Up a Rope uses profanity quite nicely. [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfmB-8onoMo) You ride my ass like a horse in a saddle Now you’re up shit’s creek with a turd for a paddle And I can’t cope, a-piss up a rope ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556/20 "2011-09-26T20:43:45Z")
Warren Zevon: [My Shit’s Fucked Up](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHDdqubE7zQ) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profanity-in-songs/597556.md?page=2)