There’s no pretense in this piece, no underlying message to misinterpret this song is about a very abusive relationship. This collaboration between rap legend Eminem and Barbadian pop star Rhianna has become one of the most popular hit singles of the century.

5 “Love the Way You Lie”–Rhianna & Eminem, 2010 While many feel the song sends the wrong message, the fact is that the duet performed initially by Loesser and his wife was a schtick intended as entertainment, not social commentary. She claims that the line “What’s in this drink?” would not refer to any sort of date rape drug in the 1940s and merely to the alcohol content. In 2018, Loesser’s daughter Susan defended the song saying that the music must be considered in the context of the time it was written. And every year, people argue over the meaning of the lyrics are they offensive, or are they misunderstood? The song has stood the test of time and has been recorded by countless performers, including Dean Martin, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Idina Menzel. For reasons unknown, no one seemed to be bothered by the male singer persistently pressuring the female singer to spend the night with him. The song was written in 1944 by Frank Loesser initially to sing with his then-wife, Lynn Garland, for a party at their home in New York City. Ĩ “You’re Sixteen, You’re Beautiful, & You’re Mine”–Ringo Starr, 1973Įvery year during the holidays, this classic tale of date rape invades airwaves all over the country.

Catchy tune aside, the public misperceived this very creepy song. This unhealthy and false narrative of “he only hit me because he loves me” or whatever else victims of domestic violence use to justify their situation is not something to be glorified.

When they asked her why she tolerated the abuse, she said it symbolized how much he loved her. However, in the 21st century, it’s easy to see how this message can perpetuate excuses for domestic abuse.Ĭarole King and Geoffery Goffin wrote the song after their babysitter Eva revealed a relationship with an abusive boyfriend who had been beating her. The public considered the lyrics a metaphor when “He Hit Me” was first released.

The group created many chart-toppers, including “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “Then He Kissed Me,” featuring three successive female lead singers. The Crystals are considered one of the defining acts of the girl-group era in the first half of the 1960s.

Half girlfriend movie songs