Blurred Lines

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Does anyone else think that the lyrics to this song are offensive? In fact what we usually hear is the edited version, but even that seems to me to be advocating rape.

I think that the song is offensive to women and I was shocked to hear it being played in the squares.

"I know you want it" is something that many rape victims have said that their rapist has said.

Evidently as long as it has a good beat and people can dance to it, it doesn't matter to many what the lyrics are or what the message is.

It's especially puzzling, to me, when I see a girl up on one of our stages singing this song. I have to wonder if they are totally clueless as to what the song is about,

From what I understand, the entertainment department doesn't allow some songs or genres to be played. I have heard that Led Zepplin and heavy metal are banned. Why would they allow this to be played?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Here are a few lines from the uncensored version

Let me be the one you back that a** to
Go, from Malibu, to Paris, boo
Yeah, I had a b**ch, but she ain't bad as you
So hit me up when you pass through
I'll give you something big enough to tear your a** in two


There rest of the song is not quite as explicit, but it is still advocating rape.

[Patty55]

Here are a few lines from the uncensored version



There rest of the song is not quite as explicit, but it is still advocating rape.

Never heard of the song, but yes, it is offensive.

I was told they couldn't play anything by The Doors-who can figure.

[Madelaine Amee]

Unfortunately someone choreographed a line dance to this piece of "music" and that is why it is continually being played, and probably most of the people dancing to it don't even hear the words.

[Aandjmassage]

We were also surprised to hear it here.

[John_W]

I had seen Robin Thicke on some morning show a couple of years ago, I found out he was Alan Thicke's son and he was some sort of pop singer. His style didn't really appeal to me, so I ignored him like much of the new music. Then I saw him on the news a few months ago, apparently he was singing with Miley Cyrus when she did some kind of erotic dancing on some award show.

Recently I'm watching one of my favorite shows, the CBS Sunday Morning program. They do a piece on Robin Thicke and they keep talking about his big hit 'Blurred Lines' recorded with the guy with the funny hat that does the "Happy" song, which I hear everyday at the gym. They finally play a little bit of "Blurred Lines" and now I realize the song I've been hearing at the squares for over a year, is this song. It's amazing for someone like myself, who owned over 4,000 albums before moving here, can know so little about current pop music.

[Number 6]

I don't know. I am opposed to censorship in any form. Remember when the Stones had to change the lyrics of "Let's Spend the Night Together" to appear on Sullivan. The Doors were supposed to change the lyrics to "Light My Fire". They, of course did not; much to Ed Sullivan's disgust.

[Bosoxfan]

[QUOTE=

From what I understand, the entertainment department doesn't allow some songs or genres to be played. I have heard that Led Zepplin and heavy metal are banned. Why would they allow this to be played?[/QUOTE]

Uncle Bob's Rock Shop plays Zeppelin and what some folks would consider heavy metal.

[Indydealmaker]

I don't know. I am opposed to censorship in any form. Remember when the Stones had to change the lyrics of "Let's Spend the Night Together" to appear on Sullivan. The Doors were supposed to change the lyrics to "Light My Fire". They, of course did not; much to Ed Sullivan's disgust.

Community standards should rule.

Not many people consider child pornography laws as a form of censorship. Any form of entertainment that appears to advocate violent crime and sex abuse cannot possibly have any redeeming social value within a civilized society. Banning such crap is not censorship. It is self-preservation.

[Number 6]

Community standards should rule.

Not many people consider child pornography laws as a form of censorship. Any form of entertainment that appears to advocate violent crime and sex abuse cannot possibly have any redeeming social value within a civilized society. Banning such crap is not censorship. It is self-preservation.

We are going to have to agree to disagree. Child pornography is a bad example because it is illegal. Why? Because children are not old enough to give "consent". The "community standards" argument is a slippery slope. Let's say the "community" decides to ban all songs written by Cat Stevens because he is Muslim. Well, you know where am going with that.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We are going to have to agree to disagree. Child pornography is a bad example because it is illegal. Why? Because children are not old enough to give "consent". The "community standards" argument is a slippery slope. Let's say the "community" decides to ban all songs written by Cat Stevens because he is Muslim. Well, you know where am going with that.

Last time I checked, rape is illegal also. So a song advocating rape is OK? We have a lot of censorship all around us. We don't have nudity or certain profanities on television.

[Chi-Town]

The lyrics police had fun with this. Glad to see that there is such concern 50 years later.


http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4V1p1dM3snQ

[rubicon]

Blurred Lines like most music today is filth . This trend started in the baby boomers era and tracks with movies and television. Steve is spot on as all of this has resulted in many people not having respect for anyone or anything and worse yet no shame. Beside which it has always puzzled me to hear people campaign in favor of keeping filth like this viable. Human beings ought to be better than that but the faux claims of "my rights" will always win

Bring back the Legion of Decency and perhaps we can return to some real creativity where arts and entertainment have some socially redeeming value

[Chi-Town]

Let's turn the clocks back to 1933.

In 1933, Archbishop John McNicholas composed a membership pledge for the Legion, which read in part:

I wish to join the Legion of Decency, which condemns vile and unwholesome moving pictures. I unite with all who protest against them as a grave menace to youth, to home life, to country and to religion. I condemn absolutely those salacious motion pictures which, with other degrading agencies, are corrupting public morals and promoting a sex mania in our land. … Considering these evils, I hereby promise to remain away from all motion pictures except those which do not offend decency and Christian morality.

[travelguy]

i rarely understand the lyrics, and if i wish to know them then i will check the liner notes on the CD or go on-line to see what it says. if i like the beat and can dance to it, then all is ok. and i do remember the song 'louie, louie' and we all were told that the words were nasty, but somehow no one could ever understand what the singers were saying.
you don't like it, turn it off. the groups at the squares have cleaned up the lyrics to everything that they use.

[Amfunny]

Personally, I really like the song. Such a peppy and happy beat. I like the music video as well. The song was about his wife of 20 years but people misunderstood the song

[Pointer]

I'm pretty tired of women being portrayed as sex objects in song or in any media. Even more so when it is directed at children. Having said that I also am hesitant to censor what I may not get or understand. Remembering my father hating the Beatles and even Elvis may have something to do with it.

[marlinguy]

Talk about offensive and demeaning,,this is just OVER the TOP! Frank Sinatra should be banned. I mean,,"The Lady is a TRAMP"! And also Dean Martin for being abusive with "Ain't that a KICK in the HEAD". Folks, we really need to bear down on these offensive songs. I bet there are others, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, let's ban them all.

[Lovey2]

I really enjoy the music and song, as I do a lot of the younger music, but, yes, I found the words you wrote offensive. Of course, I've never heard those words, since they only ever play the censored version mostly everywhere (even on radio) I hear it. It would never have occurred to me to search for an uncensored version.

[Number 6]

Last time I checked, rape is illegal also. So a song advocating rape is OK? We have a lot of censorship all around us. We don't have nudity or certain profanities on television.

Rape is illegal, but writing a song about it isn't. I just believe that having a "thought police" is very dangerous.

[zonerboy]

Blurred Lines. If you think the lyrics are offensive, you should try viewing the music video. You can preview it for free on I Tunes.
BTW, I used to use the Legion of Decency ratings as a guide to movie selection. If they thought it was offensive, then perhaps it might be thought provoking. Or at least more entertaining than Disney cartoons.

[Chi-Town]

The Blurred Lines unrated video can be found by going to Google and typing in blurred lines unrated. NSFW

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Rape is illegal, but writing a song about it isn't. I just believe that having a "thought police" is very dangerous.

I never said that writing a song about rape is or should be illegal.

I think that a lot of people are missing the point. This song advocates rape. It's not about his wife of 20 years. That is BS story that he made up once people began questioning the lyrics. In fact, Thicke didn't even write the song. It was written by Pharrell Williams.

There is a bit difference between suggestive or even profane lyrics and one that advocates and celebrates rape.

I never suggested that the government censor it. I am just surprised that so many people listen to it and don't understand the lyrics. I am shocked to hear women up on the stages in the squares singing it with a big smile on their face. And I'm surprised that the entertainment department, which is a private entity last I checked allows it when there is other far less offensive music being banned.

[Bruiser1]

I never said that writing a song about rape is or should be illegal.

I think that a lot of people are missing the point. This song advocates rape. It's not about his wife of 20 years. That is BS story that he made up once people began questioning the lyrics. In fact, Thicke didn't even write the song. It was written by Pharrell Williams.

There is a bit difference between suggestive or even profane lyrics and one that advocates and celebrates rape.

I never suggested that the government censor it. I am just surprised that so many people listen to it and don't understand the lyrics. I am shocked to hear women up on the stages in the squares singing it with a big smile on their face. And I'm surprised that the entertainment department, which is a private entity last I checked allows it when there is other far less offensive music being banned.


"And if I really say it,
The radio won't play it
Unless I lay it

between the LINES"

"I dig rock and roll music"

[Number 6]

I never said that writing a song about rape is or should be illegal.

I think that a lot of people are missing the point. This song advocates rape. It's not about his wife of 20 years. That is BS story that he made up once people began questioning the lyrics. In fact, Thicke didn't even write the song. It was written by Pharrell Williams.

There is a bit difference between suggestive or even profane lyrics and one that advocates and celebrates rape.

I never suggested that the government censor it. I am just surprised that so many people listen to it and don't understand the lyrics. I am shocked to hear women up on the stages in the squares singing it with a big smile on their face. And I'm surprised that the entertainment department, which is a private entity last I checked allows it when there is other far less offensive music being banned.

I understand your point. It's just that any hint of censorship scares me.

[rubicon]

Hip hop and Rap have grabbed our young people. Both have thousands of singers but both have only one song. The words are as vile as they come and in my view songs like blurred lines are as bad. I strongly object to the b word being constantly applied to women. It is very demeaning and one wonders where the feminist are at? I tired of the filthy language wherein the "f"word is used as an adjective, verb, adverb and pronoun. I am tired of the sick sex acts and obsession with sex on TV movies video's etc. Sex to young people today is as common as a handshake. Such behavior will steal your soul

The music is catchy and more often heard by young minds that really are very unguarded and passionate. The same kind of passion that can draw them into gangs or cults. Listening to filth like this and not knowing is like being a lobster and immersed in water and not knowing what's happening until its to late. We are losing our way and our souls to sex drugs and rock and roll and along with all of it truly gifted creative people.

Again I pray that the Legion of Decency returns because our society is regressing badly and its starting to look like ancient Rome

Finally I am sick of the sickies who hide behind First Amendment Rights to protect such obvious filth but use this same Amendment to banish religion and religious object from our society

[zonerboy]

Any invitation to another to join you in some activity often involves a degree of urging or gentle persuasion. "Come on, it'll be fun." You'll really like it." "Lots of people say it's great." These exhortations could just as well be about going on a bike ride, as about having sex.
To think "Blurred Lines" advocates rape is taking things a bit too seriously, IMHO. It's popular because it has a catchy tune and a very danceable beat, despite the fact that the lyrics have obvious sexual overtones.
What if the response to "You know you want it" is simply "Not tonight, Dear", and that's the end of the story?
No coercion involved.

[Number 6]

Hip hop and Rap have grabbed our young people. Both have thousands of singers but both have only one song. The words are as vile as they come and in my view songs like blurred lines are as bad. I strongly object to the b word being constantly applied to women. It is very demeaning and one wonders where the feminist are at? I tired of the filthy language wherein the "f"word is used as an adjective, verb, adverb and pronoun. I am tired of the sick sex acts and obsession with sex on TV movies video's etc. Sex to young people today is as common as a handshake. Such behavior will steal your soul

The music is catchy and more often heard by young minds that really are very unguarded and passionate. The same kind of passion that can draw them into gangs or cults. Listening to filth like this and not knowing is like being a lobster and immersed in water and not knowing what's happening until its to late. We are losing our way and our souls to sex drugs and rock and roll and along with all of it truly gifted creative people.

Again I pray that the Legion of Decency returns because our society is regressing badly and its starting to look like ancient Rome

Finally I am sick of the sickies who hide behind First Amendment Rights to protect such obvious filth but use this same Amendment to banish religion and religious object from our society

Now this is what scares me. Oh, but the Humboldt quote is on point. Go figure.

[graciegirl]

I read the lyrics...both the clean and dirty. So glad I was born when I was and still find "Dancing in the Dark" sensuous and romantic.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfn37D6Sj0o

Don't care much for the lyrics to Blurred Lines but glad we have the right to choose what we like and don't like.

[boomerbaby]

Yes it is offensive. I do not listen to todays music. I am stuck in the 60s and 70s music and will stay stuck in it.

[Pointer]

Well said

[Pointer]

Any invitation to another to join you in some activity often involves a degree of urging or gentle persuasion. "Come on, it'll be fun." You'll really like it." "Lots of people say it's great." These exhortations could just as well be about going on a bike ride, as about having sex.
To think "Blurred Lines" advocates rape is taking things a bit too seriously, IMHO. It's popular because it has a catchy tune and a very danceable beat, despite the fact that the lyrics have obvious sexual overtones.
What if the response to "You know you want it" is simply "Not tonight, Dear", and that's the end of the story?
No coercion involved.

I agree, it's all in the interpretation. How kids interpret may be totally different then how our generation does. Sometimes it's just rebellious and not serious. I personally don't like the Rap and what I consider raunchy lyrics. So I don't listen to it. :p

[rustyp]

If people find the song offensive it would not require censorship. The law of supply and demand would take care of it. I believe the underlying point here is that people don't listen to the words of a song and ponder their meaning. Case in point is the popularity of the song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. This is one of the most popular songs in the squares. I often ask people sitting near me "do you know what this song is about". I get a blank stare. They heard the word Hallelujah and that's good enough for them.

[e-flyer]

I agree that both the video and lyrics could be seen as degrading to women, but advocating rape, no way. I think the OP is way off on that one. Heck when I listened to the rap section, I didn't even understand a word he said, I had to download the lyrics to understand it. The lyrics are definitely racy, but on the flip side, it's a catchy tune, with a good beat that's great for dancing or exercise routines. Face it, it's a big hit for the artist envolved, like it or not. I'm against censorship, and I also love the Beatles, so I say "Let It Be"

[BarryRX]

It's the same argument my father tried to make to me about the Beatles. I can assure you that my parents were SHOCKED by The Doors singing Light My Fire, by the Beatles singing Tomorrow Never Knows, by the Velvet Underground singing Heroin, by the Stones singing just about anything, but especially stuff like Satisfaction and Lets spend the night together and Rocks Off, by the Airplane singing White Rabbit or Triad. How do you know when you're getting old.....when the music's too loud! The younger generation is pushing boundaries just like we did. You turned out ok and so did I (well I'm not so sure about me). Here's a quote for you "Our youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter before company; gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.” That wasn't said by a commentator on Fox, it was said by Socrates in Ancient Greece.

[Tennisnut]

It's the same argument my father tried to make to me about the Beatles. I can assure you that my parents were SHOCKED by The Doors singing Light My Fire, by the Beatles singing Tomorrow Never Knows, by the Velvet Underground singing Heroin, by the Stones singing just about anything, but especially stuff like Satisfaction and Lets spend the night together and Rocks Off, by the Airplane singing White Rabbit or Triad. How do you know when you're getting old.....when the music's too loud! The younger generation is pushing boundaries just like we did. You turned out ok and so did I (well I'm not so sure about me). Here's a quote for you "Our youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter before company; gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.” That wasn't said by a commentator on Fox, it was said by Socrates in Ancient Greece.

Well said. It is apparent that sometimes as we get older, we forget where we came from. Is the world such a bad place as a result of the rebellious 60's. Will it be any better or worse as a result of today's youth? One world.

[rubicon]

I would agree that we are products of our environment and that we consciously work at preserving that environment. I grew up in an environment that taught me respect for my body, my mind, my beliefs, women, etc. I don't swear, I never took drugs and believe intimacy should be private and between a husband and wife. I believe in a strong work ethic. I try always to be kind and considerate I leaned that these beliefs drew people closer to me. I am by nature a populist have come to the aid more times than I can remember to protect or assist those who are disadvantaged for any number of reasons. I AM THE MAJORITY OF THE AMERICAN POPULATION.

I am concerned that for selfish reasons some people play the 1st amendment card to attempt to obfuscate unbecoming behavior. I am concerned that they are winning this war and this great nation will lose its soul.

If you believe this is an overstatement simply look at what is being played in our movie theaters ,television (pay or commercial viewing) behavior on the streets of our cities , schools, governments, etc. Everybody has rights but no one has responsibilities Why is it so many are sinking to the lowest common denominator? Where is our moral imperative?

[Chi-Town]

It's the same argument my father tried to make to me about the Beatles. I can assure you that my parents were SHOCKED by The Doors singing Light My Fire, by the Beatles singing Tomorrow Never Knows, by the Velvet Underground singing Heroin, by the Stones singing just about anything, but especially stuff like Satisfaction and Lets spend the night together and Rocks Off, by the Airplane singing White Rabbit or Triad. How do you know when you're getting old.....when the music's too loud! The younger generation is pushing boundaries just like we did. You turned out ok and so did I (well I'm not so sure about me). Here's a quote for you "Our youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter before company; gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.” That wasn't said by a commentator on Fox, it was said by Socrates in Ancient Greece.
I agree, very well said.

[Cedwards38]

Looks like the only 'blurred lines" are the ones between what is considered decent and indecent by community standards, as has been and always is the case. I say Judge not..............

[dirtbanker]

Let me be the one you back that a** to
Go, from Malibu, to Paris, boo
Yeah, I had a b**ch, but she ain't bad as you
So hit me up when you pass through
I'll give you something big enough to tear your a** in two

There rest of the song is not quite as explicit, but it is still advocating rape.

Not sure where anyone would get the idea it advocates rape?

Let me be the one you back that a** to
I interpret that as a woman flaunting her stuff on the dance floor and he is hoping she will flaunt it directly towards him.

Yeah, I had a b**ch, but she ain't bad as you
I believe he is referencing his former lady and stating she was crabby and not as good looking as this new woman that he is attracted to.

So hit me up when you pass through
I assume he is letting the girl know he would like to spend some more time with her when she is in the neighborhood.

I'll give you something big enough to tear your a** in two This is unusual...the guy is proclaiming that if she wants to have sex; he will go at it like there is no tomorrow (yeah, he is talking longer than 3 minutes folks).

[Abby10]

I would agree that we are products of our environment and that we consciously work at preserving that environment. I grew up in an environment that taught me respect for my body, my mind, my beliefs, women, etc. I don't swear, I never took drugs and believe intimacy should be private and between a husband and wife. I believe in a strong work ethic. I try always to be kind and considerate I leaned that these beliefs drew people closer to me. I am by nature a populist have come to the aid more times than I can remember to protect or assist those who are disadvantaged for any number of reasons. I AM THE MAJORITY OF THE AMERICAN POPULATION.

I am concerned that for selfish reasons some people play the 1st amendment card to attempt to obfuscate unbecoming behavior. I am concerned that they are winning this war and this great nation will lose its soul.

If you believe this is an overstatement simply look at what is being played in our movie theaters ,television (pay or commercial viewing) behavior on the streets of our cities , schools, governments, etc. Everybody has rights but no one has responsibilities Why is it so many are sinking to the lowest common denominator? Where is our moral imperative?

Great post! I subscribe to your way of thinking. As a boomer, I often wonder if I am in the majority where my generation is concerned or if I am just an old soul at heart. For the sake of our country, i pray that I am the majority. Thanks for your post.

[rubicon]

Great post! I subscribe to your way of thinking. As a boomer, I often wonder if I am in the majority where my generation is concerned or if I am just an old soul at heart. For the sake of our country, i pray that I am the majority. Thanks for your post.

Abby: Thank you for taking the time to read my post and thank you for being of like-kind thinking. I too hope we are in the majority

[Barefoot]

It's the same argument my father tried to make to me about the Beatles. I can assure you that my parents were SHOCKED by The Doors singing Light My Fire, by the Beatles singing Tomorrow Never Knows, by the Velvet Underground singing Heroin, by the Stones singing just about anything, but especially stuff like Satisfaction and Lets spend the night together and Rocks Off, by the Airplane singing White Rabbit or Triad. How do you know when you're getting old.....when the music's too loud! The younger generation is pushing boundaries just like we did. You turned out ok and so did I (well I'm not so sure about me).

Here's a quote for you "Our youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter before company; gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.” That wasn't said by a commentator on Fox, it was said by Socrates in Ancient Greece.

:agree: I think that elders have always despaired about youth, in the time of Ancient Greece and today, in 2014. And most of us turn out OK.