Surprising Reasons These Popular Songs Were Banned

Published on 10/30/2024
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“Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen

This music was blatantly prohibited for no reason. It all began with a young girl’s father writing a concerned letter to Attorney General Robert Kennedy, blaming the “extreme state of moral degradation” of the country on the “Louie Louie” song. The FBI launched an investigation. According to the F.B.I. investigation, the lyrics appeared to state, “At night at ten / I lay her again / F*** you girl, oh / All the way.” To wit, the song’s single obscenity happened around 50 seconds in, when the drummer loses a drumstick and exclaims, “F***.” Ironically, the F.B.I. did not capture it. Richard Berry composed and recorded the calypso-inspired song with his band in 1957. The Kingsmen covered it after hearing the Wailers’ cover version on local jukeboxes.

Louie Louie By The Kingsmen

Louie Louie By The Kingsmen

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“If U Seek Amy” by Britney Spears

The way Britney Spears sings “If U Seek Amy” seeks an obscenity ban using wordplay. With an accent on “IF U See K,” a pun creates a double meaning for the refrain. Take a listen and decide for yourself. In case it appears unintentional, a short look at her music video reveals her objectives. A raucous party is giving way to a staid domestic scenario, reminiscent of a risqué version of “Mrs. Robinson.”

If U Seek Amy By Britney Spears

If U Seek Amy By Britney Spears

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