Rock and roll is the devil’s music. Well, that’s what adults used to say in the middle of the 20th century, scared new culture, ideas and sounds would enter their homes and negatively influence their children.
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You may indeed think rock is the devil’s music if you listen to these four songs below, which all have their strange messages when played backwards. Were the lead singers calling out to a Dark Master? Or is it just coincidence? Let’s dive in.
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Here below are four classic rock songs the play backwards for eerie messages.
1. “I’m So Tired,” The Beatles
In the mid-1960s there was a rumor that Paul McCartney had died and he had been replaced by a body double. That idea was “confirmed” when people listened to certain songs from the band played backwards, including “I’m So Tired,” which seems to have John Lennon saying “I miss him.” Other songs like “Strawberry Fields” also seem to have messages, like Lennon saying, “I buried Paul.” Oh, The Beatles.
2. “Stairway To Heaven,” Led Zeppelin
There have long been rumors about Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page being into the occult. And if suspecting fans needed any more evidence, all they need to do is play the group’s famous hit “Stairway to Heaven” backward to hear lead singer Robert Plant “say” lyrics like: Oh here’s my sweet Satan.
3. “665,” Soundgarden
The Seattle-born grunge band Soundgarden offers an interesting song to this list. Their track “665” which, of course, is one numeral off the devilish 666, includes the backwards lyrics: Santa is king! / Santa is king! / Hail Santa! Not quite hail Satan, but maybe that’s why the band titled it “665.” Perhaps the code for the jolly ol’ Saint Nick?
4. “Another One Bites the Dust,” Queen
This energetic hit from the British-born rock band Queen also includes a secret message. It’s dastardly if you believe cannabis is the devil’s weed, like some. Indeed, front man Freddie Mercury sings backwards: It’s fun to smoke marijuana. It’s a little hard to decipher, but it’s definitely there. So, think about that the next time you’re on the dance floor and a doobie is passed your way by a fellow Queen fan.
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