Radio censors can be strict. We’ve all had the experience of listening to the radio, hearing a song, and realizing it has been censored to the point that it’s unrecognizable. But, there are times when censors fail (or choose) to not block a song from airplay. Check out four songs that somehow made it past the censors, below.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Poker Face” (Lady Gaga)
First up on our list of songs that miraculously made it past censors is Lady Gaga‘s “Poker Fake”. Though radio programmers eventually got wise to Gaga’s play on words in the chorus, P-p-p-poker face, f-f-f*** her face, it went unchecked for a time. For a while after the initial release of this track, fans of all ages were happily singing along to this Gaga track, unaware of the hidden innuendo.
The song reemerged in 2021 thanks to TikTok’s revelation about these lyrics. An entirely new generation was fooled by Gaga and this 2008 hit.
“F*** Tha Police” (N.W.A)
Though it was limited, N.W.A’s “F*** Tha Police” did get some radio play. Despite the central theme of anti-authoritarianism, this song became a massive hit in 1988. F*** the police comin’ straight from the underground, the controversial lyrics read.
Though some radio stations let it pass, the FBI did get involved with this song. They reportedly sent a letter to N.W.A’s label about how the album “encourages violence against and disrespect for the law enforcement officer.”
“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (The Beatles)
The Beatles’ “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” has long been thought to be a coded-message about taking LSD. When you consider the evidence–namely the acronym of the title spelling out LSD–it’s hard to refute this position. Despite this song’s reputation, it did manage to make it past the BBC’s censors.
John Lennon denied this song’s drug affiliation. According to the late Beatle, this song has a much more innocent connotation. Despite Lennon’s objections, the theory persists–and songs have been banned for much less.
“Pumped Up Kicks” (Foster The People)
Back in 2011, the real meaning behind Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” managed to escape most listeners. Fans were too focused on the song’s ear-worm melody to uncover the horrors at the center of the lyrics. Radio stations were equally fooled.
He found a six-shooter gun / In his dad’s closet, and with a box of fun things / I don’t even know what / But he’s coming for you, the lyrics read, revealing a dark story of violence and murder. Foster The People did well in sneaking a consequential topic into a blithe indie-rock hit.
Photo by Hans J. Hoffmann/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.