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20 Dirty Song Lyrics We Didn’t Understand Until We Were Older
I keep a curated Spotify playlist packed with every nostalgic throwback from my childhood. It’s a vibe. However, every once in a while, a specific track starts playing, and I have to pause and process what the lyrics are actually describing.
The latest realization? “Shake It” by Metro Station. While 11-year-old me thought it was just a catchy anthem about hitting the dance floor, it’s actually loaded with some pretty intense sexual innuendos. (It’s still a total banger, though).
Metro Station / Columbia Records / Via youtu.be
I decided to do a deep dive on Reddit to find out which other explicit song lyrics people failed to notice until they grew up, and the results are honestly a lot to take in. Let’s look at the evidence!
Just a few quick notes before we start. Song interpretations are often subjective, so meanings can vary; additionally, some of these social media comments have been lightly edited for flow. Now that we’ve cleared that up — let’s dive in!
1. “If U Seek Amy” by Britney Spears
Sony Music Entertainment / Britney Spears / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? “If U Seek Amy” is designed as a phonetic pun. When sung quickly, the title sounds exactly like “F-U-C-K me,” which is the entire hook of the track.
“I totally missed the punchline in Britney Spears’ ‘If U Seek Amy’ until just a few years ago. I genuinely believed she was just searching for a girl named Amy at a crowded party.”
2. “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE
Republic Records / DNCE / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? “Cake by the Ocean” is actually a colorful metaphor for having sex on the beach.
“When I was younger, I took the lyrics literally. I pictured a happy couple sitting on a blanket, sharing an actual cake while watching the waves. It took a long time for me to realize the ‘cake’ wasn’t dessert. LOL.”
3. “Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Frankie Goes To Hollywood / ZTT Records Limited / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? “Relax” is a song centered on sexual climax and, more specifically, the act of delaying an orgasm.
“As a kid, I sang this constantly because the beat was so infectious. It was my favorite song… right up until I learned what the lyrics were actually referencing.”
4. “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Sire Records & Warner Music Group / Madonna / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? While “Like a Prayer” utilizes heavy religious imagery, it is famous for using spiritual devotion as a double entendre for various sexual acts.
“I grew up thinking this was an anthem for world peace or social justice. I even performed it in music class for my teacher, who literally happened to be a nun.”
5. “Whistle” by Flo Rida
Atlantic Records & Warner Music Group / Flo Rida / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? The entire metaphor of the song is a thinly veiled reference to oral sex.
“I honestly thought this was just a wholesome, upbeat song about learning how to whistle :(“
6. “S&M” by Rihanna
Def Jam Recordings / Rihanna / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? The title is a direct acronym for sadomasochism, and the track serves as an anthem for bondage, BDSM, and fetish culture.
“I was so little and didn’t speak much English at the time, so I just sang the ‘na na na’ hooks. I played it on repeat but always wondered why the video had an age warning.”
7. “2 Become 1” by the Spice Girls
Virgin Records / Spice Girls / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? This ballad focuses on the physical intimacy between lovers. The line “put it on, put it on” is widely recognized as an explicit reminder to use a condom for safe sex.
“I always assumed it was about two souls merging into one, you know? Not their actual bodies. And I definitely didn’t know what Emma was asking him to ‘put on.'”
8. “Digital Get Down” by *NSYNC
Frank Micelotta Archive / Getty Images
What’s It Really About? This Y2K-era track is specifically about engaging in cyber-sex with a long-distance partner through digital screens.
“I grew up in a very sheltered home with supervised internet, so the concept of cyber-sex didn’t even exist to me. I thought they were just having a fun chat on AOL Instant Messenger 😂.”
9. “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy ft. Rikrok
Universal Music Group / Geffen Records & MCA Records / Timeless Hits / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? The song narrates a play-by-play of a man being caught red-handed cheating on his girlfriend and trying to lie about it.
“I’m not even talking about the chorus. I heard ‘butt-naked banging on the floor’ and thought they were maybe smashing Barbie dolls together while playing on the carpet.”
10. “What I Go To School For” by Busted
Universal Island Records / Busted / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? The lyrics detail a student’s intense, sexualized crush on their teacher.
“Busted was massive in the UK when I was little. Listening back a decade later changed everything. I knew it was about a crush, but the line about ‘dropping a pencil’ so she ‘shows me more’—I literally thought she was bending down to give him extra pencils.”
11. “Lady Marmalade” by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and Pink
Christina Aguilera / Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation / Interscope Records / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? Originally recorded for the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack, the iconic French hook “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?” literally translates to “Do you want to sleep with me tonight?”
“A friend finally explained what the French lyrics in ‘Lady Marmalade’ actually meant, and my jaw hit the floor 😳.”
12. “Sparks Fly” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift & Big Machine Records / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? While mild compared to others on this list, “Sparks Fly” contains several suggestive lines—especially the original unreleased version Taylor performed in 2007.
“I spent the first decade of my life as a Swiftie, but it wasn’t until last year that I realized how suggestive some of those lyrics actually are.”
13. “Rude Boy” by Rihanna
Def Jam Records / Rihanna / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? The central hook of the chorus is a question about whether a partner is “big enough”—a lyric Rihanna has admitted sounds “disgusting” in retrospect.
“I used to belt out ‘Rude Boy’ at the top of my lungs when I was only 13 years old…”
14. “Ego” by Beyoncé
Columbia Records / Sony Music Entertainment
What’s It Really About? Beyoncé is known for being subtle, but “Ego” is widely considered an innuendo for a man’s anatomy. The song implies that his confidence is justified because his “ego” (penis) is so large.
“LMAO, my 12-year-old self was singing this in the middle of the street with absolutely zero shame.”
15. “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
AC/DC / Albert Productions & Atlantic Records / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? This classic rock anthem is a literal description of a night spent having wild, energetic sex.
“It took me an embarrassingly long time to understand the double meaning behind the line: ‘She told me to come, but I was already there.'”
16. “Roxanne” by The Police
A&M Records / The Police / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? The song follows a man who falls in love with a sex worker and pleads with her to give up the “red light” district.
“My biological mom’s name is Roxanne and I grew up in the 80s. I used to tell everyone the song was about her! She absolutely hated it, and I never understood why until I was much older.”
17. “She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper
Portrait Records / Cyndi Lauper / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? Contrary to its innocent sound, the lyrics are an upbeat celebration of female masturbation.
“My Girl Scout troop actually won a lip-sync contest performing this song. We couldn’t figure out why all the parents and adults were laughing so hard.”
18. “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band
Windsong Records, RCA Records & Primary Wave / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? Despite the writers occasionally playing it down, the song is a clear reference to having sex in the middle of the day.
“I heard the lines about ‘rubbing sticks and stones together’ and ‘afternoon delight’ and figured they were just playing outdoor games on a farm. Why wait for the night? Because the sun is out!”
19. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette / Reprise Records / Maverick Recording Company / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? In this raw breakup track, Alanis pointedly asks her ex-boyfriend if he thinks of her while he’s being intimate with his new partner.
“I was 10 when this dropped. I didn’t get what ‘go down on you in a theater’ meant at all. I thought she meant ‘getting down’ like dancing, so I pictured a girl dancing in front of a guy during a movie.”
20. “Shut Up And Drive” by Rihanna
Rihanna / Def Jam Recordings / Vevo / Via youtu.be
What’s It Really About? While using car metaphors, Rihanna is actually singing about finding a man who is “qualified” to handle her in the bedroom.
“I am shocked. I literally thought this was just a song about driving fast cars, but I was clearly very wrong.”
The Met Gala is officially upon us yet again, bringing high fashion and sports together in a major way. This year’s theme is Costume Art, and the official dress code is Fashion Is Art. While actors, musicians, and even politicians step out for arguably the biggest night in fashion, sports stars also show up and show out. In fact, one of this year’s Met Gala co-chairs is the legendary Venus Williams. Let’s take a look at the athletes who graced the red carpet this year!
Venus Williams
John Shearer / WireImage via Getty Images
Naomi Osaka
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
And here’s Naomi with her second look that she revealed as she ascended the steps!
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Jimmy Butler
Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Alysa Liu
Theo Wargo / FilmMagic
Angel Reese
Matt Crossick/Via Alamy
Serena Williams
Julian Hamilton / Getty Images
Dwyane Wade
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Russell Wilson
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Eileen Gu
Matt Winkelmeyer/MG26 / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
A’ja Wilson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Justin Jefferson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Joe Burrow
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Steph and Ayesha Curry
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Keep an eye out, as we’ll keep updating with more photos throughout the night at the gala. Check out the rest of our Met Gala coverage here.
Paul Anthony Kelly recently discovered a universal truth the hard way:
Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
People do not mess around when it comes to Beyoncé on Beyoncé’s internet.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
When Paul was questioned on the Met Gala red carpet regarding his favorite Beyoncé track, the Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette star essentially shrugged off the entire inquiry.
Rob Kim / Getty Images
“I don’t know,” he remarked while shaking his head. “I’m a metal head.”
Cindy Ord / Getty Images
His reaction has been under the social media microscope ever since. A segment of the internet is labeling his tone as dismissive:
“Like immediately and it’s not even the answer. It’s the excessive shoulder shrugs and eye rolls. Like okay miss thing we get it”
@moonniyiasvt/ Not A Real Company Productions / Via x.com
“Sometimes it’s just the tone. He looked like he had an attitude. ‘I’m sorry I’m not really an avid consumer of her music, but she seem so sweet’ would have been a good answer instead of that superiority complex he showed by saying he listens to heavy metal”
@AriesGroove81 / Via x.com
“I’m a metal head too and rarely (if ever) listen to Beyonce but I still have a favourite song of hers. It’s not that deep.”
@ultimateakasha / Via x.com
“Oh….crush cancelled.”
@cinnamonqueennn / Via x.com
“I mean, I agree with the sentiment, but the question was asked because Beyoncé is one of the heads of the gala”
@MercyBuzzard13 / Via x.com
“well he might like act iii then”
lovelanguagc / Via x.com
“Its true but at the same time im sure he could’ve named a song lmao Everybody knows atleast one Taylor or Beyonce song his idk and shrug reaction was kinda disrespectful”
@bb52521601 / Via x.com
“Arrogant, basic white guy attitude. It’s one thing not to know her songs which is fine but the way he said it sounds like he can’t even be bothered to think for a minute.”
@AthenaK11374912 / Via x.com
Meanwhile, others argue that not having a go-to Beyoncé anthem isn’t exactly a felony:
“Yess let’s normalize people having their own music taste, and not trying to ‘fit in’ In a world where everyone wants to fit in.”
@natthewarrior/ / Via x.com
“Not everyone listens to Beyonce, the hive needs to grow up.”
@Lurker_4Lyfe / Via x.com
“They’re about to drag this man for 40 days and 40 nights aren’t they”
@CandidlyCandy_ / Via x.com
“We got to stop pretending certain artists are holy gods and have to be loved and listened to by everyone! He was completely unproblematic and professional and just answered the question honestly! Get off his ass oh my goodness”
@jetteecarlottaa / Via x.com
“I don’t know who he is, but he is literally just stating he has a preference for heavier music. Why do people always have to start drama over nothing?!”
@/jadednerdyspice / Via x.com
“He wasn’t disrespectful, just real. Beyonce is iconic but not everyone’s cup of tea!.”
@chinenye_v32170 / Via x.com
Looking at one side of the coin, Beyoncé actually served as a co-chair for the Met Gala this year. Because of that, several attendees were quizzed on their favorite Bey hits, including Colman Domingo, Angela Bassett, Nicole Kidman, and Chase Infiniti. In context, the question was totally relevant, and Paul’s body language could be seen as brushing off her artistic impact.
Amy Sussman / Getty Images
On the flip side, the world of music is vast and exists far beyond the pop charts. Paul has every right to stay loyal to the genres that move him. Art is subjective by nature, after all.
Thestewartofny / Getty Images
I have a feeling the real JFK Jr. would have navigated that question with a much more diplomatic response.
Bettmann / Getty Images
What is your take on the viral drama surrounding Paul Anthony Kelly and the Beyhive? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Country music is super IN right now.
Scott Dudelson / Getty Images for Stagecoach
And one woman in particular has been front and center…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
ELLA LANGLEY.
Michael Buckner / Penske Media via Getty Images
She recently performed at Stagecoach, and is most known for her hit song “Choosin’ Texas.”
John Shearer / Getty Images for Stagecoach
It’s probably the one song that most men are currently in love with right now.
@alexsoto040 / tiktok.com
Anyway, most women have noticed how the men in their lives can’t get enough of her:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
These men even have a name for themselves: “ELLA FELLAS”:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
And they shout it loud and proud!!!
@camj859 / tiktok.com
So, it’s no surprise TikToker @cassgracef is currently going viral for addressing what she is calling the “Ella Langley Effect.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
In her TikTok that has over a million views, she says, “No one has warned me about this Ella Langley effect and what it is doing to men. All of this happened in literally one week, and it’s insane. So the other day, I was home, and my dad was showering, and guess what he was listening to at full volume? Ella Langley, full volume to the top. I kid you not. I could hear it in my bedroom. It was so freaking loud. And I’m just like, first of all, what is he doing listening to Ella Langley, like, that’s a little crazy that he even knows who she is.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I get in the car with my fiancé, maybe the next day, honestly, maybe even the same day, and he goes, ‘Oh, let me show you this song.’ And what is it? ‘Be Her.’ Of course it is, because that’s what my dad was just listening to in the shower. I’m like, okay, cool, cool, cool. Then he goes, ‘Yeah, she’s like, the HOT—,'” @cassgracef shares before she admits she stopped him. “Whoa, whoa. Let’s back that up. Let’s back that up. I am still here. I am still present. I do still exist. So like, back that up, rescind that.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Continuing, she says, “So we talked about that, and then he was like, yeah, she’s so pretty and gorgeous. And I said, correct, I agree. Maybe not the hottest person you ever seen in your life, because [ME], but she is beautiful and gorgeous. I agree. I concur.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m in the car with my brother, taking him somewhere, I don’t remember where, and he’s like, ‘Hey, can you play this?’ You want me to play ‘Be Her,’ like everyone else wants? Everyone? Yeah, cool, cool. What does he say? ‘Yeah, she’s, like, the hottest.’ I’m like, guys. I get it. She’s beautiful. She’s gorgeous. But all of you saying this and listening to her at the same time, kind of crazy,” she adds.
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m texting in one of my group chats, and one of the guys replies, saying, ‘Y’all gotta listen to this song.’ You’re kidding. You’re literally kidding. What? What does it proceed to be after that? With all the boys? She’s so hot. She’s so hot. Guys, you know who else is hot? Harry Styles. Okay, I love me some Ella Langley, don’t get me wrong, but four people saying that probably literally, within a week, I’m like, what does she have on these men? What is this effect she has going on?”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, while some women would break up with their man after this kind of swooning…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Most think they JUST WANNA BE HER (it’s a reference to the ‘Be Her’ song, IYKYK).
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Oh, and lots of others would rather hear about an Ella crush vs. anything else:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, as a woman who loves country music, I get it. I really do. If you know an ELLA FELLA, let us know in the comments. You can check out Ella’s music online (and I do highly recommend “Be Her”)!
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic
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