How do you feel about profanity in music?
By ulalume
@ulalume (713)
United States
January 10, 2009 11:01am CST
Generally you can find people who disagree with the usage of profanity in everyday life, however some of these people are more open to it when used in art (such as music) and cinema; usually because its attempting to make some sort of point or create an atmosphere of some sort. So, how do you feel? Is it just being more open and honest for songwriters/musicians or is it unnecessary? Is it subjective? If so, how or why?
I personally dont mind it (probably because I dont really mind it in my regular life either). I think in music it allows the lyricist to be more open with the world and what not.
5 responses
@saffrondreams (596)
• Canada
23 Jan 09
I think profanity in music is fine just so long as it serves some sort of aesthetic purpose. I don't it when the profanity is just there to shock people or make the singer sound cool.
1 person likes this
@soulist (2985)
• United States
23 Jan 09
I am not a fan of profanity in music. I listened to a song today and all it was profanity and I was really offended by it because it was all f-word, n-word etc. Every now and then I don't mind, but when it is pretty much the whole song...dont like it.
@DjSatin (136)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Profanity in music? hmmm good question why is there profanity in music? it was the mood of the writer of the lyrics at the time he wrote it or it was their way of expressing what they felt at the time. you must remember when lyrics to a song are written, it expresses what the writer felt and what they wanted to share about themselves or the situation they were in. lyrics are a short story,add music to it, it becomes a song.
more in depth, profanity in songs expresses your right to hear such songs,and the musicians right to record such songs. so in listening to songs with profanity your using your amendment right to freedom of speech. these type are songs are uncensored. heard and played the way the music artist intended them to be heard.
I am a DJ and part owner of a radio station who plays uncensored music so of course i believe that is the way the song should be heard, by those who are adult and want to express their right to hear it. the station is www.crossfire-radio.com if you would like to hear music the way the artist intended it to be heard uncensored. tune in sometime if you believe in your amended right to freedom of speech.
@ulalume (713)
• United States
14 Jan 09
I pretty much agree fully. I understand why it is used, but was interested in other people's take on their feelings of its use. I mostly am asking on account that I have written and recorded a new acoustic song with some 20 swear words to emit my feelings on a certain situation (divorce, primarily). It's not even a matter of directing the profanity at any one person in particular, its just the usage as a whole. I find some people are offended at profanity just because it is labelled "profanity" and likewise "wrong" by societies standards (though, it is inevitably a double standard considering almost everyone uses them, in government and outside. I see it associated with "gangs", "metalheads", "misfits", and "hoodlems" and perhaps this is why it is viewed as a negative thing in my country (USA); however I also find it ignorant for many people living in this society to write all profanity off as the "wrong" word selection or diminishing those who use it to have a mediocre vocabulary (which is not directly the case).
To add, censorship of music is the worst thing anyone could do. I'm glad you play uncensored music. I suppose its okay if a record label or band wants to produce a "clean" and "explicit" album, however just beeping out all the profanity for the sake of censoring is just pointless.
@tjades (3591)
• Jamaica
10 Jan 09
even when Im talking to a friend who uses such languages it is harsh on the ears. I do use them some times myself (mainly when cursing under my breath or something like that) but it is just very abrasive on the ear and nerve when others use it out loud.
I think in music the fact that its played often makes it more offensive than just watching a movie (well some movies) where it is not used throughout.
Thats my take on it and that is how I find I react to the use of profanities. lol
There are some artiste who can be coy and funny in the use of the language but there are many many that are just not fit for air play.
@crimsonladybug (3112)
• United States
10 Jan 09
It depends on how liberally they use it. A few times in the song is one thing but some rap songs (especially) have a curse every other word and that's just not necessary. I guess it doesn't bother me as much when it's used sparingly because I do it myself. People who don't swear tend to be more offended by other people doing it.
