That One Song

That One Song...

Don't you hate it when a song with a great beat has absolutely horrendous lyrics?  Yeah, you know what I'm talking about.

Blurred Limes

For those of you who don't know what I'm referencing or haven't actually listened to the lyrics.  Here's an edited version of the song.

"Blurred Lines"(feat. T.I. & Pharrell Williams)

[Pre-chorus: Robin Thicke]
OK now he was close, tried to domesticate you
But you're an animal, baby, it's in your nature
Just let me liberate you
Hey, hey, hey
You don't need no papers
Hey, hey, hey
That man is not your maker

[Chorus: Robin Thicke]
And that's why I'm gon' take a good girl
I know you want it
I know you want it
I know you want it
You're a good girl
Can't let it get past me
You're far from plastic
Talk about getting blasted
I hate these blurred lines
I know you want it
I know you want it
I know you want it
But you're a good girl
The way you grab me
Must wanna get nasty
Go ahead, get at me
[Pharrell:] Everybody get up

[Verse 3: T.I.]
One thing I ask of you
Let me be the one you back that ass to
Go, from Malibu, to Paris, boo
Yeah, I had a bitch, but she ain't bad as you
So hit me up when you pass through
I'll give you something big enough to tear your ass in two
Swag on, even when you dress casual
I mean it's almost unbearable
In a hundred years not dare, would I
Pull a Pharside let you pass me by
Nothing like your last guy, he too square for you
He don't smack that ass and pull your hair like that
So I just watch and wait for you to salute
But you didn't pick
Not many women can refuse this pimpin'
I'm a nice guy, but don't get it if you get with me

[Bridge: Robin Thicke]
Shake the vibe, get down, get up
Do it like it hurt, like it hurt
What you don't like work?
 

Yes Spock, you heard correctly.  Blurred Lines = Rape.

So as you can see the lyrics are what I'm gonna term, "A bit problematic."  The title of the song Blurred Lines promotes the idea that the line between rape and consent is in fact a changeable thing.                      Which is WRONG.

 

Rape is sexual activity without consent.  The line between rape and not rape is very clear, did you have clear continual consent throughout?  If yes, Hooray!  If not, that's rape

The lyrics of this song are part of the issue in today's society that deals with the lack of clear understanding of what rape is.  As well as the expectiation that rape is just a part of our culture.  This song became hugely popular and most of the the listeners never took the time to analyze the lyrics.  One of the biggest issues in the song is the repeated line of 'I know you want it.'  Consent is the most important thing to have before and during sex, this line pushes the idea that the sexual aggressor doesn't need consent becuase he knows what the other person wants.  He knows without conversation or communication and in ignoring the other persons wishes, he never gets consent.

This song and others like in music today are an indicatoin of the level of acceptance of rape culture at the current time.  As a whole our society is so immured to the presence of rape that when it presents itself in our everyday lives we don't notice.

The song as discussed in other social media, if you would like to learn more about the controversy and issues with this song check out...
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/13/blurred-lines-most-controversial-song-decade