18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio

Olu Ojo
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The realm of music has often been the subject of controversy. Since radio dawn, numerous songs have been banned for reasons ranging from explicit content to outright blasphemy. We delve deep into some unforgettable songs that faced a ban from the airwaves at one time or another.

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18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
demaerre via Canva.com

We delve deep into some unforgettable songs that, at one time or another, faced a ban from the airwaves.

“Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Source: GaHetNa (Nationaal Archief NL) via Wikicommons

In 1958, this seemingly innocent song was banned by certain radio stations, raising eyebrows today.

“Arnold Layne” by Pink Floyd

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Pink Floyd (1989) by Paul Carless via Wikicommons

A reflection on sexuality and gender roles, “Arnold Layne” narrates the tale of a man who covets women’s attire.

“Lola” by The Kinks

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
The Kinks via Wikicommons

Daringly, “Lola” broached the topic of non-binary gender expression. Although it enjoyed airtime in the U.S., it was banned in Australia. Interestingly, the BBC banned it for mentioning “Coca-Cola.”

“The Pill” by Loretta Lynn

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Loretta Lynn by Les Leverett via Wikicommons

Released in 1965, this song celebrated the advent of the birth control pill and its role in women’s liberation. Despite being banned, it remains an emblem of women’s rights.

“Physical” by Olivia Newton-John

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Olivia Newton John by Bert Verhoeff via Wikicommons

Newton-John’s transformation was evident in “Physical,” which stirred controversy for its provocative lyrics.

“Rum and Coca-Cola” by The Andrews Sisters

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Source: Dennis van Zuijlekom via Wikicommons

In 1944, this jovial tune about vacationing and drinking was deemed inappropriate.

“Hi, Hi, Hi” by Wings

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Wings by ETH-BIBLIOTHEK via Wikicommons

Hints of drug use and explicit content led to its banning, yet it found commercial success.

“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” by The Beatles

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
The Beatles by EMI via Wikicommons

Banned in 1967, this iconic song was erroneously linked to LSD references.

“If You’re A Viper” by Fats Waller

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Fats Waller via Wikicommons

This 1943 track openly spoke of marijuana, leading to its ban and use in prosecuting musicians during WWII.

“S* & Drugs & Rock & Roll” by Ian Dury & The Blockheads

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Ian Dury & The Blockheads via Wikicommons

Briefly banned for its drug references, this 1977 hit remains a classic.

“Dear God” by XTC

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
XTC by porcupiny via Wikicommons

This heartfelt letter questioning God’s existence garnered both adoration and outrage.

“Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered” by Ella Fitzgerald

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Ella Fitzgerald by William P. Gottlieb via Wikicommons

The mere word “bewitched” caused its banning on several radio stations.

“God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Source: Louise Palanker via Wikicommons

Merely mentioning “God” in 1966 was grounds for its removal from certain stations.

“Walking on Water” by Eliza Doolittle

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Eliza Doolittle by snowflakegirl via Wikicommons

This 2013 song’s lyrics drew controversy due to their perceived religious undertones.

“F* Tha Police” by N.W.A.

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
NWA by T3flondon via Wikicommons

This unapologetic protest against racial prejudice faced bans, but its message remains relevant today.

“God Save the Queen” by The Sex Pistols

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Source: Anefo Nationaal Archief via Wikicommons

A satirical take on the British national anthem, this punk hit critiqued the monarchy and societal norms.

“Big Boys Bickering” by Paul McCartney

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Paul McCartney by ETH Library via Wikicommons

Taking a stance against political corruption, McCartney’s track remains conspicuously absent from some platforms.

“(We Don’t Need No) Education” by Pink Floyd

18 Songs You Won’t Believe Were Banned From The Radio
Pink Floyd by TimDuncan via Wikicommons

This anthem against systemic educational issues became a rallying cry for many who felt confined by the education system.

These songs, whether banned for reasons big or small, remain etched in our cultural fabric, reminding us that music has, and always will be, a powerful tool for change.

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Author

  • Olu Ojo

    My name is Olu. I am a passionate entrepreneur who loves to write about Pets, Home Improvement Hacks & Products, Fitness, and Travel Lifestyle. I have two bachelor's degrees in Veterinary Medicine and Applied Accounting with a CPA designation. I currently shuffle time between completing a Master of Business Administration Degree Education, Professional Practice, and Content writing. I have freelanced lifestyle content and posts for many top authority websites like MSN, and Wealth of Geeks.

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