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The Beatles – “Revolution 9”
Few tracks have stirred as much mystery as The Beatles’ “Revolution 9.” This avant-garde sound collage, nestled in the White Album, became infamous when fans started playing it backward and claimed to hear the phrase, “turn me on, dead man.” The phrase fueled the wild “Paul is dead” conspiracy, which insisted that Paul McCartney had died and been replaced by a lookalike. The fascination with these supposed clues turned “Revolution 9” into a cultural phenomenon. Countless listeners have tried to find more hidden messages by reversing the song, often reporting eerie phrases or sounds that seemed to connect to the theory. The emotional thrill of unearthing a secret from one of the world’s most iconic bands is undeniable. Whether or not you believe the theory, “Revolution 9” remains a haunting example of music’s power to spark the imagination.
Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” stands at the center of one of rock’s most controversial legends. In the 1980s, religious groups and parents accused the band of embedding satanic messages in the song’s lyrics, specifically the line, “If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow.” When played backward, some claimed to hear phrases such as “here’s to my sweet Satan.” These claims were so sensational that they even led to public discussions and congressional hearings about backmasking in music. The band members have always denied adding any hidden messages, attributing the phenomenon to the human brain’s tendency to find patterns in randomness. Despite the lack of concrete proof, the legend persists, and “Stairway to Heaven” is still dissected and discussed by curious fans and conspiracy theorists alike.
ELO – “Fire on High”
Electric Light Orchestra took the concept of backmasking and turned it into a joke with “Fire on High.” The song’s intro, when reversed, clearly states: “The music is reversible, but time is not. Turn back! Turn back!” This playful message was Jeff Lynne’s way of poking fun at the panic over hidden messages in rock music during the 1970s. Instead of hiding a sinister or controversial statement, ELO made their message obvious and harmless. This approach highlighted just how easy it is to manipulate sounds and fueled a more lighthearted perspective on backmasking. The deliberate nature of the message is a rare example of artists directly engaging with the ongoing cultural debate about subliminal content.
Pink Floyd – “Empty Spaces”
Pink Floyd’s album “The Wall” is loaded with cryptic sounds and lyrics, and “Empty Spaces” stands out for its overt use of a backward message. When reversed, a voice says, “Congratulations. You have just discovered the secret message. Please send your answer to Old Pink, care of the Funny Farm.” This tongue-in-cheek note from Roger Waters playfully rewards listeners for their curiosity. The message blends the band’s characteristic dark humor with their reputation for layering deep meaning into their music. Fans have spent years searching for more clues in Pink Floyd’s work, making discoveries like this one especially thrilling. The cleverness of the message reflects the band’s inventive approach to sound and storytelling.
Queen – “Another One Bites the Dust”
Queen’s funky anthem “Another One Bites the Dust” became the subject of heated debate when some listeners claimed the song’s chorus, played backward, revealed the phrase, “It’s fun to smoke marijuana.” This supposed message prompted outrage from certain parent groups and anti-drug organizations in the 1980s. The controversy led to calls for radio bans and even official investigations. However, there is no evidence that Freddie Mercury or the band intentionally planted any such message. Linguists and audio experts have pointed out that the phrase is likely just a case of pareidolia—where the brain tries to make sense of random sounds. The debate highlights how easily people can find meaning where none was intended, especially when it comes to music and youth culture.
Judas Priest – “Better by You, Better Than Me”
Judas Priest’s “Better by You, Better Than Me” became the focus of a high-profile court case in the 1990s. Parents of two teens who died by suicide argued that the song contained subliminal messages urging self-harm when played backward. The band was taken to court, and the trial drew national attention, sparking a wave of moral panic about the power of music. Ultimately, the case was dismissed due to a lack of scientific evidence linking the song to the tragedy. The ordeal, however, sparked a larger debate about responsibility, censorship, and artistic freedom. It stands as a chilling reminder of how misunderstood art can become a lightning rod for public fear and controversy.
Prince – “Darling Nikki”
Prince’s “Darling Nikki” is notorious for its explicit lyrics, but it also contains a surprising spiritual twist. At the beginning of the song, if you play it backward, Prince says, “Hello, how are you? I’m fine, ‘cause I know that the Lord is coming soon.” This message is unexpected, especially considering the song’s provocative reputation. Prince was known for blending religious and sexual themes in his music, and this hidden message adds another layer to his complex artistry. Fans have debated whether the phrase was meant as a joke, a genuine statement of faith, or simply a playful experiment with sound. The inclusion of such a message keeps listeners guessing and demonstrates Prince’s mastery of musical surprises.
Tool – “Intension”
Tool is a band famous for pushing the boundaries of sound and perception, and “Intension” is a prime example. The song is filled with layered audio and reversed whispers, creating an otherworldly, meditative atmosphere. These sonic textures aren’t meant to shock or scandalize, but rather to draw listeners into a deeper, more contemplative state. Fans often report feeling a sense of mystery and wonder when listening to “Intension,” as if they’re being invited to unlock a hidden world. Tool’s use of backmasking is subtle, focusing more on mood and experience than on delivering a specific message. This approach invites repeated listens and endless speculation about the song’s true meaning.
Soundgarden – “665”
Soundgarden’s “665” is a tongue-in-cheek response to the satanic panic that gripped the music industry in the 1980s and 1990s. The track includes backward messages that parody the hysteria over supposed satanic messages in rock songs. Chris Cornell and the band used humor to mock the idea that their music contained hidden evil. The reversed audio is intentionally absurd, poking fun at the very people who were searching for sinister content. This clever satire helped to deflate some of the paranoia surrounding rock music and showed how artists could reclaim the narrative with wit and irony.
Weird Al Yankovic – “Nature Trail to Hell”
Weird Al Yankovic has always delighted in musical parody, and “Nature Trail to Hell” is no exception. As a joke, he included a backward message that says, “Satan eats Cheez Whiz.” This hilarious phrase is a playful jab at the idea that musicians use backmasking for occult purposes. Weird Al’s approach highlights the absurdity of such fears and turns the phenomenon into a source of laughter. Fans love discovering this Easter egg, and it’s become a cult favorite among those who appreciate his brand of humor. The message is harmless, proving that sometimes, hidden messages are meant to make us smile, not worry.
Missy Elliott – “Work It”
Missy Elliott turned backmasking into an art form with her hit “Work It.” The song famously features the line, “Ti esrever dna ti pilf nwod gnaht ym tup i,” which is simply “I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it” played backward. This clever trick became one of the most memorable parts of the song and helped cement Elliott’s reputation for innovation and creativity. The backward vocals fit perfectly with the song’s playful, confident tone and have inspired countless fans to try their own hand at reversing lyrics. Elliott’s use of backmasking is a celebration of musical experimentation and fun.
Eminem – “My Name Is”
Eminem’s “My Name Is” includes a section of backward gibberish that has kept fans guessing for years. While some listeners have tried to decode the sounds, most agree that it’s just another example of Eminem’s layered production style. The inclusion of reversed audio adds to the song’s chaotic, unpredictable energy, mirroring the rapper’s own persona. Eminem is known for hiding little surprises in his music, and this backward segment has become a favorite among die-hard fans. It also highlights how artists can use sound manipulation to keep listeners on their toes, always searching for the next hidden detail.
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – “Thuggin’”
Freddie Gibbs and Madlib’s “Thuggin’” uses reversed samples to create an unsettling, dreamlike quality. Unlike other examples on this list, the backmasking here is less about hidden messages and more about crafting a unique sonic atmosphere. The reversed sounds give the track a haunted feeling, drawing listeners into a disorienting world. This artistic choice showcases the producers’ creativity and willingness to experiment with texture and mood. Fans of the duo appreciate the depth and complexity that these reversed elements bring to the music, making “Thuggin’” a standout track in their catalog.
The Mars Volta – “Eriatarka”
The Mars Volta are masters of mystery, often weaving cryptic lyrics and reversed audio into their songs. “Eriatarka” is rumored to contain several hidden phrases when played backward, adding to the band’s enigmatic reputation. Fans have spent years dissecting the track, trying to unravel its secrets. The use of backmasking fits perfectly with The Mars Volta’s avant-garde approach and encourages listeners to engage deeply with each song. The band’s willingness to experiment with sound and meaning has helped build a devoted fanbase eager to uncover every hidden detail.
David Bowie – “Station to Station”
Rumors have long circulated that David Bowie’s “Station to Station” features backward chanting or coded phrases, fitting the artist’s cryptic and experimental mid-1970s period. Bowie was well-known for his fascination with the occult, esoteric symbolism, and hidden messages in music. Fans have listened closely for clues, claiming to hear mysterious sounds and vocal fragments when the track is reversed. Whether these elements were intentional or not, they add to the mystique of Bowie’s work and invite listeners to look beyond the surface. This ongoing speculation is a testament to Bowie’s enduring impact and his ability to keep fans searching for answers.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
