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When it comes to music, some songs have a way of wrapping their sexual innuendos in clever metaphors and ambiguous lyrics. These tracks often sound innocent or romantic on the surface, but a deeper listen reveals a world of suggestive meanings. Here’s a look at ten songs that fit this description, showcasing their clever wordplay and double entendres.
1. “Little Red Corvette” – Prince
Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” is a classic example of a song that uses metaphor to convey a deeper meaning. The line, “I guess I should’ve known by the way you parked your car sideways,” raises eyebrows and hints at a passionate encounter. While it initially appears to be a love song about a fast car, the “Corvette” serves as a metaphor for a thrilling and possibly risky sexual experience. Prince’s smooth delivery and suggestive lyrics make this track a timeless favorite that continues to intrigue listeners. The genius of Prince lies in his ability to make the explicit sound elegant, turning what could be straightforward into something layered and mysterious.
2. “Peaches” – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
In “Peaches,” Justin Bieber collaborates with Daniel Caesar and Giveon to create a laid-back vibe that belies its deeper meanings. The line, “I get my peaches out in Georgia…” may sound sweet, but fans have identified a triple-entendre involving “peaches,” “weed,” and “that chick,” alluding to pleasure and desire. The song’s catchy chorus and relaxed tone make it a summer anthem, but the underlying themes of indulgence and sensuality are unmistakable. It’s a testament to how modern pop can layer meanings, allowing listeners to enjoy the surface while hinting at something more profound.
3. “Love to Love You Baby” – Donna Summer
Donna Summer’s disco classic “Love to Love You Baby” is infamous for its breathy moans and suggestive lyrics. The line, “When you’re laying so close to me, there’s no place I’d rather you be…” is a clear indication of the song’s sensual nature. While it may be played at weddings as a romantic ballad, the overtly sexual undertones are hard to ignore. This track is a quintessential example of how disco music often intertwined love and lust in a captivating way. It’s a celebration of intimacy, wrapped in a beat that compels you to dance, making it both overt and subtle at the same time.
4. “Sugar” – Maroon 5
Maroon 5’s “Sugar” is another track that plays with ambiguous lyrics. The line, “Your sugar, yes please / Won’t you come and put it down on me,” could easily be interpreted as a plea for affection and love. However, in the realm of pop music, “sugar” has long been a euphemism for something more intimate. The upbeat melody and catchy chorus mask the underlying sexual connotations, making it a perfect example of a song that is sweet on the surface but has a deeper meaning. It’s like a candy-coated secret, waiting for listeners to unwrap its true essence.
5. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE
“Cake By the Ocean” by DNCE is a playful track that originated from a mistranslation of “sex on the beach.” The line, “Talk to me, baby / I’m going blind from this sweet, sweet craving,” highlights the song’s double entendre. While it may sound like a fun party anthem, the lyrics are loaded with sexual innuendo. Joe Jonas and the band cleverly use food metaphors to convey a sense of desire and longing, making it a staple at summer parties. It’s a cheeky nod to indulgence, wrapped in a beat that makes you want to move.
6. “Milkshake” – Kelis
Kelis’s “Milkshake” is perhaps one of the most quoted songs in pop music history when it comes to innuendo. The line, “My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,” is a clear metaphor for sexual allure. The playful and catchy nature of the song makes it memorable, but it’s the underlying meaning that keeps listeners intrigued. Kelis’s confident delivery and the song’s infectious beat have solidified its place in pop culture as a quintessential example of sexual ambiguity. It’s a playful boast wrapped in rhythm, inviting interpretation and admiration.
7. “What’s New Pussycat?” – Tom Jones
Tom Jones’s classic “What’s New Pussycat?” may sound like a lighthearted love song, but the nickname “pussycat” and the playful tone suggest more than meets the eye. The line, “What’s new pussycat? Whoa-oh-oh-oh…” has a flirtatious undertone that hints at a deeper connection. The song’s catchy melody and engaging lyrics make it a timeless favorite, while the ambiguity of its meaning adds to its charm. It’s a playful dance of words and notes, leaving listeners both entertained and intrigued.
8. “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” is a smooth and sultry track that leaves little to the imagination. The line, “If you believe in love, let’s get it on,” is a direct invitation to intimacy. Gaye’s soulful delivery and the song’s romantic undertones make it a classic, but the straightforward nature of its lyrics also allows for a level of ambiguity. While it’s clearly about love and desire, the way Gaye presents it elevates the song to an art form. It’s a masterclass in seduction through sound, where every note and word beckons you closer.
9. “Strawberry Fields Forever” – The Beatles
Though not overtly sexual, The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” has been interpreted by many fans as having psychedelic and sensual undertones. The line, “Living is easy with eyes closed…” evokes a dreamy, immersive experience that invites interpretation. The song’s ethereal quality and ambiguous lyrics leave listeners pondering its true meaning, making it a fascinating addition to this list. It’s an invitation to dream, to explore the boundaries of perception and meaning, wrapped in a melody that feels both familiar and otherworldly.
10. “Hotter Than Hell” – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa’s “Hotter Than Hell” features intense and suggestive lyrics that explore themes of passion and dominance. The line, “You probably still adore me with my hands around your neck…” raises questions about emotional control and desire. The song’s driving beat and Lipa’s powerful vocals create an atmosphere of intensity, making it clear that this track is about more than just love—it’s about raw, unfiltered passion. It’s a fiery declaration, a sonic embodiment of desire that burns brightly with every listen.
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.
