Three Banned Songs from the 1970s That Shocked Audiences

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Music censorship has been a contentious issue throughout history. In the 1970s, several songs faced bans due to their controversial themes, but today, those same tracks seem rather harmless. Here are three notable examples of banned songs from that era.

Country legend Loretta Lynn faced backlash for her 1975 song, “The Pill.” The track boldly addressed the topic of birth control and the struggles of motherhood, questioning the cycle of pregnancy and motherhood. Despite being banned by some country radio stations, “The Pill” reached No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Another song that stirred controversy was Donna Summer‘s sultry disco hit released in the mid-1970s. Critics cited its sensual lyrics and moaning vocals, leading the BBC to refuse airplay. Nonetheless, the song found its way into clubs, soaring to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Finally, punk rock band Sex Pistols released “God Save The Queen” in 1977, which faced outright bans in the UK. The song satirically criticized the monarchy, leading to backlash from figures like BBC Radio 2 controller Charles McLelland, who called it “gross bad taste.” Despite this, it peaked at No. 2 on the NME charts, demonstrating the rebellious spirit of the punk movement.

These cases highlight how music can push boundaries and challenge societal norms, often leading to unexpected levels of popularity despite censorship.