Rolling Stones to retire “Brown Sugar” due to racist lyrics

[Brennan Huff]

I always knew the song was about black women, but I guess I never really paid attention to the lyrics…

 

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1281459

[RaoulDuke79]

2 minutes ago, Brennan Huff said:

I always knew the song was about black women, but I guess I never really paid attention to the lyrics…

 

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1281459

I always interpreted it as a complimentary song.

[muppy]

1 minute ago, Brennan Huff said:

I always knew the song was about black women, but I guess I never really paid attention to the lyrics…

 

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1281459

***HUGE EYEROLL***** @-@ @-@ @-@ @-@ @-@ off the page goodness gracious SMH I prefer my sugar brown actually...........SMH 

[Brennan Huff]

4 minutes ago, RaoulDuke79 said:

I always interpreted it as a complimentary song.

I would agree but in the age we are living in today, I can see how it could be offensive. I hope my answer didn’t offend you 

Edited October 14, 2021 by Brennan Huff

[muppy]

1 minute ago, Muppy said:

***HUGE EYEROLL***** @-@ @-@ @-@ @-@ @-@ off the page goodness gracious SMH I prefer my sugar brown actually...........SMH 

okay yeah I read the offensive lyrics welcome to 2021....I better hush my beak. Politics intruding on rock music......I shouldnt be shocked and Im not but I dont like it.....

[Brennan Huff]

2 minutes ago, Muppy said:

***HUGE EYEROLL***** @-@ @-@ @-@ @-@ @-@ off the page goodness gracious SMH I prefer my sugar brown actually...........SMH 

I like eating cream of wheat with a ton of brown sugar 

[muppy]

Just now, Brennan Huff said:

I like eating cream of wheat with a ton of brown sugar 

how come she dances so good.....I think cuz she likes it

 

Im sorry Brennan this stuff is getting on some of my last nerves just sayin'.......hushing my beak.

[Metal Man]

Guess ZZ Top better take notice.

[Brennan Huff]

2 minutes ago, Muppy said:

how come she dances so good.....I think cuz she likes it

 

Im sorry Brennan this stuff is getting on some of my last nerves just sayin'.......hushing my beak.

I agree Muppy. It’s only going to keep getting worse too

[muppy]

Just now, Brennan Huff said:

I agree Muppy. It’s only going to keep getting worse too

smh thats all Ive got left Brennan................its 2021. 

3 minutes ago, Metal Man said:

Guess ZZ Top better take notice.

yeah Jesus left Chicago and was bound for New Orleans...someone gonna be mad about that too ? Not to belabor but I concur.

[Metal Man]

2 minutes ago, Muppy said:

yeah Jesus left Chicago and was bound for New Orleans...someone gonna be mad about that too ? Not to belabor but I concur.

 

Was actually referencing this:

 

But I wouldn't be surprised if someone got on to your thought as well.... or can even see a call to cancel Tush, Tube Snake Boogie, or Pearl Necklace. 
Ha, now that I think about it ZZ Top really did have a flair for the sexual innuendo in a lot of their tunes.

 

[Jauronimo]

9 minutes ago, Metal Man said:

 

Was actually referencing this:

 

But I wouldn't be surprised if someone got on to your thought as well.... or can even see a call to cancel Tush, Tube Snake Boogie, or Pearl Necklace. 
Ha, now that I think about it ZZ Top really did have a flair for the sexual innuendo in a lot of their tunes.

 

The entirety of rock, rap, and pop is one big innuendo.  

[Greg S]

If songs are being "retired" because of PC BS then shouldn't 90% of rap songs be "retired' as well?

[The Poojer]

Is some girls next?

[Gugny]

Island Girl by Elton John:

 

I see your teeth flash, Jamaican honey so sweet
Down where Lexington cross 47th Street
Oh she's a big girl, she's standing six-foot three
Turning tricks for the dudes in the big city

Island girl
What you wanting with the white man's world?
Island girl
Black boy want you in his island world

He want to take you from the racket boss
He want to save you, but the cause is lost
Island girl, island girl, island girl
Tell me what you wanting with the white man's world

Well she's black as coal, but she burn like a fire
And she wrap herself around you like a well-worn tire
You feel her nail scratch your back just like a rake, oh oh
He one more gone, he one more John who make the mistake

Island girl
What you wanting with the white man's world?
Island girl
Black boy want you in his island world

He want to take you from the racket boss
He want to save you, but the cause is lost
Island girl, island girl, island girl
Tell me what you wanting with the white man's world

Island girl
What you wanting with the white man's world?
Island girl
Black boy want you in his island world

He want to take you from the racket boss
He want to save you, but the cause is lost
Island girl, island girl, island girl
Tell me what you wanting with the white man's world
 

[Bill from NYC]

42 minutes ago, The Poojer said:

Is some girls next?

You beat me to it Pooj!!!!! That would seem to be WAY more offensive (if you care to be offended) than Brown Sugar!!!!

[T&C]

Don't see where they said they were going to retire it... they said they might bring it back.

[gdabillsfan]

I was always told that the song had hidden meanings. The line "scared old slaver" was sky dog slaver, referring to Duane Allman, his nickname because he was all ways high. Brown sugar was referring to heroin.

[Bill from NYC]

When my daughter (who is 1/2 Puerto Rican) was doing her undergrad at Dartmouth, she wrote a paper about how the movie "West Side Story" set back Puerto Rican women "20 - 30 years". She cited the character "Anita" saying how she liked it that Bernardo was alway so hot after a rumble (or words to that affect). Also, the fact that the ever so pure "Maria" was ready for sex with a man who just killed her brother. I would bet money that this outrageous scenario never happened in world history. Quite the contrary. Interestingly, she didn't think that the intent of the movie was to be offensive. 

The paper turned out to be something of a big deal at her school and her points above (along with other observations) were actually pretty tough to argue against. I mean really, a romp in the hay after I killed your brother? Yeah, OK. I had seen the movie numerous times and she had never brought up her views on it.  I also admit that I never gave any thought to her valid claims before I read her paper.

 

My question is, should "West Side Story" be cancelled? I think not. Despite the above, there was also a good message, however dated. But many folks have every right (imo) to be offended by this movie if they choose to. 

So, what should we do?

Edited October 14, 2021 by Bill from NYC

[Metal Man]

18 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

So, what should we do?

 

This may be too simplistic for a lot of people but for me if there is a song, movie, actor, comedian.... that I don't like then I don't watch/listen to them.

 

There are definitely artists who rub me the wrong way that tons of people love and lots of shows/movies that give me negative reactions. In those cases I just avoid them going forward but in no way do I see a benefit in making everyone give them up to suit my personal preferences.

 

[RaoulDuke79]

3 hours ago, Greg S said:

If songs are being "retired" because of PC BS then shouldn't 90% of rap songs be "retired' as well?

 

Almost seems like it's not the message, but who delivers the message in what forum. Music is art so that is open for interpretation. Business is Business. Toe the line.

Edited October 14, 2021 by RaoulDuke79

[Motorin']

2 hours ago, Brennan Huff said:

I always knew the song was about black women, but I guess I never really paid attention to the lyrics…

 

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1281459

 

Oh... I always thought it was about heroine. 

[RaoulDuke79]

11 minutes ago, Motorin' said:

 

Oh... I always thought it was about heroine. 

I thought it was about  the enjoyment of sexual relations with black women.   I guess that is the beauty about art there are many different interpretations

[Buffalo716]

It's literally a song about the historical context of slave masters

 

People are pussies

[BillsShredder83]

25 minutes ago, RaoulDuke79 said:

I thought it was about  the enjoyment of sexual relations with black women.   I guess that is the beauty about art there are many different interpretations

Call me Picasso 😎

[Buffalo716]

2 hours ago, gdabillsfan said:

I was always told that the song had hidden meanings. The line "scared old slaver" was sky dog slaver, referring to Duane Allman, his nickname because he was all ways high. Brown sugar was referring to heroin.

The Stones always put innuendos in their songs 

 

But mick was absolutely talking about the historical context of slavery as well.. he knows how to mix sex drugs pleasure and history 

 

Original title of the song was black p****, he even thought it was too insensitive 

 

But the opening line... Gold Coast slave ship bound for the cotton fields.. absolutely sets the stage for the song

Edited October 14, 2021 by Buffalo716

[LeGOATski]

As long as it stays on my Spotify playist, I don't care what they do.

[BillsShredder83]

9 minutes ago, LeGOATski said:

As long as it stays on my Spotify playist, I don't care what they do.

Unrelated note, you're currently rocking my fav avatar on the board!

[Buffalo716]

On a side note 

 

I saw the rolling Stones last week and they were still rocking!

 

 

 

[RaoulDuke79]

33 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

On a side note 

 

I saw the rolling Stones last week and they were still rocking!

 

 

 

That in itself is pretty damn amazing. 

[Max Fischer]

4 hours ago, Bill from NYC said:

When my daughter (who is 1/2 Puerto Rican) was doing her undergrad at Dartmouth, she wrote a paper about how the movie "West Side Story" set back Puerto Rican women "20 - 30 years". She cited the character "Anita" saying how she liked it that Bernardo was alway so hot after a rumble (or words to that affect). Also, the fact that the ever so pure "Maria" was ready for sex with a man who just killed her brother. I would bet money that this outrageous scenario never happened in world history. Quite the contrary. Interestingly, she didn't think that the intent of the movie was to be offensive. 

The paper turned out to be something of a big deal at her school and her points above (along with other observations) were actually pretty tough to argue against. I mean really, a romp in the hay after I killed your brother? Yeah, OK. I had seen the movie numerous times and she had never brought up her views on it.  I also admit that I never gave any thought to her valid claims before I read her paper.

 

My question is, should "West Side Story" be cancelled? I think not. Despite the above, there was also a good message, however dated. But many folks have every right (imo) to be offended by this movie if they choose to. 

So, what should we do?

 

I think the best thing thing is to listen to people like your daughter and then determine if something should or could be done.  Discussion of Shakespeare's "the Merchant of Venice" has really heated up over the past 25 years. It's a fantastic play but also has some very troubling messaging. Lately, most productions have not tried to hide the concerning undertones and instead, highlight the problems in a productive way. It's very difficult to do.  Interesting to see what, if anything, Spielberg does in his upcoming movie. 

 

Conversely, IMO, the worst thing to do is ignore the issue. Art is meant to invoke feelings and in the case of "Brown Sugar," it's a great song but if the writers believe they made a mistake in it's meaning and/or lyrics, who are we to say they're wrong?

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

Lou Reed is dead so Take a walk on the side is safe. LMAO

[Rico]

Great lyrics to a perfect song. 

 

Whether they play it anymore is irrelevant to me, I’ve seen it played enough times in my life. 

[Marv's Neighbor]

When will all this get to Rap lyrics, and, dare I say, the last 6-7 Super Bowl half time shows.

[Rico]

5 hours ago, Bill from NYC said:

When my daughter (who is 1/2 Puerto Rican) was doing her undergrad at Dartmouth, she wrote a paper about how the movie "West Side Story" set back Puerto Rican women "20 - 30 years". She cited the character "Anita" saying how she liked it that Bernardo was alway so hot after a rumble (or words to that affect). Also, the fact that the ever so pure "Maria" was ready for sex with a man who just killed her brother. I would bet money that this outrageous scenario never happened in world history. Quite the contrary. Interestingly, she didn't think that the intent of the movie was to be offensive. 

The paper turned out to be something of a big deal at her school and her points above (along with other observations) were actually pretty tough to argue against. I mean really, a romp in the hay after I killed your brother? Yeah, OK. I had seen the movie numerous times and she had never brought up her views on it.  I also admit that I never gave any thought to her valid claims before I read her paper.

 

My question is, should "West Side Story" be cancelled? I think not. Despite the above, there was also a good message, however dated. But many folks have every right (imo) to be offended by this movie if they choose to. 

So, what should we do?

Original might be canceled, Spielberg’s remake is coming out at Xmas.

[RaoulDuke79]

12 hours ago, Marv's Neighbor said:

When will all this get to Rap lyrics, and, dare I say, the last 6-7 Super Bowl half time shows.

There's another thread about this, and several people were railing the OP, but in the interest of consistency I think it may be a valid question......As I mentioned I don't think it's about the message or content, I think it's about who is delivering it. The same phrases could be said by several different groups and would be judged differently. 

Edited October 15, 2021 by RaoulDuke79

[muppy]

7 hours ago, Brennan Huff said:

I agree Muppy. It’s only going to keep getting worse too

brennan I just realized something oh my. The expression "well hush my beak" was taken from the Disney Movie Dumbo (the black crows well lookey here did you see that elephant fly)..I always liked it cuz it meant shut my mouth. But the crows dialogue in that movie was seen as racially insensitive/inappropriate and I believe it has also been censured...well Hush My Beak!

 

SMH

 

and my friend pepe le pew hasnt faired well either.  He was an obnoxious skunk but I was never offended I liked his accent LOL

 

some times ya just gotta laugh. Funny isnt fun anymore depends on who you ask.

 

Yep.

Edited October 14, 2021 by Muppy

[Bill from NYC]

12 hours ago, Max Fischer said:

 

Art is meant to invoke feelings and in the case of "Brown Sugar," it's a great song but if the writers believe they made a mistake in it's meaning and/or lyrics, who are we to say they're wrong?

Agreed but I resent it when political lynch mobs want to force their opinions on others. Members of these mobs have their own crosses to bear, trust me.

[Marv's Neighbor]

All this will pass!  Remember a few years ago when some had a problem with Somethin for Nothin lyrics.  A Toronto station played it non-stop for 24 hrs., in protest of the perceived "problem.". That was 7-8 years ago, and all forgotten now.

[RaoulDuke79]

3 minutes ago, Marv's Neighbor said:

All this will pass!  Remember a few years ago when some had a problem with Somethin for Nothin lyrics.  A Toronto station played it non-stop for 24 hrs., in protest of the perceived "problem.". That was 7-8 years ago, and all forgotten now.

Brace yourself my friend. Christmas is rolling around again, so keep your ear plugs handy or otherwise be ready to experience all of the atrocities spewed forth in "Baby It's Cold Outside".