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7 Popular Songs That Are Too Rapey

These songs may seem okay at first, but their subtexts are creepy and not to be celebrated.

1. Lionel Richie - "Hello"

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Why: The song itself has a hugely creepy, "confessions of a stalker" vibe. That alone would put it in the conversation to be on this list, but the video? They made the song even creepier. He's a teacher and she's a student in what sure looks like a high school. At the very least this one is "statutory rapey." At the very least.

2. Jaime Foxx - "Blame It"

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Why: There's nothing wrong with getting drunk and having sex with someone Jaime. That can be fine. But if you think she's in a headspace where she should blame it on the alcohol, then she should probably blame it on you, because what you are describing sounds a lot like date rape. Also while we're here...

"She say she usually don't.

But I know that she front.

Cause shawty know what she want."

You should know that "don't," "front," and "want" do not rhyme. In fact, no two of those three words rhyme. Just thought you should know.

3. Grease - "Summer Loving"

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Why: I love Grease. I don't care what that says about me. It's fantastic, and still holds up. That said, "Summer Loving" has a moment in it that ruins the song for me and paints the male cast in a gross "pro-rape" light.

"GIRLS: Tell me more, tell me more. Was it love at first sight?

GUYS: Tell me more, tell me more. Did she put up a fight?"

You know, despite your leather jackets and awesome taste in haircuts, you guys are not nearly as cool as I thought.

4. The Rolling Stones - "Brown Sugar"

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Why: Because it's literally about raping slaves. LITERALLY.

"Gold coast slave ship bound for cotton fields,

Sold in a market down in new orleans.

Scarred old slaver know he's doin alright.

Hear him whip the women just around midnight.

Ah brown sugar how come you taste so good

(a-ha) brown sugar, just like a young girl should."

And there is nothing wrong with writing a song that explores issues of rape. But this marriage of lyric and music is just too celebratory and happy to be a thoughtful exploration.

5. Oingo Boingo - "Little Girls"

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Why: Let's just look at the lyrics...

"I love little girls they make me feel so good

I love little girls they make me feel so bad

When they're around they make me feel

Like I'm the only guy in town

I love little girls they make me feel so good."

In case you think these lyrics are out of context, later he sings about how he's in trouble because this little girl was "just too little" and then says "I don't care what people say." Danny Elfman, the famed film score composer, was the songwriter and lead singer of Oingo Boingo. His involvement in this song has made me reevaluate my love of the "The Nightmare Before Christmas" score.

6. Ben Harper - "Steal My Kisses"

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Why: The chorus of the song...

"Cause I always have to steal my kisses from you

Always have to steal my kisses from you."

Ben Harper, you shouldn't have to be stealing kisses from people. That's a gateway assault if I've ever heard one. Kisses should be given freely.

7. "Baby It's Cold Outside"

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Why: She keeps trying to leave and telling him that the "answer is no." He keeps trying to prolong the night by getting her drunk. If that wasn't enough, at one point she says "Say what's in this drink?" Sure it's the most romantic date rape song ever, but that's a pretty dubious honor. When did we all decide this was okay? Why didn't I get a vote?

We're sure there are more. Add them below in the comments.