Growing up in the vibrant and wild world of the 1980s, I was raised by a caring, protective Catholic mom named Mary who navigated life as a single parent after my dad passed away. I was right there at the birth of a cultural revolution in music—the emergence of MTV, filled with audacious, eye-popping videos and irresistible hits. I was utterly captivated, glued to the screen for hours on end. Discovering MTV was a happy accident during a visit when I stumbled upon a Heart concert. That moment changed everything for me!
Interestingly, while my cousins were banned from watching MTV, my mom was surprisingly lenient. This was the same woman who would not let me watch Fame at a family gathering due to its R rating—she had no idea about the risqué scenes! Of course, she never really knew what was playing on MTV because we were crafty enough to change the channel whenever the more scandalous videos aired. When she walked in, we’d quickly hit that click! button.
I recently asked her why she allowed us to watch MTV. “Oh, I thought it was just like listening to the radio,” she replied. But Mom, did you not see Madonna rolling around in a sheer lace wedding dress while singing “Like a Virgin”? Nope, we were always too quick for that cumbersome cable box!
Here are just a few 1980s music videos that would have definitely raised eyebrows if my mom had been aware:
The J. Geils Band, ‘Centerfold’
The narrative revolves around a guy’s ex-girlfriend who appears nude in a magazine. I remember wondering, what even is a centerfold? The video showcased girls ranging from innocent schoolgirls to sultry calendar models, all cheerfully flaunting their figures. It made me ponder whether they realized the fleeting fame that came with being in a music video or if they thought they were on the fast track to guest spots on shows like The Love Boat.
Madonna, ‘Like a Virgin’
This was not the sweet, innocent Madonna we once knew. Decked out in black rubber bracelets and spandex, she was belting out lyrics about her latest romantic escapade, claiming it felt like her first time. While being rowed through the canals of Venice, she draped herself in sheer white fabric, casting sultry looks at the camera. How many kids asked their parents what a virgin was after hearing that track? Oh boy!
Culture Club, ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?’
I’ll never forget the first time I watched this video while sipping hot chocolate with my sister. We were utterly perplexed over whether Boy George was a boy or a girl. How do you explain such a gender-bending figure to sheltered suburban kids? It was a conversation starter that left many parents stammering.
Van Halen, ‘Hot for Teacher’ / The Police, ‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me’
These catchy tunes featured some of my favorite artists. The Van Halen video had its fair share of risqué moments, while Sting’s allure in The Police’s song made me ponder whether I’d accept a ride from him—despite the obvious warnings against talking to strangers!
Glenn Frey, ‘Smuggler’s Blues’
With its drug-related themes, this video was likely influenced by the hit show Miami Vice. The storyline of a drug dealer’s life was captivating, even if I was oblivious to the realities of cocaine. Watching this glamorized depiction of smuggling left me intrigued, but thankfully, I was more interested in the music than the message.
The Tubes, ‘She’s a Beauty’
This almost forgotten gem featured circus acts and dancers clad in black latex—hardly a concept I fully grasped at the time. Even without understanding the underlying themes, the catchy tune was unforgettable. The Tubes became notorious for their banned video “Mondo Bondage,” leaving parents everywhere at a loss for words.
So, what controversial music videos did you sneak a peek at while your parents weren’t looking?
In summary, the 1980s music videos offered a mix of scandal, catchy tunes, and cultural exploration that many parents would have preferred their children to avoid. If you’re looking for more engaging content on similar topics, check out this guide on home insemination kits, as well as this resource on pregnancy.
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