As I’m driving with my little ones, the latest track from Cardi B, “I Like It,” fills the car. It’s our first time hearing it, and my kids are in love with Cardi B. I’m thrilled that their favorite artist is a strong woman, so we dance and laugh at the quirky lyric about sock-like Balenciagas. But then Cardi sings, “Beat it up like piñatas.”
Seated in the driver’s seat, I’m grateful my kids are in the back; I can only imagine my face resembling a shocked emoji. I brace myself for the inevitable question from my inquisitive 10-year-old: “Mom, what does that mean?” Panic sets in as I contemplate how to explain it. I could say it’s not suitable for their age, but that would only spark more curiosity—and what if he looks it up later? Thankfully, my 6-year-old shifts the conversation to Minecraft, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Later, I secretly Google “beat it up like piñatas meaning,” and to my relief, the results are vague enough to keep my kids in the dark.
While I’m open to discussing sex with my children in ways appropriate for their ages, this particular lyric has so many complex meanings—sex, consent, hip-hop culture—that I know they’re not ready for any of it. They’re still in Sex Ed 101, while “beating it up like piñatas” is more of a Senior Seminar topic.
Since the rise of FM radio, questionable lyrics have been part of the music landscape. While I’m okay with that, there are certain songs I’d prefer to avoid explaining to my kids at their current ages. Here are five pop hits I hope they don’t ask about:
- Dua Lipa, “New Rules.”
This catchy tune has a lyric that goes, “You know you’re going to wake up in his bed in the morning/And if you’re under him, you’re not getting over him.” It’s a clever line, but I’m not ready to delve into the intricacies of physical intimacy just yet. - Cardi B, “Bodak Yellow.”
It’s cringe-worthy when my kids rap along until we hit a line where she mentions, “My p**** feel like a lake.” The radio bleeps it out, but I can only hope they don’t realize what’s been censored. I’d rather wait until they’re in 5th grade before we tackle that subject. - Ariana Grande, “Side to Side.”
This song has been interpreted as referencing post-coital discomfort. Just thinking about having to explain that to my kids makes me wince. - Post Malone featuring 21 Savage, “Rockstar.”
While I enjoy Post Malone’s unique vibe, there’s a line that makes me want to duck down in my seat: “Hit it from the back/Pulling on her tracks/And now she’s screaming out ‘No mas.’” If my kids ask about it, I’ll just pretend I don’t understand. - G-Eazy, “No Limit.”
In this chorus, A$AP Rocky states, “If I hit it one time, I’ma pipe her/If I hit it two times, then I like her.” On a scale of 1 to 10, this song is a 12 in terms of misogyny, and I’ll quickly switch the station if it comes on. I can use it as a teaching moment about respect for women—once they’re older, of course.
We live in a world where risqué lyrics are unavoidable unless I turn off the radio or stick to pre-approved playlists. I don’t believe in doing that; my kids will encounter these songs regardless, and they’ll have questions. When the time comes, I’ll explain things in an age-appropriate way and defer topics that are too advanced for now. It’s a delicate balance, and I’m just hoping they remain oblivious to the deeper meanings behind these tracks.
In the meantime, I prefer to focus on more pressing issues, like creating a safe space for discussions about relationships and intimacy. If they ever bring up lyrics I’m not ready to discuss, I’ll kindly explain that we’ll revisit these topics when they’re older.
For parents navigating similar conversations, resources like the CDC offer excellent information on pregnancy, and you can also explore home insemination kits for those considering starting a family.