Eroticism can be defined as something that
provokes a sexual feeling or desire. Throughout history, songs have played a tremendous
role in the manifestation feelings of eroticism.
When looking for eroticism in modern song, many
people will think of songs like Prince’s “Nikki” or Ginuwine’s “Pony”. In “Nikki”, Prince says [he] “met her in a hotel lobby…She said how'd you like to
waste some time.” Eroticism is evident in the fantasy that Prince can meet a woman and be immediately seduced. In Ginuwine’s “Pony”, he says, “If you're horny, let’s do it, ride it, my pony.” For many people, these “in your face” lyrics
are a suitable way of being provoked sexually.
While the blatantly sexual lyrics of both songs can be viewed as erotic, They reference quick, anonymous liaisons It is my opinion that for many women, subtle references to sex with love are more sensual and therefore, more erotic. These subtle hints create mystery and allow the listener to define their own fantasy.
Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” exemplifies the
subtlety of lyrics that might “turn you on.” Vocalist
Hope Sandoval sings, “I want to hold the hand
inside you. I want to take a breath
that's true…Fade into you. Strange you
never knew.” She may be singing
of unrequited love.
She wants to “fade” or become "one" with a person who has no idea of her true feelings. Knowing that love or desire might
never be returned, is a common theme in erotic songs. The eroticism in this song comes from both the
feeling invoked by the singer’s breathy, sensual, suggestive voice and the idea
that one can yearn so deeply for someone who will never love them back. There is a sense of hope for the singer, but
it is the sense of mystery and yearning that are erotic.
In today's world, it really does not matter whether you prefer blatant or subtle eroticism in song. There is no right or wrong answer It is more important that the connections you make are fulfilling and lead to your happiness.
I totally agree many music now a days in a sense promote having sex but some genres such as rap/hip hop seem to take it in a way of a one night stand. Sex can be in music it just shouldn't be promoted in the way it is sometimes. But some of the songs you listed above are great examples of erotic lyrics.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat as Sam. I'd go on a limb and say that at least 75% of bands and artists nowadays devote at least some of their songs relating to eroticism and sex. A good blatant version would be the "whisper song" by the ying yang twins....but please don't listen to it.
ReplyDeleteOk, Will. You know you can't tell someone not to listen to something and expect them not to! LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh my! I can't say you didn't warn me. An excellent example of BLATANT sexuality. I personally don't find it erotic, but to each his own.
ReplyDeleteSam, You are absolutely right. I think subtlety and hidden meanings are way more erotic than overtly sexual lyrics.
ReplyDeleteKrystyna, you brought a really good point about there being blatant and subtle eroticism in songs. I had never really thought about it that way before. I, too, prefer subtle eroticism more than a blatant sexual lyric. In fact, when a song is so out there (like the song Will mentioned above) it almost makes me feel the opposite of erotic. I think different people prefer different things though, and can have various feelings from the things that one person might consider to be erotic. Just like they say, "different strokes for different folks."
ReplyDeleteI like what your bring to the table on the discussion of eroticism. Music has always portrayed some type of eroticism throughout history and has effected our culture, especially in the modern times of our human history. I feel like the blatant and subtle messages of erotic lyrics in music has, in some way, brain washed us by destroying our comfort zone for what is accepted when it comes to sexual issues.
ReplyDelete