10 Chilling Hidden Messages In Famous Songs

John Lennon staring straight at the camera.

via johnlennon/YouTube

Discovering eerie hidden messages within the songs can send chills down your spine. Here’s a roundup of the most unsettling whispers lurking in your favorite tunes, real or rumored.

10. “Nightmare/The Dreamtime” (1991) by Motörhead
Motörhead’s “Nightmare/The Dreamtime” from their album 1916 holds a spooky secret when played in reverse. Frontman Lemmy’s vocals reveal a stern message directed at those attempting to censor the band, possibly aimed at their former label or music censorship groups.

9. “Look At Your Game, Girl” (1993) by Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses surprised fans with a cover of Charles Manson’s “Look At Your Game, Girl” on their album The Spaghetti Incident. Despite the controversy, royalties were directed to victims’ families, shedding light on a dark chapter in music history.

8. “665” (1988) by Soundgarden
Soundgarden’s “665” adds a mischievous twist to satanic panic with a playful nod toward Santa Claus, challenging the superstitions surrounding the number 666.

7. “Another One Bites the Dust” (1980) by Queen
While some listeners claim to hear pro-marijuana messages when playing Queen’s hit backward, such allegations are dismissed by the band’s label. Despite the rumors, it’s best to enjoy the music without reading too deeply into hidden meanings.

6. “Intension” (2006) by Tool
Tool’s “Intension” prompts listeners to question conformity with a reversed message urging obedience to parents and staying in school. Whether it’s a playful jest or a deeper commentary remains open to interpretation.

5. “Bloodbath in Paradise” (1988) by Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bloodbath in Paradise” toys with the idea of corrupting music with a backward message referencing “The Exorcist,” adding a touch of macabre humor to the mix.

4. “Revolution 9” (1968) by The Beatles
The Beatles’ experimental piece “Revolution 9” sparked conspiracy theories about Paul McCartney’s alleged death, highlighting the fascination with hidden meanings in music.

3. “Kiss Kiss Kiss” (1980) by Yoko Ono
Rumors surrounding Yoko Ono’s “Kiss Kiss Kiss” speculate on a backward message implicating her in John Lennon’s murder, though such claims lack credibility.

2. “Stairway to Heaven” (1971) by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” faced accusations of containing Satanic messages when played backward, igniting debates over subliminal content in music.

1. “Dinner At Deviant’s Palace” (2001) by Cradle of Filth
Cradle of Filth’s inclusion of a child reciting The Lord’s Prayer backward in “Dinner At Deviant’s Palace” stirs fears of demonic invocation, leaving listeners with an unsettling aftertaste.

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