10 Songs Banned From The 1970s That Can Never Be Erased

The 1970s was a decade of bold music, and not all of it was ready for mainstream radio. Some songs were so controversial or boundary-pushing that they got banned, but despite the censorship, they left a huge mark on music history. Here are 10 unforgettable tracks from the 70s that got banned, but couldn’t be erased:

Lola by The Kinks
This iconic track tells the story of a young man’s encounter with a mysterious woman, leading to a twist. The BBC banned it, not because of the content, but because of a reference to Coca-Cola in the lyrics. Ray Davies had to change it to “Cherry,” but the song became a timeless classic, still loved by fans today.

Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones
With its explicit lyrics about slavery, sex, and drugs, this song stirred up controversy. Many U.S. radio stations banned it, but that didn’t stop it from becoming one of The Rolling Stones’ biggest hits. Despite the backlash, “Brown Sugar” remains a powerful piece of rock history.

Imagine by John Lennon
A song about peace, unity, and hope, “Imagine” included a line about no religion, which didn’t sit well with South Africa’s government at the time. They banned it, but the message resonated worldwide. Even today, “Imagine” is one of the most iconic and hopeful songs ever written.

Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed
Lou Reed’s track, inspired by the colorful characters from Andy Warhol’s Factory, wasn’t afraid to talk about taboo topics like drugs, trans identity, and prostitution. It got censored in a lot of places, but it became a defining anthem of the 70s that’s still celebrated for its edgy style.

Get Down Get Down (Get On the Floor) by Joe Simon
With its suggestive lyrics and smooth groove, this song was too much for many radio stations at the time. Though it faced censorship, it still became a beloved track, known for its catchy beat and undeniable funk.

Love to Love You Baby by Donna Summer
Known for its sensual moaning and seductive lyrics, Donna Summer’s disco anthem was too risqué for many stations, leading to heavy censorship. It was a major moment for Summer, making her the Queen of Disco and forever leaving its mark on the genre.

God Save the Queen by The Sex Pistols
This punk anthem took direct aim at the British monarchy, calling out the establishment in a way that made waves. The BBC banned it for its rebellious and anti-monarchy lyrics, but “God Save the Queen” remains a punk rock classic, representing the fierce spirit of the movement.

Jet Airliner by Steve Miller Band
Originally, the song featured the phrase “funky radio,” but some stations found it too much and changed it to “funky kicks.” Despite the edit, it became one of the Steve Miller Band’s most iconic tracks and a beloved classic rock staple.

I Don’t Like Mondays by The Boomtown Rats
Inspired by a tragic school shooting, this haunting track was banned by some U.S. stations for its sensitive subject matter. Despite the controversy, it became a powerful statement on violence and a song that still carries weight today.

Money by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s “Money” from Dark Side of the Moon was censored because of the word “bull,” but that didn’t stop it from becoming one of the band’s signature tracks. With its funky beat and sharp social commentary, it’s still a classic in rock history.

Even though these songs were banned at the time, they didn’t fade into obscurity. Instead, they became an important part of 1970s culture, each one breaking boundaries and making a lasting impact on music.