10 70s Songs That Make Us Cringe Today

The 1970s produced some unforgettable music, with many songs still celebrated as classics. However, not every track aged well, and a few hits now stand out for lyrics or themes that feel uncomfortable or out of touch. Here are ten popular ’70s songs that might make listeners cringe today.

1. “Under My Thumb” – The Rolling Stones

“Under My Thumb” was a Rolling Stones hit that showcased Mick Jagger’s rebellious swagger. However, the lyrics depict a controlling attitude toward a woman, painting a dated image of relationships that doesn’t sit well with today’s listeners. The song’s underlying tone comes off as unsettling.

Despite its catchy beat, modern audiences might find it hard to ignore the controlling narrative. While still a defining song of the Stones’ early years, “Under My Thumb” now raises eyebrows rather than applause.

2. “Tonight’s the Night” – Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s the Night” was a huge hit in 1976, but its lyrics can feel uncomfortable today. In the song, Stewart sings about seducing a young woman in a way that sounds pushy. Lines about coaxing her are now seen as inappropriate rather than romantic.

Though Stewart’s charm is undeniable, this track reflects attitudes that wouldn’t be acceptable now. What was once an intimate ballad can feel troubling in light of evolving standards around respect and consent in relationships.

3. “Young Girl” – Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

“Young Girl” is a song about a man’s attraction to a younger girl, and its lyrics are pretty blunt about it. In the song, Gary Puckett pleads with the girl to leave because of her age, making the subject matter uncomfortable and even shocking to modern listeners.

Though Puckett sings of restraint, the storyline doesn’t age well, feeling inappropriate rather than protective. The song is now more likely to raise questions than smiles for its outdated and uneasy theme.

4. “Christine Sixteen” – KISS

KISS’s “Christine Sixteen” was a hit with fans, but the lyrics about an older man’s interest in a sixteen-year-old are hard to ignore today. The song’s subject is openly a young girl, and its lyrics reflect a different time’s views that now seem highly inappropriate.

While the band’s rebellious image drove their music, songs like “Christine Sixteen” feel outdated and uncomfortable. Today’s listeners are far more likely to question the lyrics than embrace them.

5. “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees

The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” is undeniably a disco classic, but some of its cultural impact now feels a bit much. Once seen as cool, the song’s lyrics and the iconic dance scenes associated with it can feel more like a parody of disco than a celebration.

The upbeat theme and signature Bee Gees falsetto make “Stayin’ Alive” iconic, but the song can feel exaggerated to a modern ear. Its influence is strong, but many now see it as more dated than defining.

6. “Run for Your Life” – The Beatles

“Run for Your Life” by The Beatles features some dark lyrics that would be unusual coming from any band, let alone The Beatles. The lyrics talk about jealousy to an extreme level, with lines suggesting harm. Though catchy, the subject matter can feel disturbing today.

In the context of modern standards, the song’s tone seems harsh and unfriendly. This lesser-known Beatles track often surprises fans when they hear its aggressive lyrics, making it an uncomfortable listen.

7. “Aqualung” – Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung” deals with themes of loneliness and alienation, but the lyrics describing the main character as a “creepy old man” watching young girls has not aged well. Though the song aims for social commentary, some of the language feels uncomfortable to listeners today.

The vivid, gritty imagery in “Aqualung” might turn off those who listen closely. Ian Anderson’s storytelling stands out, but the portrayal of its central figure can be more disturbing than insightful for modern audiences.

8. “Brown Sugar” – The Rolling Stones

“Brown Sugar” was one of The Rolling Stones’ major hits, but it’s filled with racially and sexually suggestive themes that feel offensive now. The lyrics, addressing dark topics like slavery and objectification, are unsettling by today’s standards, making it a challenging listen.

The song’s catchy rhythm contrasts with its heavy subject matter, leaving modern listeners unsure of how to react. “Brown Sugar” may remain part of rock history, but its lyrics now provoke discomfort rather than enjoyment.

9. “Hot Child in the City” – Nick Gilder

Nick Gilder’s “Hot Child in the City” topped the charts, but the lyrics about a young girl “running wild” make it less appealing today. The theme of a teenager in an adult world feels uncomfortable, casting a troubling light on what was once seen as a catchy tune.

Though the song’s beat is memorable, the lyrics now raise concerns rather than capturing carefree fun. What might have seemed adventurous in the ’70s now feels too suggestive for many listeners.

10. “In the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry

Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime” was once the feel-good song of the decade, but the lyrics about “drinking and driving” are off-putting today. While it captures a carefree attitude, the song’s references to risky behavior feel out of place with modern values on safety.

This laid-back tune now has undertones that make it less enjoyable, as listeners are more likely to cringe at the casual reference to drinking behind the wheel. What once symbolized freedom now sounds like outdated advice.