These ’80s Songs Haven’t Aged Well — and the Lyrics Are Seriously Problematic

The 1980s were a decade impossible to forget—defined by big hair, neon fashion, and even bigger musical hits. Those songs still stir nostalgia in many who grew up during that time. One elementary school teacher and lifelong music fan loves sharing her favorite ’80s tracks with her two sons. Yet every so often, when she revisits one of her old favorites, she’s reminded that not everything from the past holds up—and sometimes, it’s for good reason.

Some of the era’s biggest anthems, once blaring from boom boxes and roller rinks, now sound outdated or even offensive. These six songs haven’t exactly stood the test of time—and one of them, surprisingly, is now disliked by kids even more than adults.

“Money for Nothing” – Dire Straits
Listeners once sang along to this Dire Straits hit without a second thought. But its lyrics include a slur that makes modern audiences cringe. The song is written from the perspective of a working-class man complaining about the ease of fame for MTV stars—a character sketch rather than the band’s own view. Still, the offensive language hasn’t aged well. Many radio stations now censor the slur, proof that what once seemed edgy can later sound cruel.

“Walk Like an Egyptian” – The Bangles
In the 1980s, this upbeat, quirky song was irresistible. It inspired dance moves, hand gestures, and laughter. But in hindsight, its exaggerated imitation of Egyptian art feels insensitive. The dance and imagery have little to do with real Egyptian culture, relying instead on outdated stereotypes. What was once seen as harmless fun now reads as cultural mockery.

“De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” – The Police
Parents eager to introduce their kids to The Police often turn to classics like “Roxanne” or “Walking on the Moon.” However, “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” proves trickier. Its playful chorus hides darker lyrical themes, including a reference to violence that’s difficult to explain to children. Though catchy, it’s hardly family-friendly.

“Parents Just Don’t Understand” – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
This 1980s anthem perfectly captured teenage frustrations about curfews, clothes, and parental rules. But listening to it now, one verse in particular raises eyebrows: a story about picking up a runaway girl who turns out to be only twelve. What once seemed like harmless fun now feels deeply uncomfortable. Even its creators might agree that some lyrics haven’t aged gracefully.

“Girls” – Beastie Boys
At first, “Girls” sounds like a goofy, upbeat tune—simple melody, catchy rhythm, easy to sing along with. But the lyrics reduce women to housekeepers and caretakers, a portrayal that feels jarringly outdated today. The Beastie Boys later acknowledged the immaturity of their early work and went on to become outspoken advocates for gender equality. Still, this track remains a reminder of how different attitudes were back then.

“We Are the Champions” – Queen
One of the most recognizable rock anthems ever written, “We Are the Champions,” has even been dubbed “the catchiest song of all time” by scientists. Yet when a teacher played it for her students, they didn’t hear triumph—they heard cruelty. The line “No time for losers” struck them as mean-spirited, like an anthem for bullying. Though Freddie Mercury’s true message was perseverance, their reaction highlighted a modern awareness: words matter, even in songs about victory.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

These days, the teacher quietly changes the station when the first five songs come on. She isn’t angry—just aware. Pop culture, after all, reflects its time, flaws and all. In the 1980s, few questioned lyrics that today would be seen as sexist, homophobic, or culturally insensitive. Choosing not to play those songs isn’t about erasing history—it’s about teaching the next generation that compassion, understanding, and respect outweigh nostalgia.

And thankfully, there’s still plenty of great music from that era to celebrate—from Prince’s genius to the timeless brilliance of Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. Of course, introducing kids to ’80s music can still raise some awkward questions. When her son once asked what “Darling Nikki” was doing with that magazine, she realized that maybe, just maybe, a few songs are best left in history class.