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Songs that inexplicably seem gay

 
  • Songs that inexplicably seem gay

    Okay, so sometimes you're listening to a song, and you're like "Hmm, that sounds pretty gay." But there's no obvious REASON for it--you're just making the assumption that all the characters in the song are men or it sounds a bit like it's about coming out of the closet, or something like that. And oh, what a satisfying assumption it is!

    I'm reluctant to add songs like that to the Queerics site, though; I prefer the ones that are too gay to argue with, so you can hit that random button and get six ultra-queer songs in a row instead of a bunch that you have to squint at to see the gay. You know? But still, a lot of these almost-gay songs are really awesome, and I'd love to share them. This group seems like the perfect place for it.

    So here's the place to post your ALMOST GAY SONGS. Off the top of my head, a lot of Smiths/Morrissey songs would fit in here, but since I'm not a huge fan I won't be able to list them. You are welcome to, however! Here are my contributions:

    One by U2. Two of the three music videos for the song seem to support the interpretation that's definitely gay-related: one's full of crossdressing and suggested coming-out, and another is a metaphor for AIDS (which was still very much the Gay Disease in the public's perception when the song came out). Some of the lyrics look kind of gay and homophobia-related, too:
    "Did I disappoint you
    Or leave a bad taste in your mouth
    You act like you never had love
    And you want me to go without"
    You can read them all here.
    I don't think it's a good fit for Queerics because it definitely seems to be getting at some bigger, more universal themes, so I'm reluctant to just label it a gay song.

    Unlovable by Darren Hayes. The only backup I've got for this is that Darren likes dudes and he opts for "king" instead of "queen" in one line. I've resisted the urge to add it to the site because that doesn't seem like nearly enough queer. (I worry about my own submissions more than anyone else's--if someone else had sent me this song, I would've been like "HOLY CRAP, THAT IS GOING UP RIGHT THIS SECOND!")
    Fantastically cheesy lyrics are here.

    Song of Imaginary Beings by IAMX. A lot of people think this song's about a transgendered girl. Chris Corner (who wrote it) does not. Still, the possible interpretation is probably enough to intrigue some of you.
    Lyrics are here.

    Wrapped Up in Books by Belle and Sebastian. This one might be overtly gay enough to add to the site, but I'm not sure, because I see gay in everything. Really, though, "inclinations?"
    Lyrics are here.

    I'll come back with more when I have them, and you should totally put yours here, too. I feel so guilty when people email songs to me and I don't put them on the site! They should be seen by the world! And maybe everyone else here will be like "OKAY, THAT SONG IS TOTALLY GAY, IT SHOULD BE ON QUEERICS RIGHT NOW" and I'll be forced to add them. I'm not the ultimate authority on what makes lyrics queer, after all.

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 25 Feb 2008, 08:33
    OK then. That's a thread of current importance.

    Firstly, Binary Love by The Rakes. I've never been able to point out why it seems so gay to me (may be because I always try to hunt out something queer about songs I like? ;) Just dunno, really). The lyrics can be found here.

    Then, My Body Is a Cage by The Arcade Fire. Cheshworth would confirm that there's something unconventional, so it's not just my far-fetched assumptions. :) Lyrics.

    I've heard lots of songs that may be considered as queer, but, unfortunately, now I can't remember anything else. I will definitely add some new lyrics when I find something new or recall the ones that I'm already acquainted with.

    Edited by a deleted user on 11 Jun 2008, 16:43
  • this keyboard is clunky.

    Man, "One" really DOES seem a bit so. Although I kind of thought 'or leave a bad taste in your mouth' was a reference to a dude coming in a girl's mouth. Dirty, Bono. Please say I'm not the only one who sees that.

    Ummm... I always WANT to tell you to put "Queer" on the site, even though it's more 'odd' in the context of the song. BUT IT'S CALLED QUEER.

    On a similar note, it really BOTHERS me now that I can't find evidence of Shirley Manson bein' queer. I swear there's a quote in a magazine somewhere about how she used to make out with girls. I don't know if that counts because many girls have made out with other girls. So yeah.

    Thinky thinky thinky. Darren must have some other gay songs. I guess "Affirmation" is too much of a stretch - that one line was what sold me on his being gay. 'I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality!' I was like HE'S TRYING TO BREAK IT TO US EASY. YOU GUYS, MY HETEROSEXUALITY IS ON THE ROOF.
    NO, ACTUALLY, MY HET FELL OFF THE ROOF.
    THE HET BROKE ITS LEG.
    THE HET DIED. :(

    I'm in photog right now so I can't really think of anything. Too lazy to get out Noisepebble. I'll contemplate this when I get home! See you latah, cupcake! <3

    You've got the love I need to see me through.
    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 6 Mar 2008, 12:05
    ah! I've just remembered one more song, Ask by The Smiths.

    Nature is a language, can't you read? :) I love it so very much.
    lyrics

    Of course, you can say 'it inexplicably seems gay' about almost every Smiths' song. But who cares? It only means that almost every Smiths' song is perfect, beautiful and lovely. :)

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 10 Mar 2008, 19:11
    we all know that our Lady A[nderson] inclines to write dodgy songs, and I incline to refer them to one of the best guitarists and songwriters ever, Mr. B[ernard Butler].
    Thus, the Imperfection song by our wonderful Tears is an anthem to those beautiful imperfections from which we can figure out respected Bernard.
    I dare to suppose, most of us know their history (and certain features) well enough to correlate some verses with the objective reality and make interesting conclusions. ;)

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 15 Mar 2008, 12:40
    I feel like ready to nag at you with my Bread & Butter obsession again (obsessions is like sex, it's simple and complex)...
    This time it would be Back to You (lyrics) by Brett Anderson. I think it's about The Great Bread & Butter Reunion (also known as the Tears band). Say, 'when the war machines rust eternally, that's when I come back, when I come back to you' as I see it is a mention of the past enmity, dislike and, of course, extraordinary stupidity.
    Those who are also obsessed with adorable Lady Anderson and gorgeous Mr. Butler can read very attentively the lyrics and figure out some proofs of our madness. Or of the fact that we are incontestably right (it depends on your attitude towards the subject).

  • I feel like I should start liking Back To You a whole lot more than I do now. Damn you, Anderson! Wooing me with your subtext!

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 14 Apr 2008, 15:29
    New Generation by Suede (you can see the lyrics here).
    You see, I tend to interpret 'her', the one that is in Brett's head, as a feminine part of himself. So, he takes the acid pill and becomes kind of perfect being, when feminine and masculine parts unite and stand up as one then.
    The new androgynous generation that uses drugs to feel itself more real as I see it, huh.

    And, of course, this interpretation can be at least a little suitable only regarding the whole thing about Brett Anderson and his ‘bents’.

    UPD: the video for the song verifies my guess-work. adorable androgynous girls involved. and Brett doesn't try (ta-dah!) to look as sassy as a dork there.

    Edited by a deleted user on 25 May 2008, 17:49
    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 19 May 2008, 09:40
    To The Birds by Suede. lyrics

    'bicycle' is a widely known euphemism for 'bisexual', and Heaven is a popular gay club in London. oh, and the song is written by Brett Anderson.
    anything else?

    (actually, you can find some other references there if you want to)

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 22 May 2008, 19:20
    Astronaut by Duran Duran (lyrics).

    I can't decide whether there is some gender-bending or not. what win me over to the point there is: 'falling like twins' and 'alien sex'. well, it's absolutely clear about the twins, but what's with aliens? yeah, this amazes me most - the song seems to be more about a genderless being (or at least mix-gendered) rather than about a homosexual one.

    P.S. oh dear, it seems like I'm going to take this thread over. sorry.

    *Cheshworth, would you please think this song over, may be it can be added to Queerics?

  • Hey there! The traffic for this group is tragically low, which is probably why you're the only one posting here. Sad!

    The Duran Duran song is one where I can see how there would be a queer interpretation, but to add it, I'd need backup from an interview, or at least a very popular opinion. To me, "alien sex" would suggest a woman, because as a man, that gender would be alien to him. Of course, if he were used to women and he was trying it with a boy for the first time, that could be an alien experience, too...

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 29 May 2008, 14:44
    Reel Around the Fountain by The Smiths (lyrics).
    in fact, I know exactly why this song inexplicably seems gay. yes, because it's written by The Smiths. well, never mind, never mind...

    'how you took a child and you make him old'
    as far as I'm concerned, there is a reference to sex as I see it. so, if the subject of the song is a man (the one that took a child), then, there's a reference to some sort of a homosexual affair. and 'child' is just an allusion to virginity, physical or mental (in case the narrator, who seems to be the very child, has never experienced it that way).
    what is more,
    'people see no worth in you' -
    good old conflict with society. a conflict of a gay man with society in particular. as a matter of fact, this topic is quite typical of The Smiths.

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 12 Jun 2008, 12:26
    Boys by The Beatles (lyrics)

    well, he talks about boys...
    I WANT it to be queer.

    Alright, George!

  • sudwestfreund said:
    we all know that our Lady A[nderson] inclines to write dodgy songs, and I incline to refer them to one of the best guitarists and songwriters ever, Mr. B[ernard Butler].
    Thus, the Imperfection song by our wonderful Tears is an anthem to those beautiful imperfections from which we can figure out respected Bernard.
    I dare to suppose, most of us know their history (and certain features) well enough to correlate some verses with the objective reality and make interesting conclusions. ;)


    Oh, Weed, you're fantastic. I'm so guilty of pretending "Imperfection" is about Bernard and that Brett is telling us things about him that would be REALLY CUTE like hands in his pockets and tasting of orange chocolate!

    I also like to imagine "Dust & Rain" on Brett's debut album is about Bernard because of the dark brown voice (I have no idea why, but I guess if I chose a color for Bernard's voice it would be a nice brown) and the whole I AM THE DUST AND YOU ARE THE RAIN. GOD YOU ARE LIKE AN ADDICTION THAT I CANNOT ESCAPE BERNARD I LOVE YOU slant.

    For that matter, I pretend "Refugees" is about them, too. Don't say there's nothing between us! LET'S JUST SAY THEY ALL ARE. WHY NOT. EVEN THE ONES ABOUT DRUGS AND POLITICS AND INSANE ASYLUMS.

    You've got the love I need to see me through.
  • sudwestfreund said:
    Reel Around the Fountain by The Smiths (lyrics).
    in fact, I know exactly why this song inexplicably seems gay. yes, because it's written by The Smiths. well, never mind, never mind...


    This one's actually on my list of songs I need to add to Queerics eventually. "You can pin and mount me, like a butterfly!"

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 16 Jun 2008, 22:25
    thanks so very much, Jess. :D
    and you're right. as usual.
    all the songs ever written by Brett Anderson are dedicated to Bernard Butler. by all means. even the songs written with this little sucker Richard. even the ones written with gorgeous Neil. whatsofuckingever. well, may be except the songs about sad gay affairs. (well, may be even the ones about sad love affairs are dedicated to adorable Mr Butler. 'cos they all are). and the songs meant to be about Brett's girlfriend just make it absolutely clear that she's ugly-stupid-bad in general.
    sorry Brett's girlfriend. but you know Bernie is much more adorable, beautiful, talented, stunning, etc. no racism.

    just because we are wonderful sometimes/say so.

    Refugees, Two Creatures, Co-star, Imperfection, Beautiful Pain, Apollo 13 and many others are so obviously dedicated to Bernard that it would be sheer stupidity to deny it. of course they may seem abstract – but only in case you’re not acquainted well with the whole story.

    2Chesh:
    I knew you’ll give up at last. I’ll continue my Global Smiths’ Invasion as soon as I hunt out something about the rest of their songs, this huge pile of beautiful songs I haven’t mentioned there yet. he-he (meant to be an evil, convulsive laughter of a manic).

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 22 Jun 2008, 18:02
    Taste in Men by Placebo (lyrics).

    I'm not sure about this one at all, though. mostly because I can't figure out what sex exactly The Narrator and The One to Come back are. may be some of you can?
    it's a completely androgynous song. I'm even surprised they mentioned 'men' here.

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 23 Jun 2008, 12:07
    Last Post on the Bugle by The Libertines (lyrics).

    the main ratio why it should be gay is that we all know Pete & Carl are best friends/two faggots who just dare not to show that off.
    then, I've got a strong feeling that there are two narrators not one, and both of them are boys, and that

    If I have to go
    I will be thinkin' of your love

    verse seems to be an address of one boy to another.
    plus there are some personal details of private life - you know, their break-up and all the things.

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 25 Jun 2008, 09:54
    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 25 Jun 2008, 10:10
  • sudwestfreund said:
    Taste in Men by Placebo (lyrics).

    I'm not sure about this one at all, though. mostly because I can't figure out what sex exactly The Narrator and The One to Come back are. may be some of you can?
    it's a completely androgynous song. I'm even surprised they mentioned 'men' here.


    The song is ambiguous, but in the video, Mr. Molko appears to be enjoying the company of a woman AND a man at different times. Scandal!

    I'd like some more people to weigh in on "Last Post on the Bugle," because that one is lookin' a bit gay to me.

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 28 Jun 2008, 22:39
    I could ask my Libertines-obsessed friend about it. do you want an extremely biased opinion? :D

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 2 Jul 2008, 20:26
    Cheshworth said:
    I'd like some more people to weigh in on "Last Post on the Bugle," because that one is lookin' a bit gay to me.


    http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=3530822107858509077 -
    there are several people who insist on the song being about their relationships.
    without regard to the gay aspect, though. unfortunately.

    • [Deleted user] said...
    • User
    • 10 Jul 2008, 21:10
  • Pulp's I Spy has always struck me as ridiculously gay and I'm not entirely sure why. I mean, I know it isn't meant that way, but I've never been able to shake the feeling. The song is seeped in sex (as it IS a Pulp song, after all), but all the passion and hatred seems to be directed at this guy whose wife he's sleeping with. At least, that's how I've heard it.

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