Back in the '90s, some artists were far more discrete when it came to sexual references in their songs. Thinking back, when I first heard Ginuwine's "Pony," I didn't really put two and two together about his "pony" not being a horse of any kind. As the world moved into the new millennium and left the early 2000's, artists were more direct with how they spoke about sex and weren't as discrete as years before. That being said, there are still a few current songs you had no idea were about sex or maybe questioned a few times — especially if you're not as into the music that's out now.
As I've gotten older, I see how the generations before me would get confused with the music that millennials listened to during the '90s and early 2000s. Now, I'm always confused, surprised, or saying 'did you hear what they just said?' when I listen to songs that have secret sex messages in them. Not that I don't know sex exists, but I suppose I get caught off guard with the raunchy level of the lyrics. Although my mom argues that there really is no difference between what I listened to in middle and high school, I guess my age is just really showing.
If you're still trying to catch up with the times or just not big on metaphoric music, these 11 songs will hip you to the game.
1
"Cake By The Ocean" by DNCE
Due to the fun pop sound that DNCE's "Cake by the Ocean" delivers, noticing that it's a song about sex may fly over your heard at first. However, hearing Joe Jonas say, "see you licking frosting from your own hand," makes it click.
2
"Side To Side" by Ariana Grande feat. Nicki Minaj
If Ariana Grande's "Side to Side" didn't hit your ears until she performed it on the 2016 MTV VMA's, then you've definitely been missing out on some good music and underlying messages about sex.
3
"Good For You" by Selena Gomez
Though Selena Gomez's previously squeaky clean Disney image wouldn't have you thinking that she would be singing about sex, you're wrong. "Good For You' is definitely not about dressing the nicest to look good for your lover.
4
"This Is What You Came For" by Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
Because "This Is What You Came For" is such a catchy song, I just automatically took it for what it seems like and thought it was about seeing someone at a party. However, the line "we say nothing more than we need / I say your place when we meet," makes it clear that this is about sex.
5
"Sparks" by Hilary Duff
Get nasty on 'em, Hilary!
6
"Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift
Though it can be seen as a song about a love not meant to last, Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams" is definitely about a one night stand.
7
"WTF (Where They From)" by Missy Elliott feat. Pharrell
You didn't think Missy Elliott's "WTF" was strictly about dancing, did you? There are so many sexual references in there, but in true Missy form, the beat and fun dance moves will steal the show.
8
"Irresistible" by Fall Out Boy feat. Demi Lovato
I've always been a fan of Fall Out Boy and their nasty little hidden lyrics, and "Irresistible" is no different. Singing out, "I'm gonna get you to burst just like you were a bubble," the fellas haven't changed one bit.
9
"1990x" by Maxwell
Over the past two decades, fans of singer Maxwell have always been able to count on him for delivering the most perfect romantic songs that make sex seem so beautiful. "1990x" does that plus much more.
10
"Love Inside" by BJ The Chicago Kid
BJ the Chicago Kid's "Love Inside" is one of those songs that you get is about sex, but with all the metaphors, you can claim it as just a love song. It's clear that he has no intent on keeping his love to himself tonight though.
11
"Work From Home" by Fifth Harmony feat. Ty Dolla $ign
Fifth Harmony's hit single "Work From Home" isn't about freelancing or working remotely for your job. The type of work they're referring to is surely in the bedroom.
