brainwashed by the radio

Sometimes I think songs on the radio are brainwashing us. A catchy tune, a gripping beat, a sultry voice...they get our attention and suddenly we are singing along to a song without internalizing the lyrics. I remember a while ago I was in the car with two friends (both girls) who were happily singing along to Shaggy’s “It wasn’t me.” I thought to myself, this song is about a guy trying to get away with cheating on his girlfriend, and these girls are so happy to sing about it. Hmmm, something is just not right about that.

Not too long ago, I found a new Nelly Furtado/Timbaland song stuck in my head. It sounded to me like Ms. Furtado and Timbaland were calling each other “mysterious girl” and “mysterious boy.” After closer listening, I realized that they were calling each other “promiscuous.”

Now I don't mean any disrespect towards the beautiful and talented Ms. Furtado and the brilliant Timbaland, but I have absolutely no interest in promiscuous girls. And another thing, sometimes, hips do lie. So the next time you hear me singing along to one of those songs, please slap me.