15 Most Controversial Banned Songs of the 1970s – Music That Shocked the World

The 1970s was a decade of bold defiance and unforgettable grooves. From the flower power era of the late ’60s to the raw energy of punk rock, music wasn’t just entertainment—it was a revolution. But what happens when a song pushes the limits too far?

Some tracks were deemed too controversial, too provocative, or too rebellious for the airwaves. In this video, we dive into 15 banned songs from the ‘70s that shook the world and challenged the status quo.

⏱️ YouTube Video Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: When Music Crosses the Line
The 1970s were loud, defiant, and unforgettable—and some songs stirred up more than just the dance floor.

1:00 – Lola – The Kinks vs. the BBC
Gender identity, soda brands, and a cheeky lyric that got censored.

02:50 – Imagine – Lennon’s Dream or Dangerous Ideology?
John Lennon’s peaceful anthem that was banned for being too radical.

04:32 – Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones’ Most Provocative Hit
Controversy, race, and rock swagger collide in this Stones classic.

06:05 – Walk on the Wild Side – Lou Reed’s Ode to Outsiders
Gender fluidity, Warhol’s world, and radio bans.

07:59 – God Save the Queen – Punk Rock vs. the Monarchy
The Sex Pistols’ royal rebellion that caused a national uproar.

09:23 – I Am Woman – Helen Reddy’s Feminist Anthem
The song that radio wouldn’t touch but women rallied behind.

10:30 – Money – Pink Floyd’s Capitalist Critique
Cash registers, greed, and governments trying to silence the beat.

11:49 – You’re Sixteen – Ringo Starr’s Problematic Pop Hit
Why this seemingly sweet tune didn’t age well.

13:04 – Street Fighting Man – The Rolling Stones Stir the Streets
Revolution, protests, and banned radio airplay.

14:12 – Love to Love You Baby – Donna Summer Ignites the Disco
A moan-filled masterpiece that shocked the airwaves.

15:40 – Tie a Yellow Ribbon – A Symbol of Hope or Controversy?
The feel-good hit with unexpected Vietnam-era baggage.

16:49 – My Ding-a-Ling – Chuck Berry’s Cheeky Chart-Topper
Double entendres and the song that made censors blush.

18:12 – The Pill – Loretta Lynn Takes on Birth Control
Country music’s boldest take on reproductive freedom.

19:30 – Jailhouse Rock (’70s Reissue) – Elvis Still Shaking Things Up
Why a 1950s hit got banned again in apartheid-era South Africa.

20:48 – War – Edwin Starr’s Anti-Vietnam Battle Cry
An explosive protest anthem that made government officials nervous—and some radio stations even more so.

22:00 – Final Thoughts & Question for You
What song do you think caused the biggest stir in the ’70s—and do you think it deserved to be banned?


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We use under: Copyright disclaimer Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. "Fair use" is allowed for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarships, and re