‘Bad’ In Music
Symbolism Of ‘Bad’
14 Best Songs About Being Bad – Here are our recommendations!
14: How Do You Like Me Now? – Toby Keith
“How Do You Like Me Now?” is a country song by American singer Toby Keith, released as the lead single from his 1999 album of the same name. The song features a catchy melody and memorable lyrics that describe the feelings of a man who has finally found success and wants to rub it in the face of someone who didn’t believe in him before. The song was a commercial success, becoming Keith’s first No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and earning him the Academy of Country Music Award for Single of the Year.
13: Mean – Taylor Swift
“Mean” is a country pop song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released as the third single from her third studio album, “Speak Now,” in 2010. The song was written by Swift herself and explores the theme of bullying and dealing with negative criticism. The upbeat melody and powerful lyrics earned “Mean” critical acclaim and commercial success, winning two Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Solo Performance. The song remains a fan favourite and continues to inspire those who have faced adversity and come out stronger on the other side.
12: Jolene – Dolly Parton
Being a homewrecker is a typical kind of being bad. Parton begs Jolene to leave her man alone in this song because he is enamoured with her. We can relate to this musical plea. We’ve been there, we get it, we want to keep what we have. It’s a perfect song for the open road. It’s rife with annoyance and hopelessness.
We get the strong impression Jolene will never listen throughout the song. And curiously enough, the lines are directed at Jolene when arguably it should have been a song for her man. It’s easy for us to blame an outsider, but when our partner can fall into another woman’s trap, well, we’re pretty sure there are some other problems at home.
Just saying, Dolly. Maybe Jolene should take him.
11: Good At Being Bad – TLC
This is such a great track, but it’s also such a unique departure from what we had come to expect from TLC. Sure, TLC gave us racier songs like “Red Light Special” and “Creep” in the past, but those tracks leaned far more into the sultry side of R&B.
On “Good at Being Bad,” which appeared on their 1999 album “Fan Mail,” TLC leans heavily into the braggadocious side of R&B. With lyrics like “I epitomize the word sexy” and T-Boz proudly declaring how she’ll make her man happy all night long, “Good at Being Bad” exudes the confidence of a Lil’ Kim or Megan Thee Stallion record, without having to sacrifice that memorable sound and vibe and that we’ve come to love from TLC.
10: Bad To The Bone – George Thorogood and The Destroyers
This might be the reigning champ in songs about being bad. We almost expect to see George enter a pub, place an order for three shots, and introduce himself. We need to crank that up when this song comes on, on the radio!
It’s like going home and not caring about anything at all. And having no concerns feels wonderful. It’s full of rebellion, narcissism, and dirty blues. He makes no excuse for being bad. And we love him for it. This is a classic dive bar jukebox hit. The aforementioned feelings all combine to create a really angsty vibe that just hits us in all the right places.
9: I Told You I Was Mean – Elle King
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone brought a disclaimer? Elle King satisfies. In this bluesy ballad about thinking and wandering in the afternoon, she gives us one. It concerns a woman who is open about being cruel to men. Sometimes being bad looks a little different. It seems like being blatantly cruel and breaking hearts, then walking away. It’s using people for gain and not caring.
In her defence, she did warn us of what would occur. We shouldn’t be surprised.
But we are, because we yearned for something greater from her. This song is perfect for those long, meandering rides home on a hot summer night. Sometimes all we need is the wind in our hair and a nice song for questioning if someone’s disclaimer for being unkind merely gave them a licence to be a crappy person.
8: Tyrone – Erykah Badu
One of the best “I’m sick of your crap” songs ever recorded is undoubtedly this one. It’s a sophisticated, refined, easygoing R&B song about a woman criticising her husband’s inappropriate behaviour. It’s brimming with weariness, apathy, and assurance. And honest to goodness, we can’t listen to this song without smirking because, let’s face it, we all know a ‘Tyrone’ . Wait for the final line. Boom. Mic drop by Badu.
7: Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
This timeless, widely performed, and incredibly cherished song about a man who has committed a crime and is now in jail begins, “But I shot a man in Reno just to see him cry,” He was aware that it was coming (his subsequent jailing). He longs for his freedom but is aware that he deserves the punishment.
We get the impression that we are on a night train travelling alone across the countryside while listening to “Folsom Prison Blues.” It prompts us to reflect on our lives and the decisions we make. It features deep lyrics, slow, acidic guitar strumming, and Cash’s signature voice, which we all know and adore. Being wicked has consequences, without a doubt.
Twelve shows a year by Cash were given to convicts at Folsom and San Quentin prisons. He performed unpaid. This song was recorded at Folsom. The prisoners serve as our listeners. This song ought to be widely known. If not, assist a relative or friend by getting them to listen to it.
6: Down In Mississippi (Up To No Good) – Sugarland
Being evil can occasionally just be a way to let off steam. We’re inspired to swing from the rafters and dance on the bar top by Sugarland’s flawless two-stepping song.
The story centres on a woman who abandons her routine and responsibilities in favour of an exciting trip to Mississippi with her pals. Jennifer Nettles performs this song with her charming southern accent. She puts across well that we can occasionally feel unappreciated, bored, or restless. We enjoy acting foolishly and badly around our pals and it’s exactly what we need at times, an evening with little restrictions. Simply put, this country tune is entertaining.
Playing this on the jukebox in a dive bar is fun. The breaking of the beer bottles will be certainly audible.
5: Stealing People’s Mail – Dead Kennedys
When this punk jig starts, we might find ourselves tripping over a table lamp and perhaps granny as we make our way to the mosh pit in the living room. It’s okay for it to go that way. Grandma is good, and the lighting may be changed. It’s a humorous song about robbing individuals on a Friday night of their mail. There is a lot of restlessness and teenage angst there, as well as a very successful criminal business
Any playlist with songs about being really evil or cunning must have this. Along with the Violet Femmes and Suicidal Tendencies, these guys dominated the punk scene in the 1980s. They bring back memories of our youth, including angst, bad behaviour motivated by fun, and other aspects of it. So turn up the volume on your hi-fi and play this.
4: Monster – Kanye West Ft. Jay-z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj And Bon Iver
This song serves as a lyrical warning about a person’s lack of moral fibre, and ‘he’ is shown as a charming narcissist who is dressed to the nines. The music’s arrogance is palpable. He is a monster who makes no apologies for it. He actually exudes a sense of satisfaction and contentment. However, his rage and animosity toward the individuals in his life that he has helped but who have taken advantage of him can be felt between the lines. We can connect with this as an audience, we have been abused, betrayed, regarded as standard. Some folks might wish to discuss matters like these in private. Not West, though; in a richly musical anthem, he divulges his personal secrets.
You may recall Adele flawlessly performing Nicki Minaj’s part of the song on Car Ride Karaoke. It is, without a doubt, the highlight of an already excellent song. Minaj enters and kills us all. This is a fantastic song, and we are grateful to West for providing us with a bop to sing along to when we are simply sick of other people’s folly.
3: Bad – U2
Not all poor behavior is done on purpose. The singer Bono walks us through the real emotional experience of a loved one’s struggle in this song on a friend’s heroin addiction. The Edge’s guitar strumming and Bono’s angst, mild to melancholy wrath create a languid, dreamlike environment. It hurts, it’s emotional, it’s real, and it’s honest. Even while we try our best to assist those who are struggling with addiction, if they are unwilling, there is nothing we can do except let go.
Frankly, it’s terrible and a painful aspect of being human. This tune is ideal for those summer porch-sitting nights when you want to reflect. A song was written for yelling into the night in the hopes that the universe would hear your cries for help in saving a loved one. This song from their 1985 album Unforgettable Fire is arguably the finest of the lot, maybe of their entire career.
2: Bad – Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson contributed to establishing the sarcastic usage of “bad” as “good” into the common vernacular with his song “Bad,” which is arguably the most iconic song using the word “bad” in the title. The music video for the song “Bad,” which starred Wesley Snipes and was undoubtedly one of the most memorable aspects of 1988’s “Moonwalker,” has a catchy beat and is only improved by Michael’s own significantly harder vocal performance.
1: Breaking The Law – Judas Priest
Rob Halford takes us on a traditional heavy metal journey filled with angst and rejection. The song is about a man who begins breaking the law because he thinks no one cares about him. We all have experienced the frustration of wanting others to pay attention to us and then feeling abandoned, perplexed, hurt, betrayed, and angry when they don’t. For certain times, this song is appropriate. It’s the ideal driving music when you just want to get the f*** out of the night you’re having or the ideal gym song when you want to work off your rage. It’s rife with disobedience. It’s a heavy metal tsunami of intense feeling delivered in the most fierce Judas Priest fashion.
14 Best Songs About Being Bad – Final thoughts
In conclusion, music has always been a medium for self-expression, and songs about being bad have become a popular way for artists to showcase their rebellious side. Whether it’s a rock anthem or a rap verse, these songs often explore themes of breaking rules, pushing boundaries, and embracing one’s wild side. From catchy hooks to poignant lyrics, the best songs about being bad to leave a lasting impression on their listeners and have become timeless classics in their own right.
At their core, these songs offer a sense of liberation and empowerment, allowing listeners to let go of societal expectations and live on their own terms. They remind us that it’s okay to be imperfect and to make mistakes, and that sometimes, the most memorable moments in life come from taking risks and embracing the unknown.
However, it’s worth noting that not all songs about being bad are created equal. Some may promote toxic behaviour or harmful attitudes, and it’s important to approach these songs with a critical eye. As listeners, we should strive to engage with music that uplifts and inspires us, rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes or harmful ideologies.
Closing Remarks:
In the end, the best songs about being bad are the ones that resonate with us on a personal level, encouraging us to break free from convention and embrace our true selves. Whether we’re blasting these tunes at a party or singing along in our cars, these songs have the power to transport us to a place of pure, unbridled freedom – a place where anything is possible, and the only rule is to have fun.
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A music enthusiast who has taken his passion for music to the next level by starting his own blog. He spends most of his free time listening to new albums, attending concerts, and researching emerging artists.
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