Explicit Words in Song Lyrics 

Ever wondered what those little "Explicit" tags on your favorite songs mean? Let’s dive into the world of explicit words in music and uncover why they’re used, how they impact listeners, and what it means for artists.

Here are the questions we will be answering in this article:

1. What Exactly Are Explicit Words?
   
   
2. Why Do Artists Use Explicit Words?
   
   
3. How to Mark Songs as Explicit?
   
   
4. FAQs
   
   

What Exactly Are Explicit Words?

Explicit words in a song are those that might make you do a double-take. They include:

1. Profanity: Swear words that you’d probably avoid using at family dinners.
2. Sexual Content: Lyrics that talk about intimate stuff in a way that’s definitely not PG.
3. Offensive Language: Words that might hurt or insult others.
4. Violent Content: Phrases that talk about or glorify violence.

Why Do Artists Use Explicit Words?

Artists use explicit words for several reasons, and it’s not just about getting attention:

• Authenticity: Sometimes, using raw, unfiltered language helps artists express themselves more honestly. Think of it as a way of showing their real selves.
• Cultural Reflection: Music often reflects the society it comes from. Explicit content can highlight important social issues or push back against societal norms.
• Attention-Grabbing: Let’s be honest, explicit content can make a song stand out. It can spark conversations and get people talking (and listening).

A Quick History Lesson

Explicit content in music isn’t something new. Artists like Elvis Presley and his controversial hip gyrations in the ‘50s were considered shocking back then. Fast forward to the ‘80s, and the Parental Advisory label made a splash thanks to artists like N.W.A. with their groundbreaking (and provocative) lyrics. It’s been a part of music’s evolution for a long time!

How to Mark Songs as Explicit?

For artists wanting to label their music as explicit, here’s a quick guide:

1. Check Your Lyrics: Review your lyrics to identify any explicit content. It’s like a final check before sending your song out into the world.

2. Log In to Your Distributor’s Dashboard: Access the dashboard of your music distributor—whether it’s TuneCore, DistroKid, or another platform.

3. Mark as Explicit: Find the option to mark your track or album as explicit. This is usually clearly labeled.

4. Confirm Your Choice: Make sure you confirm the explicit label. This step is crucial to ensure that your music is properly categorized.

Pro Tip: Embrace Authenticity: If explicit words are integral to your message, use them confidently. Authenticity resonates deeply with listeners, and it can make your music more impactful. For example, if a song explores themes of rebellion or raw emotion, using explicit language might enhance the authenticity of your message. Take Eminem’s “The Marshall Mathers LP” as an example; his use of explicit language was pivotal in conveying the intense emotions and personal struggles reflected in the album.

Consider Your Audience:

Understand who listens to your music. Some fans seek out explicit tracks for their unfiltered nature, while others prefer cleaner content. Offering both explicit and clean versions of your music can cater to diverse audience preferences. For instance, a song like Cardi B’s “WAP” became a major hit with its explicit content, while a censored version allowed it to be played on radio stations and in public spaces.

Label Accurately:

When uploading your music, mark a track as explicit if needed. Being transparent about your content builds trust with your listeners. For example, if your song includes strong language or mature themes, label it explicitly so fans know what to expect. This can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your music reaches the right audience.

Examples of Effective Labeling:

• Billie Eilish's “Bad Guy”: Known for its playful yet provocative lyrics, Eilish’s song is labeled explicit to signal its mature themes.
• Kanye West's “Yeezus”: The album features strong language and controversial themes, and its explicit labeling helps listeners anticipate its content.

FAQs

What words cause a song to be explicit? 

If your track contains curse words, language, sounds, or imagery that is sexual, violent, or offensive in nature, it is considered explicit.

Is ‘shit’ an explicit word?

Yes, "shit" is considered an explicit word in songs as it falls under the category of profanity. Because of this, songs containing the word "shit" typically receive an explicit content label.

Should I mark my song as explicit even if it contains just one swear word?

Yes, you should label your song as explicit even it contains a single swear word. Music platforms and distribution services generally categorize any song with profanity, no matter how minimal, as explicit to inform listeners about the presence of potentially offensive language

Wrapping Up

Explicit words in music can be powerful tools for artists to express themselves and connect with listeners on a deeper level. Whether it’s through raw emotions or societal commentary, explicit content plays a significant role in today’s music landscape. By labeling your music accurately and respecting your audience’s preferences, you can ensure that your message hits the right note.

We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now! 

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