Music fans have long been fascinated with hidden messages in their favorite bands’ songs, and sometimes those messages take on a darker or more controversial tone. Here are three bands that have been accused of including hidden messages in their music.
While it’s certainly possible that some bands have included hidden messages in their music, it’s important to remember that many of these supposed messages are the result of overactive imaginations or simply coincidence. Regardless, the allure of uncovering hidden meanings in our favorite songs is likely to persist for years to come.
The Beatles
First up is The Beatles, who have long been rumored to have inserted subliminal messages into their music. One such example is the backward message in “Rain,” where John Lennon sings a line backwards at the end of the song. While some have claimed that the message is sinister or even satanic, Lennon insisted that it was just a fun experiment with no deeper meaning.
Led Zeppelin
Next is Led Zeppelin and their iconic song “Stairway to Heaven.” Some listeners have claimed that the song includes hidden messages referencing Satan, with televangelist Paul Crouch even going so far as to claim that the lyrics contained a message about worshipping the devil. However, the band has always denied any such intent, and many have pointed out that the supposed hidden message is difficult to discern even if it does exist.
Queen
Finally, Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” has also been accused of containing a hidden message, in this case one promoting drug use. According to some listeners, the line “Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me” in “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a reference to Satan, while the hidden message in “Another One Bites the Dust” is supposed “Some of us smoke marijuana” when played in reverse. However, compared to some of the darker messages attributed to other bands, this one seems relatively benign.