In the realm of music, the exploration of kink and BDSM is often not merely a hidden note but a boldly proclaimed anthem. From the haunting melodies of Velvet Underground to the fiery performances of Rihanna, music has long served as a canvas for artists to paint a vivid image of alternative lifestyles, where lyrics and visuals intertwine to both normalise and sensationalise these themes.

Paraphilia, Power, and Embracing Pleasure

Back in the 1960s, Velvet Underground were pioneers of avant-garde rock, dared to peel back the layers of societal norms with songs that delved into paraphilia. Their provocative lyrics and experimental sounds challenged the listener to confront the taboo, opening a door to the exploration of unconventional desires.

Songs like "Venus in Furs" (1967), inspired by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's novella of the same name, delve into themes of submission and masochism in a haunting and evocative track exploring the darker aspects of desire, while the surreal story of "Lady Godiva's Operation" (1968) hosts enigmatic lyrics and a dream-like quality which lends itself to interpretations of unconventional desires and experiences.

Other songs by Velvet Underground like "All Tomorrow's Parties" (1967) - portraying a decadent party scene - and "Sister Ray" (1968) - a long improvisational track filled with gritty, raw energy - both evoke a sense of exploration and freedom outside societal norms, and can be interpreted in various ways, including themes of sexual exploration and hedonism.

Conversely, darker songs like "Heroin" (1967) and "I'm Waiting for the Man" (1967) are both primarily about the drug experience, but "Heroin" touches upon themes of escapism and pleasure, while "I'm Waiting for the Man" focuses on anticipation and desire, yet the allure of the forbidden featured in both can resonate with the exploration of other taboo desires as well.

In the 1980s, Depeche Mode became known for their dark and seductive music, often incorporating elements of kink culture in their live performances. Songs like "Master and Servant" (1984) and "Strangelove" (1987) explore themes of power dynamics and desire.

Rock doesn’t monopolise the representation of kinky culture in music, however. The seminal punk band The Stooges released "I Wanna Be Your Dog" in 1969, with lyrics expressing a strong sense of longing and submission, and a willingness to surrender and obey, the singer declares their desire to be controlled and dominated by their lover. The raw energy of the song, driven by pounding drums and repetitive guitar riffs, adds to its sense of urgency and primal desire. It has been interpreted as an anthem of sexual submission and the yearning for a dominant partner.

The 1996 song "Pony" by Ginuwine is a notable track that has become synonymous with sensuality and has strong associations with kink culture. Known for its smooth and seductive R&B sound, featuring a slow tempo, sultry vocals, and a catchy beat. The song immediately sets a mood of sensuality and desire, making it a popular choice for romantic and intimate settings. But it’s not to be instantly confused with the association of Pony Play; the metaphor of a "pony" in this song is often interpreted as a symbol of virility, power, and stamina.

The idea of riding a pony suggests a playful and adventurous approach to intimacy (such as the woman taking charge and being on top), with the singer offering to fulfil the desires of their partner. The lyrics of "Pony" are filled with suggestive and provocative imagery, with Ginuwine singing about seducing and satisfying a partner. Lines like "If you're horny, let's do it, ride it, my pony" leave little to the imagination.

But the themes of power and control in "Pony" do suggest a D/s dynamic, with lyrics like “Gotta be compatible / Takes me to my limits”, and “Just once if I have the chance / The things I would do to you”, the singer takes charge and guides the encounter, and as a result the song has become a classic choice for playlists and soundtracks related to BDSM, and it’s featured prominently in film and TV containing BDSM scenes, especially with its slow and rhythmic groove setting the perfect backdrop for moments of passion and desire.

Power and positive sexuality is a prominent theme in other genres of music, too. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ "Red Right Hand" (1994) features dark lyrics that evoke a sense of mystery and power, and in the modern day, Lady Gaga’s "Teeth" (2009), the allure of desire and the power dynamics of attraction are the key subject matter. The song's lyrics, coupled with Gaga's enigmatic persona, create a darkly seductive narrative that hints at the primal instincts lying beneath the surface. Lady Gaga's live performances and music videos often feature elements of kink and BDSM, with elaborate costumes and provocative choreography, with songs like "Bad Romance" (2008), "Paparazzi" (2008), and "Alejandro" (2009) also exploring themes of desire and control.

Similarly, Machine Gun Kelly's "Bad Things" (2016) featuring Camila Cabello paints a picture of forbidden desires and the enduring theme of the allure of the forbidden. The song's lyrics speak of reckless abandon and the thrill of indulging in the darker aspects of passion.

Provocative Performances & Surreal Sensuality

Women in music are often sexually emboldened in music, unlike their film and TV counterparts.

In the iconic video for "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" (1983) Eurythmics blended surreal imagery with a dose of sensual allure. Annie Lennox's commanding presence and the visual spectacle formed a dreamscape where desire and darkness intertwined, hinting at a world beyond the ordinary.

Then in 1986, Janet Jackson's anthem of self-empowerment "Control" resonated with many, with its message of taking charge of one's desires. The song's fierce declaration of autonomy mirrored the essence of submission and dominance, albeit in a staunchly synthesised manner.

Madonna, the queen of controversy, delved fearlessly into the world of kink with "Erotica" in 1992. The album and its title track were a bold celebration of sexual exploration, with Madonna embodying various personas that challenged societal norms of pleasure and pain. The music video, directed by French fashion photographer Fabien Baron, featured a masked dominatrix persona known as Dita Parlo, played by Madonna, and the spoken word lyrics immerse the listener in Dita’s world. MTV aired the video three times before banning it entirely.

Pop Princess turned provocateur, Britney Spears, has explored themes of dominance and submission in songs like "Slave 4 U” (2001) and "Gimme More" (2007). The music video for "Slave 4 U" features Britney clad in revealing outfits and surrounded by dancers in suggestive poses, positively dripping in sweat. The video exudes themes of submission and sensuality, and live performances of the song are often accompanied by similar visual themes.

Released in 2002 by rival pop princess Christina Aguilera, the lyrics of "Dirrty" focus on themes of sexual freedom, confidence, and exploration, with a strong sense of boldness and uninhibited desire. The music video became infamous for its provocative and gritty visuals, with revealing outfits and underground fight club scenes of sweaty, intense dancing contribute to its edgy and daring nature, but throughout the song, Aguilera emphasises a sense of empowerment and liberation, encouraging listeners to embrace their sexuality without shame or inhibition. "Dirrty" made a significant impact upon its release by challenging traditional notions of femininity and sexuality in pop music. Its bold lyrics, along with Aguilera's fierce vocals and fearless attitude, solidified its status as an anthem of self-expression and sexual freedom.

Rihanna has also embraced themes of sensuality and power in songs like "S&M" (2011), with a vibrant exploration of kink culture hosted in the music video, featuring Rihanna as the unapologetic mistress of her desires, in a variety of provocative and fetish-inspired outfits, along with scenes of playful kink and bondage imagery.

But sexual liberation and provocation are not an exclusively female-led theme in music.

"Father Figure" is a soulful and seductive ballad by George Michael, released in 1987. It’s characterised by its smooth vocals, romantic melody, and introspective lyrics around intense desire and emotional connection. The singer expresses a longing to be a nurturing and supportive figure for their lover, offering comfort and protection, while suggesting the singer takes on a paternal or authoritative role, much like Caregiver dynamics. This ambiguity adds layers of complexity to the song's exploration of desire and intimacy, and George Michael’s popularity made Caregiver dynamics an accessible topic to explore.

"Father Figure" became a major hit for George Michael, topping the charts and becoming a classic love ballad. Its themes of desire, longing, and the blurred lines of authority resonate with elements of kink culture that involve role-play and power dynamics.

In contrast to the smooth ballad, "I Want Your Sex" from the same album is a bold declaration of sexual desire, celebrating the physical and passionate aspects of intimacy and pleasure. The song's explicit lyrics and themes of sexual liberation sparked controversy upon its release, with some radio stations refusing to play the full version, and the music video banned or censored in some countries.

Despite its controversial reception, "I Want Your Sex" became another chart-topping hit for George Michael and remains one of his most iconic songs. Its bold lyrics and infectious groove make it a standout track in discussions of kink culture and sexual expression by encouraging the listener to embrace their sexuality without shame or hesitation. It promotes a message of sexual empowerment and the freedom to explore one's natural desires.

Adam Lambert's electrifying performance in "For Your Entertainment" (2009) is a theatrical display of seduction, sensualism, and power play. The song can be seen as a celebration of self-expression and embracing one's desires and fantasies, and exudes a sense of sensuality and provocation. Playful lyrics are delivered with confidence, and filled with innuendos, as Lambert sings about being a performer who is ready to entertain and please the audience, with explicit reference to captivating and thrilling the listener, which creates an atmosphere of anticipation and desire - much like a scene building in intensity. Lambert embraces the role of the provocateur, inviting viewers into a realm where boundaries are blurred and inhibitions are shed, inviting the listener to indulge in their seduction and pleasure, whilst simultaneously challenging the norms of masculinity and sexuality.

In 2015, The Weeknd’s "Earned It" featured in Fifty Shades of Grey, scoring an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, as well as being nominated for the Grammy for Best R&B Song and Best Song Written for Visual Media. It won Best R&B Performance at the Grammy’s and reached the Top Ten Singles chart in more than ten countries worldwide. Whether this is a measure of the film’s success influencing listeners or not, it highlights that kinky themes in music do attract the masses, particularly when it includes lyrics that touch upon themes of desire, submission, and sensuality.

Sending Visual Shockwaves Around The World

Rammstein

German industrial metal titans Rammstein are no strangers to controversy. In 1999, the band faced legal troubles in Germany due to the explicit nature of their lyrics and performances. They were accused of distributing harmful material to minors, specifically regarding their album "Sehnsucht". However, the charges were later dropped.

Rammstein’s album artwork and promotional materials often feature sexualized imagery, such as the cover art for their album "Liebe ist für alle da" (2009), which depicts the band members in a sexually suggestive pose with one another. This artwork, along with other promotional materials, has led to bans and censorship in certain regions, and as a result of several legal issues through the years, most new material is debuted at live shows.

Their songs and electrifying live performances are renowned for provocative imagery and themes of lust, pain, and dominance. Live performances feature intense theatrical displays and are often sexually charged. Band members engage in simulated sex acts on stage, including frontman Till Lindemann's use of phallic props. These performances have sparked controversy and criticism from conservative groups and authorities in various countries.

Rammstein's lyrics frequently explore dark and taboo subjects, including sexuality, violence, and power dynamics - with songs like "Spiel mit mir" (1997) featuring lyrics about dominance and submission - as well as sadomasochism and taboo with songs like "Ich Tu Dir Weh" (2010) - German for “I’m hurting you”, the music video for which was even hosted exclusively upon release on an adult entertainment site. It took over a year for Ich Tu Dir Weh to be de-indexed and released in the mainstream media, largely due to the heavy theme of sadomasochism.

The music video for "Pussy" (2009) features explicit sexual imagery, including scenes of the band members engaging in various sexual acts. The video caused a stir for its graphic content and was subsequently banned in several countries. However, it was their first number one single in Germany, and garnered attention for its satirical take on pornography and sexual stereotypes.

Despite the controversies surrounding their sexual content, Rammstein garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for their music and performances. Many fans appreciate the band's willingness to confront taboo subjects and challenge societal norms. While their content has sparked criticism and censorship, it has also contributed to their reputation as one of the most daring and boundary-pushing bands in the metal genre.

Marilyn Manson

American rock musician Marilyn Manson is the master of shock rock, using his music videos to create visceral experiences that blur the lines between pleasure and pain. Throughout his career, Manson has been a polarising figure, both celebrated for his artistic expression and criticised for his controversial themes and actions.

His persona as an artist challenges societal norms and explores the darker aspects of human desire, and as a result of his provocative and controversial persona, he has been no stranger to sexual controversies throughout his career. Manson has faced accusations of simulating masturbation on stage during performances, and has been known to engage in simulated sex acts with band members or props. These actions have generated controversy and condemnation from conservative groups and critics.

In 2001, Manson was accused of sexual assault by a former bandmate, keyboardist Madonna Wayne Gacy (Stephen Bier). Bier alleged that Manson had drugged and assaulted him during their time together in the band. Manson denied the allegations, and the lawsuit was settled out of court.

Manson's "Mechanical Animals" era, which began in 1998, featured the artist adopting an androgynous, glam-inspired persona. The album cover depicted Manson with breasts and devoid of genitalia, blurring the lines of gender and sexuality. This era was marked by themes of alienation, excess, and sexual ambiguity. "The Dope Show" (1998) music video from the album featured Manson in these androgynous outfits, sparking controversy and discussions about gender identity. Manson's music videos also often feature imagery that touches upon themes of fetishism and kink.

Manson has often used his art and music to shock and challenge societal norms regarding sexuality and morality. His onstage persona, with elaborate costumes, makeup, and props, is designed to provoke and confront audiences, and while Manson has gained a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for his music and performances, he has also faced criticism and condemnation for his explicit content and controversial actions. Some critics argue that his shock tactics can overshadow the depth and artistry of his music.

Prior to Mechanical Animals, songs like "Cake and Sodomy” (1992), "Irresponsible Hate Anthem" (1996) and "The Beautiful People" (1996) contained explicit references to BDSM, fetishism, and sexual deviance, with lyrics often delving into dark and taboo subjects related to sex, violence, and power. Then by the 2007 album "Eat Me, Drink Me", Manson was exploring themes of desire, obsession, and vulnerability, with songs like "Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)" and "Putting Holes in Happiness" delving into Manson's personal experiences with love, lust, and the darker aspects of relationships.

Nine Inch Nails

Often considered a staple of any BDSM playlist, Nine Inch Nails' song "Closer" (1994) is a haunting exploration into the darker corners of human longing, with dark and explicit lyrics exploring themes of desire, lust, and sexual obsession. "Closer" delves into the taboo aspects of desire and sexual fantasy, aligning with the ethos of kink culture, which often involves exploring and embracing one's deepest desires.

The lyrics of "Closer" delve into themes commonly associated with BDSM; surrender, control, and the desire for intense experiences, as well as the escapism many kinksters on the right side of the slash long for during a scene or dynamic. Themes of control and surrender, which are central to BDSM dynamics, in lines like "You get me closer to God" can be interpreted as an exploration of transcendence through intense physical and emotional experiences. The song's unapologetic nature challenges societal norms regarding sexuality and pleasure. By embracing provocative imagery and explicit lyrics, "Closer" invites listeners to confront their own desires and boundaries, with the repeated chorus line "I wanna f*** you like an animal," immediately grabbing attention with its raw and confrontational nature.

The industrial and electronic sound of "Closer" adds to its intensity, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the dark and erotic themes of the lyrics. The heavy beats, distorted vocals, and atmospheric production contribute to the song's hypnotic and immersive quality.

The music video further enhances the song's provocative nature. Directed by Mark Romanek, the video is a surreal visual journey filled with disturbing and sexually charged imagery. Scenes include a crucified monkey, a pig's head on a stake, and Trent Reznor covered in metallic substance. "Closer" showcases Nine Inch Nails' willingness to push artistic boundaries and explore dark, uncomfortable themes. The song's fusion of industrial rock with sexually charged lyrics creates a visceral and unsettling experience for listeners.

Over the years, "Closer" has become a cultural touchstone, often associated with discussions about sexuality, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature. It has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and media, further solidifying its impact on popular culture. It became one of Nine Inch Nails' signature songs and remains a prominent feature in their live performances. It has also achieved iconic status in popular culture, with its memorable chorus becoming instantly recognisable.

A Harmonious Blend of Normalisation and Sensationalism

Music serves as a potent medium for the normalisation of kink and BDSM in popular culture, and it’s thankfully one of the few mediums that allow women and men to serve a dominant or submissive role in equal measure without exploiting or negating the nature of these dynamics. Whilst women are still overly sexualised in most music videos, the reception of either gender singing about dominance or submission makes the lifestyle choice accessible to all sexes.

Music often serves as a reflection of cultural attitudes towards sexuality, with artists mirroring and sometimes challenging prevailing norms in regard to the complexities of human sexuality. While it often normalises and celebrates the world of kink, it also challenges us to question stereotypes and seek a deeper understanding of these intricate dynamics.

Through lyrics and visuals, artists present these themes in a way that makes them less taboo, allowing for a broader awareness and acceptance. Throughout history, artists have been pioneers in the exploration of taboo subjects, using their platform to challenge societal norms. Pop icons, with their larger-than-life personas, create a spectacle that captivates audiences and opens the door to self-expression and increased awareness.

Music exposes a wider audience to the world of kink and BDSM, making it less of a shock and more of a recognised aspect of human desire. Songs and their music videos create awareness about kink culture, making it easier for individuals to access attire and resources for exploration, and through music, younger generations find avenues for self-expression of their desires.

However, the mainstreaming of kink in music can sometimes lead to its commercialisation, with artists capitalising on its appeal, with limited regard for how those in the lifestyle are perceived, or how it makes them feel. There is a risk that incorrect or unhealthy representations of kink and BDSM become normalised through music, much like they have through film & TV. Artists may rely on these long-standing stereotypes, leading to a diminished understanding of the complexities of kink culture, and reinforcing aged misconceptions by holding onto outdated or problematic themes related to kink and BDSM.

Whether your preference is the pulsating beats of industrial metal, or the sultry vocals of pop divas, music continues to be a powerful force in the exploration of kink and BDSM; a multifaceted exploration of desire, power, and taboo. Kink and BDSM themes can be found across a spectrum of musical genres, from the iconic performances of fan-favourite pop legends that open up a whole new world to their audience, to the raw intensity of rock anthems that tell it how it really is in BDSM.

As listeners, we embark on a journey of discovery, guided by the echoes of our favourite songs. We immerse ourselves in the symphony of kink culture in music, it becomes evident that this exploration is not merely a passing trend but a legacy woven into the fabric of musical history. From the provocative performances of the past to the boundary-pushing artistry of today, artists continue to push the boundaries of expression, inviting listeners into worlds of desire and dominance.

Now, let the music play, and may the rhythms of kink and BDSM guide you on your journey.

Kink In Music