Songs Better Left Unwritten

Every once in awhile, a song comes along with a message that really disturbs me.

Such is the case with Zayn’s “Pillowtalk,” ranked 15th on the Billboard Pop Chart and, mercifully, on its way down.

For those fortunate listeners who haven’t heard it, the song describes a relationship as “our paradise” and “our war zone.” Here’s a sampling of the lyrics:

"Yeah, reckless behavior A place that is so pure, so dirty and wrong In the bed all day, bed all day, bed all day F---ing and fighting on It's our paradise and it's our war zone.”

Now picture the audience for this song. It’s not adults (though that would be most distressing also) but teenagers, listening in their cars and watching the video (featuring girl crying blood tears) on their phones.

I know it’s all fair game in music, but it’s almost glorifying an abusive relationship where “it’s a thriller” to become a prisoner of a partner who’s your enemy and your ally (his description).

How inspiring. Call me old fashioned, but whatever happened to “Let My Love Open the Door?” I guess that’s just too 1980s.

I’m sorry, folks, but this is one song where the parody, even the part where the actor repeatedly wiggles his tongue and licks the woman’s face, is totally justified. I laughed aloud.

Here’s a singer who came from One Direction - a boy band - had a real opportunity at a solo career, and this is the best he can do?

Shame, shame. Bring on the Justin Bieber.