the 1970s, a decade marked by significant social shifts and burgeoning queer visibility, saw a surprising undercurrent of songs that either directly addressed or subtly hinted at lgbtq+ themes.
while overt declarations of pride were less common, artists began to explore identity, desire, and societal perceptions through their lyrics and performances, laying groundwork for future decades.
early explorations of gender and identity
some early tracks from the era delved into ambiguity and challenged traditional gender roles.
for instance, a song featuring lyrics that speak to roses, often interpreted as a sign of profound loneliness and a lack of someone to confide in, was surprisingly recorded early in a band's career. the lyrics themselves, reportedly referencing producer andrew loob oldham's bisexuality, offered a glimpse into the era's evolving perspectives.
even the legendary phil spector made an appearance during the recording sessions for this particular track, which, despite its limited official release (only a few acetates were pressed), survived through bootlegs. this song was a playful jab at oldham, with his distinctive blues-y vocal delivery adding a layer of charm, complete with an almost imperceptible laugh.
the question remains whether listeners at the time recognized the subtle nods to bisexuality within the music.
the rise of androgyny and gender fluidity
the 1960s had already paved the way for androgyny, and by the 70s, this influence continued to shape musical expression.
the concept of blurring gender lines, where long hair on men could lead to mistaken identity from behind, and the embrace of more form-fitting clothing, challenged the conformity of earlier decades. this era was about liberation, shedding restrictive gender labels, and encouraging self-expression.
one notable example is "are you a boy or are you a girl?", a song that captured this spirit of questioning and challenging established norms.
songs with overt or implied lgbtq+ themes
several artists and bands from the 70s produced music that resonated deeply within the burgeoning queer community, whether intentionally or through interpretation.
the pretty things and gender-bending lyrics
the pretty things offered further examples of gender-bending lyrical content.
"mama keep your big mouth shut" is often cited as another instance where lead singer phil may played with gender in his writing. this willingness to explore such themes undoubtedly influenced contemporary artists, with david bowie, known for his own gender-bending performances, looking up to him.
this exploration of identity likely contributed to the era's growing acceptance of diverse expressions of self.
the kinks and social commentary
the kinks, always known for their sharp social commentary, contributed several tracks that touched upon lgbtq+ themes.
"dedicated follower of fashion" not only critiqued consumerism but also incorporated elements of crossdressing.
ray davies, the band's primary songwriter, reportedly penned the song after a confrontation with a fashion designer at a party, adding a layer of personal experience to the track's message.
"party line," co-written by the davies brothers, featured a distinct beatles-esque charm.
the song's narrative revolves around a man using a party line - a shared telephone circuit common in the era to save costs. the lyrics speculate about a mysterious woman on the line, even questioning her gender with the line, "is she a she at all?". this ambiguity, coupled with a straight male narrator's open-mindedness, conveyed a powerful message of acceptance.
the song's jazzy organ accompaniment also set it apart from the band's more guitar-driven work.
another significant track from the kinks was "david watts." this song, inspired by a real music promoter named david watts, who apparently had a crush on guitarist dave davies, offered a different perspective.
the lyrics are from the viewpoint of a seemingly ordinary guy harboring a crush on the more sophisticated and stylish david watts. this portrayal of male affection, even if unrequited, provided a relatable narrative for many.
pink floyd's psychedelic explorations
even the psychedelic pioneers pink floyd contributed to the discourse with their quirky song "emily plays." while not a direct anthem, its unique sound and lyrical style made it a memorable part of the era's diverse musical landscape.
the honeycombs and groundbreaking female drummers
the honeycombs, a pop group from london, achieved significant success with their debut single, selling over a million copies.
the band's name was inspired by their drummer, honey lantree. lantree was a hairdresser by profession and stood out as one of the few female drummers to gain mainstream recognition during that period, a testament to breaking gender barriers in the music industry.
early representations in music videos and personal lives
the 1970s also saw artists incorporating lgbtq+ themes more directly into their music videos and public personas, sometimes leading to controversy and later reinterpretation.
the rolling stones and oscar wilde
the rolling stones' music video for "i got the blues" is a fascinating example, depicting a dramatization of the trial of oscar wilde.
mick jagger portrayed wilde, marianne faithfull played lord alfred douglas, and keith richards took on the role of the judge. this choice to revisit a pivotal moment in lgbtq+ history, especially given wilde's persecution for his homosexuality, mirrored parallels with the challenges faced by rock stars like jagger, richards, and brian jones.
wilde's libel trial, which ultimately led to his downfall and imprisonment for gross indecency, was a public spectacle that highlighted the societal prejudices of the time. the video served as a powerful artistic statement, bringing Wilde's story to a new generation.
the clash and societal critique
while not strictly a 70s band, the clash's later work, like "straight to hell," touched upon themes that resonated with the broader struggle for equality and acceptance.
their punk ethos often challenged societal norms, creating a space for marginalized voices.
hidden meanings and fan theories
some songs, while not explicitly lgbtq+-themed, have been subject to compelling fan theories that suggest deeper, possibly queer, subtext.
cream's "sunshine of your love"
a popular fan theory suggests that cream's classic rock staple, "sunshine of your love," could possess homoerotic undertones.
the theory posits that the song's performance as a duet between jack bruce and eric clapton, combined with the decriminalization of same-sex activity between men that same year, lends itself to this interpretation. the idea that such a widely beloved song might hold a hidden queer narrative adds another layer to its appreciation.
the byrds' "triad"
"triad," by the byrds, is often interpreted as a song about a threesome, with the lyrics hinting at the bisexuality of the women involved.
the song's release timing, shortly after the legalization of homosexuality in the uk, further imbues it with historical significance. this exploration of fluid sexuality within the lyrics provided a nuanced portrayal of relationships.
post-decriminalization anthems
the decriminalization of homosexuality in the uk in 1972 marked a significant turning point, and subsequent music began to reflect this shift, even if subtly.
laura nyro's "emmie"
laura nyro's "emmie," from her album "eli and the thirteenth confession," is widely considered one of the first lesbian love songs.
nyro herself was bisexual, and her music often explored themes of love and desire in a way that resonated with queer audiences. the song's heartfelt lyrics celebrated a woman's love for another woman, offering a rare and beautiful representation of lesbian romance.
alice b.
toklas and ger trude stein
the song "i love you alice b. toklas," inspired by alice b. toklas, the long-time partner of writer gertrude stein, indirectly celebrated a prominent queer relationship of the early 20th century. toklas's famous cookbook, which included a recipe for pot brownies, became a cultural touchstone.
the song's release, shortly after the decriminalization of homosexuality, made its implicit tribute to the enduring love between toklas and stein all the more poignant. the song's narrative, which involves a couple whose lives are changed by a colorful hippie station wagon and pot brownies, hints at a journey towards liberation and self-discovery, echoing the broader societal shifts occurring.
challenges and continued advocacy
despite these emerging narratives, the 1970s also presented significant challenges for the lgbtq+ community, reflected in some of the music and societal responses.
the lou reed controversy
lou reed's "walk on the wild side" featured characters like holly and candy, who were transgender women and drag queens.
while celebrated by many for its inclusive portrayal, it also faced criticism and was banned in some places. the song's candid depiction of marginalized figures challenged societal norms and sparked conversations about gender and sexuality.
similarly, the velvet underground's "sister ray," known for its extended live performances and controversial lyrical content, depicted a scenario involving drag queens and drug use, further pushing the boundaries of acceptable artistic expression.
the herd and closeted identities
"something strange" by the herd offered a psychedelic pop narrative about a boyfriend and girlfriend on holiday.
however, the song can also be interpreted as being about a closeted gay or bisexual man who leaves his girlfriend for a male lover, with his sexuality presented in a neutral, non-judgmental light. the song's conclusion, with a blend of classical and psychedelic sounds, leaves a lasting impression of subtle exploration.
judas priest and early heavy metal
judas priest, a pioneering heavy metal band, contributed "raw deal," written by rob halford and glenn tipton before halford publicly came out.
halford later stated his songwriting approach was intentionally gender-neutral and subjective, allowing for diverse interpretations. this demonstrated how even within heavier genres, there was space for nuanced expressions of identity, and the band became a significant touchstone for gay fans in hard rock and heavy metal.
diverse expressions of queer identity
the latter half of the 70s and extending into the 80s saw an increasing number of artists openly or more explicitly embracing their lgbtq+ identities and themes.
tom robinson band and gay pride
tom robinson band's "glad to be gay" became an anthem for london gay pride in 1977.
the song openly addressed the struggles faced by gay people in the 60s and 70s, including wrongful arrests, police brutality, and unfair censorship of publications like "gay news." robinson, a prominent gay rocker, continued to update the lyrics over the years, notably addressing the aids crisis.
his use of reclaimed slurs, while potentially offensive to some, underscored his position as a member of the community reclaiming language.
jayne county and transgender visibility
transgender singer jayne county released "man enough to be a woman" in 1975, a powerful statement that also became the title of her autobiography.
her work was instrumental in bringing transgender experiences to the forefront of public consciousness.
the kinks' "out of the wardrobe"
the kinks' "out of the wardrobe" directly addressed the experience of coming out. the title itself is a metaphor for leaving the "closet." the song tells the story of a gay male crossdresser or a transgender woman who is married but reevaluating his life and desires, yearning for liberation.
this narrative highlighted the personal journey of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to embrace one's true identity.
skyhooks and australian queer themes
the australian band skyhooks had an unreleased song titled "funky and gay" that described a stylish and masculine gay man.
this offered a glimpse into how queer identity was being portrayed in popular music beyond the uk and us.
dire straits and subculture
dire straits' "les boys" offered explicit lyrical references to the leather subculture within the gay community.
the song also name-dropped french writer jean genet, a significant figure in queer literature. however, it's worth noting the band's members were of jewish heritage, adding another layer of complexity to their background. the song's mature themes made it less family-friendly, but it undeniably spoke to a specific facet of gay life.
pete shelley and existential questions
pete shelley, of buzzcocks fame, wrote and performed "homosapien" before forming his band.
this song, with its introspective lyrics questioning identity ("am i black or white, am i straight or gay? do i believe in god, do i believe in me?"), resonated with many exploring their place in the world. shelley himself was bisexual, and while he married a woman in 1980, his music often carried themes of questioning societal norms.
nirvana and oscar wilde revisited
the 1960s british band nirvana (not to be confused with the 90s grunge band) released "the picture of dorian gray." the song, named after oscar wilde's novel, reflected the era's embrace of aestheticism and the artistic exploration of complex themes.
the song's sound, characteristic of the 80s, was a departure from the band's earlier psychedelic work. critics at the time perceived the novel and, by extension, the song's themes as effeminate and perverse, highlighting the ongoing societal judgment faced by those who challenged conventional masculinity.
the smiths and coming out narratives
the smiths, an iconic british band, produced several songs that touched upon queer experiences.
"this charming man" tells a story of a captivating man in a car offering assistance, a narrative that can be interpreted as a metaphor for a young man's coming-of-age and acceptance of his identity. "what difference does it make?" directly addresses the process of coming out, with the narrator ultimately expressing unapologetic pride in who they are.
queen's "i want to break free"
written by john deacon, queen's "i want to break free" became an anthem of liberation.
while the lyrics can be interpreted as escaping a bad relationship, its powerful message of breaking free from constraints resonated deeply with the lgbtq+ community as a coming-out anthem. the accompanying music video, featuring the band members in drag, further solidified its status as a queer anthem.
kate bush and gender exploration
kate bush's "running up that hill," famously featured in the series "stranger things," also found its place in the lgbtq+ narrative through its use in the show "pose." the song's exploration of empathy and emotional exchange between genders made it a poignant soundtrack for characters navigating complex identities.
cyndi lauper and self-acceptance
cyndi lauper's "true colors," while not explicitly about sexuality, is widely interpreted as a song about self-acceptance and authenticity.
the song's message of embracing one's true self and finding support in others resonated with the lgbtq+ community, particularly as the rainbow became a recognized symbol of pride.
aerosmith's controversial take
aerosmith's "dude looks like a lady" remains a controversial song, often seen as offensive due to its portrayal of a drag queen or transgender woman.
the song's narrative follows a person who is attracted to someone perceived as feminine, highlighting societal perceptions and misinterpretations of gender expression.
erasures' "chains of love"
erasure's "chains of love," written by openly gay singer andy bell, tells the story of a heartbroken man seeking forgiveness from his lover.
the song's emotional depth and bell's personal connection to its themes made it a significant track for queer audiences.
legislative and social context
the era's music also reflected the prevailing social and legal landscapes concerning lgbtq+ rights.
the obscenity act and its repeal
the obscenity act of 1977 in the uk prohibited local authorities from promoting homosexuality or publishing material that promoted it.
this legislation significantly impacted artistic expression and the dissemination of lgbtq+-themed content. the act's eventual repeal in scotland (1989) and england and wales (1999) marked crucial steps towards greater freedom of expression.
pleasure's "born a girl"
the obscure song "born a girl" by pleasure, sometimes classified as northern soul, offered a perspective on gender identity.
the dual interpretation of the song, perhaps questioning "do you wish to be a man?", hints at the complexities of gender and societal expectations.
enduring legacy and community
the songs discussed represent a fraction of the music that resonated with and reflected the experiences of the lgbtq+ community during the 1970s and beyond.
these anthems, whether explicitly queer or open to interpretation, played a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging, visibility, and empowerment. the ongoing dialogue around these songs, their lyrics, and their cultural impact continues to highlight the evolving understanding of gender and sexuality in music and society.
this exploration into the lgbtq+ anthems of the 70s reveals a rich tapestry of expression, from subtle lyrical nuances to more overt declarations of identity.
the artists of this decade, in their diverse ways, contributed to a growing cultural conversation, pushing boundaries and creating a soundtrack for a community finding its voice.