Reading Time: 12 min read

12 Interesting Songs That Reference Bisexuality [Photo Credits: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay]ā€œ12 Interesting Songs That Reference Bisexualityā€ features songs by Demi Lovato, Halsey, Harry Styles, Panic! At the Disco & Rihanna.

A number of LGBTQ+ artists, their songs, and their albums have appeared on The Musical Hype throughout the years. Being a site that incorporates and includes a number of different people from all walks of life was always among the top goals of this site ā€“ inclusivity.Ā  The biggest compilation of LGBTQ+ songs yet on the site, Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with PRIDE, arrived in June 2019 (expect for it to be topped in 2020, of course).Ā  The list at hand, 12 INTERESTING SONGS THAT REFERENCE BISEXUALITY, seeks to narrow down songs from that ā€˜big list,ā€™ as well as add some additional ones referencing bi-curiosity and/or bisexuality.

It is important to note, that bisexuality is treated in various ways in the songs featured on this particular list.Ā  Some examine it more favorably, while others have landed the artists in ā€˜hot waterā€™ ā€“ looking at you specifically Liam Payne (ā€œBoth Ways,ā€ really?).Ā  Regardless, all of the 12 INTERESTING SONGS THAT REFERENCE BISEXUALITY minimally begin some sort of discussion; talking points.Ā  Musicians with songs featured on this particular list include Demi Lovato (ā€œCool for the Summerā€), Halsey, assisted by Lauren Jauregui (ā€œStrangersā€), Harry Styles (ā€œLights Upā€), Panic! At the Disco (ā€œGirls/Girls/Boysā€), and Rihanna (ā€œTe Amoā€) among others.Ā  Without further ado, here are 12 INTERESTING SONGS THAT REFERENCE BISEXUALITY.


1. Harry Styles, ā€œLights Upā€

Fine Line ā€¢ Columbia ā€¢ 2019

Harry Styles, Fine Line [Photo Credit: Columbia]Did Harry Styles ā€˜come outā€™ when he released single ā€œLights Upā€ on October 11, 2019 (National Coming Out Day)? That is the question surrounding the single. Regardless of how Styles identifies sexually, ā€œLights Up,ā€ is quite the intriguing record. The British heartthrob went against the grain on his promo single from his sophomore album, Fine Line, and it boded well for him.

ā€œLights Upā€ contrasts most of the songs that appeared on Harry Stylesā€™ debut album, self-titled solo debut album. ā€œLights Upā€ has elements of vintage and retro, led by the robust bass line and the keyboards.Ā  Still, there are also some modern cues, including the sleekness of the vocal production and some programming as well.Ā  The record possesses a great groove, and fine production work courtesy of Tyler Johnson. Vocally, Styles remains a force, sounding absolutely marvelous, as he makes it clear he will ā€œShine, step into the lightā€ and notably, ā€˜never go back.ā€™

Honestly, itā€™s the lyrics, the accompanying music video, and the significance of October 11, 2019 that add to the speculation regarding Stylesā€™ sexuality.Ā  Does he care? Probably not.Ā  There does seem to be elements of bisexuality implied in the music video, while the lyrics seem to be ā€˜open-mindedā€™ without specifically addressing sexuality.Ā  But the chorus seems to ā€˜open the doorā€™:

ā€œAll the lights couldnā€™t put out the dark
Runninā€™ through my heart
Lights up and they know who you are
Know who you are
Do you know who you are? (Oh).ā€

ā€œLights Upā€ previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in October 2019.


2. Liam Payne, ā€œBoth Waysā€

LP1 ā€¢ Capitol ā€¢Ā 2019

Liam Payne, LP1 [Photo Credit: Capitol]I have no doubt that the reactions to LP1 bothered Liam Payne.Ā  The reactions to the much-maligned album suggest that (possibly even confirm) a lucrative solo career for Payne seems quite unlikely.Ā The thing is, Payne is talented, not to mention incredibly handsome.Ā  That said, LP1 was definitely deserving of its spot as the third worst album of 2019 by estimations. Sure, it had its respectable moments (ā€œStrip That Downā€, ā€œGet Lowā€, and ā€œFamiliarā€), but the One Direction heartthrob also made some glaring missteps.Ā  None is more glaring than ā€œBoth Ways,ā€ which was selected among the 11 of the Absolute Worst Songs of 2019, also quite deservedly (Only ā€œEarthā€ by Lil Dicky fared worse TBH).

Why did ā€œBoth Waysā€ end up being a very bad moment for Mr. Payne? Well, the ā€˜horn-dogā€™ himself appears to fetishize bisexuality ā€“ what an ā€˜arseholeā€™ move! In a time where the collection of LGBTQ+ songs is only increasing, Payneā€™s entry is totally ill advised. Easily the most polarizing and shocking song ofĀ LP1, Payneā€™s girlfriend is portrayed as bi, hence, why ā€œshe like it both ways.ā€ Liam brings a whole new level of kinkiness as opposed to respect, tolerance, or transcendence, referencing threesomes, where, unsurprisingly, his girlfriendā€™s girlfriend gets him involved:

ā€œLovinā€™ the way that sheā€™s turning you on
Switching the lanes like a Bugatti Sport
Nothing but luck that she got me involved, yeah
Flipping that body, go head, I go tails
Sharing that body like itā€™s our last meal
One and a two and a three, thatā€™s for real.ā€

Question: is anyone turned on by this? Answer: ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Hence, ā€œBoth Waysā€ is a great way to sink a solo career before it even truly begins. Ā Horrid.


3. Janelle MonĆ”e, ā€œMake Me Feelā€

Dirty Computer ā€¢Ā Bad Boy ā€¢Ā 2018

Janelle MonĆ”e, Dirty Computer Ā© Bad Boyā€œYou keep on asking me the same questions / And second guessing all my intentions / Should know by the way I use my compression / That youā€™ve got the answers to my confessions.ā€ Dirty Computer, the third album by eclectic R&B artist Janelle MonĆ”e, was by far her boldest, most personal, and most transcendent album of her career. Unsurprisingly, the accomplished 2018 album was nominated for the Grammyā€™s most prestigious category, Album of the Year.Ā  One of the best songs from Dirty Computer is single, ā€œMake Me Feelā€.

On ā€œMake Me Feel,ā€ MonĆ”e blends throwback 80s R&B-funk production, and modern, urban contemporary fare.Ā  Notable instruments used are guitars and of course, keyboards. Also, Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter Julia Michaels serves as a co-writer. The influence of Prince is evident, particularly the yelps that occur on the bridge section.Ā  MonĆ”e delivers sexy-sounding vocals, in line with liberated, risquĆ©, and sensual nature of Dirty Computer.Ā  As the aforementioned lyrics suggest, MonĆ”e is opening up sexually, confirming queer speculation you might say. Itā€™s further confirmed with lyrics such as, ā€œItā€™s like Iā€™m powerful with a little bit of tender / An emotional sexual bender.ā€ The chorus is the crĆØme de la crĆØme:

ā€œThatā€™s just the way you make me feel
Thatā€™s just the way you make me feel
So good, so good, so fuckinā€™ real
Thatā€™s just the way you make me feel.ā€

ā€œMake Me Feelā€ was ranked as the 29th best song of 2018 on the year in review playlist, 100 Best Songs of 2018, and also appears on the playlist, Emotional Songs Where Itā€™s All About the Feel, Vol. 1.


4. Rita Ora, ā€œGirlsā€

Ft. Bebe Rexha, Charli XCX & Cardi B

Phoenix ā€¢ Atlantic ā€¢ 2018

Rita Ora, Phoenix [Photo Credit: Atlantic]ā€œI ainā€™t one-sided, Iā€™m open-minded / Iā€™m fifty-fifty and Iā€™m never gonna hide it.ā€ Perhaps, her heart was in the right place, but Rita Ora fell far short on her star-studded bisexually-driven anthem, ā€œGirlsā€ (Phoenix), which features Cardi B, Charli XCX, and Bebe Rexha. Typically, socially charged songs, particularly those with a LGBTQ tilt, are applauded.Ā  That has NOT been the case withĀ  ā€œGirls,ā€ which has received widespread criticism.Ā  Considered to be among the worst songs of 2018, to Oraā€™s credit, she makes a statement about sexuality, specifically bisexuality, albeit poorly stated.

On the aforementioned Rita Ora excerpt from the first verse, she seems to be admitting that sheā€™s bisexual, or at least not merely heterosexual.Ā  Charli XCX follows up with the pre-chorus encompassing a lesbian relationship, mĆ©nage trois, and kush ā€“ hmm. On the chorus, both admit, ā€œI just wanna kiss girls.ā€ Rexha joins on the second verse, focusing on same-sex attraction with Cardi B capping things off: ā€œI steal your bitch, have her down with the scissor / Tonight, I donā€™t want a dog, I want a kitten.ā€ Again, Ora and company oversimplify bisexuality, same-sex attraction, and sexuality in general.Ā  This is a misguided pop record through and through, that had it been executed properly, couldā€™ve packed a mightier punch.Ā  Even so, ā€œGirlsā€ previously appeared on the playlist, Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with PRIDE.Ā  Additionally, it also graced the playlist, Songs About Girls, Vol. 1.


5. Tove Lo, ā€œBitches (Remix)ā€

Ft. Charli XCX, Icona Pop, Elliphant & ALMA

ā€œBitches (Remix)ā€ ā€“ Single ā€¢Ā Universal ā€¢Ā 2018

Tove Lo, Bitches [Photo Credit: Universal]Swedish artist Tove Lo always seems to ā€˜push the envelope.ā€™ A perfect example arrives via ā€œbitchesā€, the seventh track from her 2017 album, BLUE LIPS (lady wood phase II).Ā  In 2018, Tove Lo returned with a remix of the record, featuring Charli XCX, Icona Pop, Elliphant, and ALMA.Ā  The song explores lesbianism (Tove Lo is bisexual).Ā  She starts things off bluntly with lines like ā€œKnow your own love, I donā€™t fuck with no gloveā€ and ā€œLet me be your guide when you eat my pussy out.ā€ Charli XCX, drops in for the pre-chorus asserting, ā€œAll the girls stare at me, drop lip / Dripping in harmony, like Fifth.ā€

Joined by Tove Lo, they deliver the ā€˜filter-lessā€™ hook:

ā€œBitches, I donā€™t trust ā€˜em
But they give me what I want for the night
Bitches, I donā€™t trust ā€˜em
But I tell ā€˜em and they do what I like.ā€

Icona Pop arrives for the second verse, ending with a bang: ā€œSo, baby, spread your legs, Iā€™ll do the same, already cumming.ā€ On the third verse, Elliphant and ALMA trade solo lines, while also performing alongside Tove Lo.Ā  So, what does one make of this blunt record? Depends on who you are, where you are, and what your perspectives are.Ā  What is clear is that Tove Lo isnā€™t afraid to speak about her sexuality and manages to get unique pop single out of it.Ā  ā€œBitchesā€ previously appeared on a couple of playlists: Ā Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming With Pride and 13 Totally B!+chinā€™ Songs.


6. Halsey, ā€œStrangersā€

Ft. Lauren Jauregui

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom ā€¢Ā Astralwerks ā€¢ 2017

Halsey, hopeless fountain kingdom Ā© AstralwerksAlt-pop artist Halsey, who is bisexual, tackled a lesbian relationship on her 2017 hit, ā€œStrangersā€, which appears on her sophomore album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. Its content is different from most of the songs featured on the album. Early on, it establishes itself as an LGBTQ song.Ā  On the first verse, she sings: ā€œShe doesnā€™t kiss me on the mouth anymore / ā€˜Cause itā€™s more intimate, than she thinks we shouldā€¦ā€

The chorus confirms the LGBTQ tilt:

ā€œSaid that weā€™re not lovers, weā€™re just strangers
With the same damn hunger
To be touched, to be loved, to feel anything at all.ā€

Lauren Jauregui, a member of Fifth Harmony (also bisexual), similarly shares her side of the story on the second verse. Both unite on the bridge:

ā€œI miss the mornings with you laying in my bed
I miss the memories replaying in my head
I miss the thought of a forever, you and me
But all youā€™re missing is my body.ā€

ā€œStrangersā€ previously appeared on a couple of playlists: 12 Friends & Strangers Songs and Ā Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming With Pride.


7. Demi Lovato, ā€œCool for the Summerā€

Confident ā€¢ Island / Hollywood ā€¢Ā 2015

Demi Lovato, Confident Ā© Hollywoodā€œTell me what you want / What you like / itā€™s okay / Iā€™m a little curious tooā€¦I can keep a secret, can you?ā€ Open-minded pop star Demi Lovato courted some controversy (for lack of a better word) with her hit single, ā€œCool for The Summerā€ (Confident, 2015). What makes the record bold are references to bi-curiousness and lesbianism, insinuated in the aforementioned lyrics.

The lustfulness is clear, with a reference to ā€œcherryā€ fueling the same-sex tilt.

ā€œGot my mind on your body and your body on my mind
Got a taste for the cherry, I just need to take a bite.ā€

The chorus continues the curiousness:

ā€œTake me down into your paradise
Donā€™t be scared, cause Iā€™m your body type
Just something that we wanna try
Cause you and I
Weā€™re cool for the summer.ā€

ā€œCool for the Summerā€ brings light to the existence of a sexual spectrum that goes beyond being exclusively straight, exclusively gay, or bisexual.Ā  Interestingly, thereā€™s a Purple-Red Scale for determining sexuality.Ā  Since itā€™s only ā€œcool for the summer,ā€ clearly Lovato considers this to be a fling as opposed to a serious relationship. Nonetheless, a sexually awakening experience. ā€œCool for the Summerā€ previously appeared on a couple of playlists: 13 Captivating Summer Songs andĀ Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming With Pride.


8. Panic! At the Disco, ā€œGirls/Girls/Boysā€

Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! ā€¢ Fueled by Ramen ā€¢Ā 2013

Panic! At The Disco, Too Rare to Live, Too Weird to Die Ā© Fueled by RamenBrendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco delivered one of his most risquĆ© singles of its career with ā€œGirls/Girls/Boys.ā€ The single, not to mention Urieā€™s revelation of sexual experimentation caused the media to incorrectly label him as bisexual; notably, he came out as pansexual in 2018.Ā Heā€™s definitely onboard with the freedom to be and of course do what youā€™d like.

ā€œGirls/Girls/Boysā€ embraces bisexuality, from a girlā€™s perspective:

ā€œAnd never did I think that I
Would be caught in the way you got me
But girls love girls and boys
And love is not a choice.ā€

Later on, Urie admits to interfering with his love interestā€™s preferences:

ā€œIā€™m just a villain vying for attention from a girl
A girl who canā€™t decide
And hereā€™s the reason why
Girls love girls and boys.ā€

While he proclaims himself as the villain in this case, heā€™s ultimately thinking bigger. Since ā€œGirls/Girls/Boysā€ is bisexual anthem, he suggests those interfering with people choosing who to love ā€“ judgmental or otherwise ā€“ are the villains. ā€œGirls/Girls/Boysā€ previous appeared on the playlists: Songs About Girls, Vol. 1, 14 Songs That Are About Boys or Girls, andĀ Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming With Pride.


9. Rihanna, ā€œTe Amoā€

Rated R ā€¢Ā Def Jam ā€¢ 2009

Rihanna, Rated R Ā© Def JamThe 2009 Rihanna album, Rated R, was indeed, rated R.Ā  This was an important, transitional album in the R&B/pop artistā€™s discography.Ā  Notably, the album followed the whole Chris Brown scandal.Ā  Rihanna would return edgy, with music that embodied being risquĆ© AF.Ā  One of the kinder, gentler numbers from Rated R, ā€œTe Amo,ā€ would end up being progressive than some of the cuts that found Ri incorporating f-bombs.

ā€œTe Amoā€ encompasses a ā€˜romantic encounterā€™ between two women.Ā  Thereā€™s no relationship, nor do things ā€˜go all the way.ā€™Ā  Still, the particular woman desires to be ā€˜more than friendsā€™ with Rihanna. ā€œTe amo, te amo / She says to me / I hear the pain in her voice,ā€ Rihanna sings on the first verse, continuing, ā€œThen we danced underneath the candelabra / She takes the lead / That when I saw it in her eyes, itā€™s over.ā€ Ā Rihanna makes her resistance to this potential relationship crystal clear on the chorus of this Latin-tinged, tropical pop gem:

ā€œThen she said te amo
Then she put her hand around my waist
I told her, no
She cried te amo
I told her Iā€™m not gonna run away
But let me go
My soul is awry
Without asking why
I said te amo
Wish somebodyā€™d tell me what she said?
Donā€™t it mean, I love you?
Think it means, I love you
Donā€™t it mean, I love you?

A terrific song, it captures a scenario that is quite easy to envision by all means.Ā  Crushing on the same-sex, yet the crush doesnā€™t feel that way ā€“ definitely a realistic situation.


10. Lady Gaga, ā€œPoker Faceā€

The Fame ā€¢ Interscope ā€¢ 2008

Lady Gaga, The Fame [Photo Credit: Interscope]ā€œLove game intuition, play the cards with spades to start / And after heā€™s been hooked, Iā€™ll play the one thatā€™s on his heart.ā€ Listening to ā€œPoker Faceā€ without context, or playing extremely close attention to the lyrics, it would seem that itā€™s a harmless, dance-pop record by Lady Gaga. Dance-pop often focuses on the production and vibe more so than the lyrics, so, Lady Gaga could easily get a bit of a pass given the infectious, killer vibes of ā€œPoker Face.ā€ Donā€™t let the infectiousness of this number one hit from The Fame Monster fool you.Ā  Basically, you should totally ā€˜read intoā€™ the chorus, which clearly insinuates bisexuality, confirmed by the musician herself.

Thereā€™s nothing wrong with that, but back when, how many caught what Gaga was actually singing about?

ā€œCanā€™t read my, canā€™t read my
No, he canā€™t read my poker face
(Sheā€™s got me like nobody)
Canā€™t read my, canā€™t read my
No, he canā€™t read my poker face
(Sheā€™s got me like nobody).ā€

ā€œPoker Faceā€ previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs That Focus on the Face.


11. Katy Perry, ā€œI Kissed a Girlā€

One of the Boys ā€¢Ā Capitol ā€¢Ā 2008

Katy Perry, One of the Boys [Photo Credit: Capitol]ā€œThat was never the way I planned / Not my intention / I got so brave, drink in hand / Lost my discretionā€¦ā€ Well, thatā€™s very telling Katy Perry.Ā  Of course, the opening lines from the first verse set up the 2008, bisexual anthem (rather, bi-curious), ā€œI Kissed a Girl.ā€Ā  Of course, the juiciest part of the verse is the second half, where Perry asserts, ā€œJust wanna try you on / Iā€™m curious for youā€¦ā€

Does ā€œI Kissed A Girlā€ have a transcendent message? Eh. A Huffington Post article sheds some light on this controversial, though extremely popular hit. Regardless of the controversy ā€“ the aforementioned ā€œBoth Waysā€ (Liam Payne) and ā€œGirlsā€ (Rita Ora) are also controversial ā€“ you could argue ā€œI Kissed A Girlā€ broke barriers at the time.Ā  Same-sex interactions wasnā€™t a popular topic for pop hits back in 2008.Ā  And who didnā€™t ā€œlike itā€ at the time? By the way, the ā€œcherry chap stick referenceā€ was naughtier than anyone thought.


12. Franz Ferdinand, ā€œMichaelā€

Franz Ferdinand ā€¢Ā Domino ā€¢Ā 2004

Franz Ferdinand, Franz Ferdinand [Photo Credit: Domino]ā€œSo sexy, Iā€™m sexy / So, come dance with me, Michael / Iā€™m all that you see, you want to see / So, come and dance with me, Michael.ā€ You know, when I think of Franz Ferdinand, bisexuality and homoerotic certainly donā€™t come to mind.Ā  However, ā€œMichaelā€ has always stood out on their self-titled, 2004 album.Ā  Thereā€™s quite the argument to be had.Ā  Does ā€œMichaelā€ dip into a same-sex situation, or is it generally misinterpreted or misread? That is the question!

ā€œMichael, youā€™re the boy with all the leather hips / Sticky hair, sticky hips, stubble on my sticky lipsā€¦ā€ Wow ā€“ thatā€™s hot stuff to say the least, Alex Kapranos! Ā Taken the lyrics literally, ā€œMichaelā€ has homoerotic thriller written all over it. ā€œBeautiful boys on a beautiful dance floor,ā€ he continues on the chorus, adding, ā€œMichael, youā€™re dancing like a beautiful dance-whore.ā€ Sure, ā€œMichaelā€ isnā€™t extremely explicit, far paling in comparison to contemporary sexually charged music, but still, an early ode from male to male (2004) ā€“ itā€™s worth talking about, and still potent to this day.



12 Interesting Songs That Reference Bisexuality [Photo Credits: Astralwerks, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Columbia, Def Jam, Fueled by Ramen, Hollywood, Interscope, Island, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Universal]

Verified by MonsterInsights