Kiss, Christine Sixteen | Controversial Songs

In the 13th edition of Controversial Songs (2025), we explore the controversy behind “Christine Sixteen” by Kiss.

Bring on the controversy! Controversial Songs is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows, stirred the pot, or were banned. The more censorship censor$hit, the better! The records that grace Controversial Songs are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  In the 13^th edition of Controversial Songs (2025), we explore the controversy behind “Christine Sixteen” by Kiss.

“‘I don’t usually say things like this to girls your age, but when I saw you / Coming out of the school that day, that day I knew, I knew, I’ve got to have / You, I’ve got to have you.’” Boy, oh boy! Those lyrics from the Grammy-nominated hard rock band Kiss (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley at the time)are nothing short of problematic! Gene Simmons composed and sings lead vocals on “Christine Sixteen” the second track from Kiss’ 1977 album, Love Gun. Eddie Kramer played keyboards on the track, and produced it alongside the band. Love Gun was a big success for Kiss. It peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA. “Christine Sixteen” was successful as a single. It peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its success, “Christine Sixteen” provides a catalyst for discussion.

Before highlighting more problematic elements, I’ll discuss the positive aspects. “Christine Sixteen” is an enthusiastic song, set in a major key. From the jump, the musical cues are terrific.  These include the jubilant piano ostinato (Kramer), jagged guitar riffs, a prominent bass line, and pummeling drums. Simmons sounds excellent singing lead showing off assertive and energetic vocals. The chorus,“Christine sixteen / Christine sixteen,” is tuneful to the nth degree. But, we must address the problematic nature of this song – it is rightfully controversial. 

The sexual innuendo is through the roof. This would not be a problem if age were not in the mix.  Simmons was pushing 30 when “Christine Sixteen” was released, and he is addressing a 16-year-old student… Yikes! In the first verse, Simmons asserts, “She’s got me in her hands / And there’s no use in pretending.” Use your imagination about what body part of him is in her hands… In the second verse, Simmons continues to be taken by her, singing, “She drives me crazy / I want to give her what I’ve got.” Hmm, and what is that exactly? And again, where is that something located, Gene? And, to reiterate, in that second chorus, excerpted above, Gene confirms the troublesome age gap… Look , “Christine Sixteen” is a rock classic, but as memorable and tuneful as it is, the theme and lyrics are disturbing.

Kiss // Love Gun // Kiss Catalog, Ltd. / The Island Def Jam Music Group // 1977

Kiss, Christine Sixteen: Controversial Songs No. 13 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Kiss Catalog, Ltd. / The Island Def Jam Music Group; Andrea Mosti from Pexels; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay; christian buehner on Unsplash]