Meshell Ndegeocello, Leviticus: F****t | Controversial Songs

In the 10th edition of Controversial Songs (2024), we explore the controversy behind the “Leviticus: Faggot” by Meshell Ndegeocello.

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 10^th edition of Controversial Songs (2024), we explore the controversy behind the “Leviticus: Faggot” by Meshell Ndegeocello.

“Hey faggot, better run, learn to run, ‘cause Daddy’s home / Daddy’s sweet lil’ boy just a little too sweet.” Uh-oh… more like, holy shit! “Leviticus: Faggot” – let that song title set in! Grammy winner Meshell Ndegeocello delivered a controversial single in 1996.  The fifth track from Peace Beyond Passion isn’t an easy listen.  Why? The f-slurs are abundant, while the intolerance and lack of acceptance by the gay boy’s Christian parents are disgusting and utterly disturbing.  While this powerful song penned by Ndegeocello and produced by David Gamson is troubling, its narrative isn’t far-fetched, particularly given the prevalence of homophobia.  On a lighter note, “Leviticus: Faggot” thrives instrumentally.  The groove ‘kicks some serious ass.’ The bass line by Ndegeocello is equally athletic and fat.  The guitar riffs are sickening.  After the drums, guitar, and bass, set the tone, keys and strings expand the instrumental. Still, “Leviticus” explores big topics: sexuality, masculine stereotypes, religion, and most jarring, suicide.

Religion is firmly planted in “Leviticus: Faggot.”  Leviticus 18:22 is the culprit used to condemn homosexuality: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.  Make of it what you will. Per Ndegeocello, “His mother would pray / Save him, save him, save him from this life.” Praying the gay away is viewed by some narrowminded folks as a remedy for queerness, hence why the boy is ‘encouraged’ to “go to church boy, faggot, you just a prisoner / Of your own perverted world.” Faggot, which has been reclaimed by some members of the gay community, is used intentionally to highlight the emotional abuse the nameless boy receives.  Regarding his sexuality, “the faggot wanted the love of a man.” He should run from his dad, who focuses far too much on masculine stereotypes: “Every night the man showed the faggot / What a real man should be.” After being kicked out for being gay at 16, he ultimately commits suicide:

“Before long, he was crowned queen

For all the world to see, his bloody body face down

All hail the queen, the wages of sing

Are surely death, child, that’s what Mama used to say

So, there was no sympathy.”

Terrible, terrible, terrible.  To reiterate, “Leviticus: Faggot” is a tough song to listen to.  No one should merely be referred to by a slur just because they’re gay.  The boy’s parents let religion and myopic, unsupportive views lose their son.  Given the use of the f-slur and a controversial music video, this Meshell Ndegeocello classic was censored. Nearly 30 years after its release, the song remains meaningful, powerful, and must-hear song.

Meshell Ndegeocello // Peace Beyond Passion // Maverick Recording Company // 1996

Meshell Ndegeocello, Leviticus: Faggot: Controversial Songs No. 10 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Maverick Recording Company; Tazz Vaughn via Pexels; Elena Arboleda Salas, nikolaytaman90, Tumisu from Pixabay; christian buehner on Unsplash]