Swear Along with These 15 Swear Songs! | Playlist

1. Adam Melchor, “What a Damn Shame”

“What a Damn Shame” • R&R Digital / Warner • 2021

“What a damn shame when it won’t go right / What a damn shame to waste a good shirt on a bad night.” I totally agree Adam Melchor.  “What a Damn Shame” is a ‘damn good’ song.  Melchor penned and produced “What a Damn Shame” alongside Dark Waves. “What a Damn Shame” ticks all boxes.  Melchor is a fine vocalist, singing with authenticity and expression.  Furthermore, the vocal production is – wait for it – ‘damn sweet!’ You know what is ‘damn sweet’? The songwriting, arguably, the crowning achievement.

I heart the references to clothing, as well as more clever references to, say Frank Sinatra that evolve from singing about clothing:

“I heard Sinatra wouldn’t be caught dead without a suit
Well, I know ‘m not him
My hair’s more curly and my eyes a little less blue.”

Furthermore, tying intriguing verses together is the centerpiece – the chorus.  We get to curse (lightly) as we sing along to these fun lyrics (excerpted above).  The final piece of the “What a Damn Shame” pie is the production, which is #winning as well.  There’s an alternative pop/rock sensibility which seems to play to Melchor’s strengths.  Mr. Melchor totally tickled my fancy with this DA-YUM GOOD SONG!

Also appears on :
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2. Bella Poarch, “Build a Bitch”

“Build a Bitch” • Warner • 2021

The eyebrow raising “Build a Bitch” finds Filipino-American pop singer Bella Poarch singing about women’s empowerment and criticizing guys looking for physical perfection. There’s lots to heart about this record with the messaging being the biggest triumph.  The chorus, which appears at the onset, sets the tone. “This ain’t Build a Bitch (a bitch) / You don’t get to pick and choose,” Bella sings, continuing to name the details so many men scrutinize when it comes to women.  She adds at the end of the chorus, “I’m filled with flaws and attitude / So, if you need perfect, I’m not built for you.”

Poarch makes it clear far too many men set an impossible standard for their own benefit.  On the verses, she goes on to elaborate about the opposite sex’s search for perfection, further illustrating her point.  Beyond the songwriting and a strong performance from Poarch, “Build a Bitch” features sleek production work ( Elie Rizk and  Sub Urban) that’s ear catching.  Ultimately, Bella delivers on this brief, colorful pop song; among the best of 2021.

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3. Badflower, “Fukboi”

This is How the World Ends • Big Machine / John Varvatos • 2021

“He could be anyone’s mistake / Just say your boyfriend’s out of town / Don’t let him bum a cigarette.”  “Fukboi” appears as the second track on This is How the World Ends, the sophomore album by L.A. rock collective, Badflower. For Josh Katz and company, the colorfully titled record marks the third single from the LP. Produced by Katz, Scott Borchetta, and John Varvatos, the two-minute-and-forty-second cut marks a bright spot for the underrated band.

As you’d expect, Mr. Katz isn’t a fan of fuckboys, evidenced in several instances:

“Respect? No Way!
He’s from California
Show up! Get Laid!
They can’t all ignore ya
La- La- La- La- La- La- La- La- La-
Good luck, fukboi
No one’s rooting for ya.”

Katz highlights the ‘fuckboy playbook’ and how utterly shameless they are.  What really sells “Fukboi” are the aggressive, expressive vocals.  He’s proven to be an animated, electrifying front man.  A section worth noting, I like the change of pace on the bridge before Katz and company rachet up the aggressiveness once more.  Also, “Fukboi” isn’t merely about those godawful f-boys, or those filthy f-bombs uttered.  There’s a compelling instrumental supporting Josh, comprised of driving bass, aggressive guitars, and pummeling drums. Woo!

Also appears on :
FUCKBOY: 3BOPS No. 58 (2021)

4. Cardi B, “WAP”

Ft. Megan Thee Stallion

 “WAP” •  Atlantic •  2020

“There’s some whores in this house! / There’s some whores in this house!” The acronymic song  “WAP” had everyone’s undivided attention!  Cardi B and  Megan Thee Stallion are known for their fiercely, sexed-up personas, and “WAP” shows them straight-up flexing. Modesty is never the modus operandi on this former no. 1 hit with “whores” being the first word of the song on the intro (the record samples  “Whores in This House” by  Frank Ski).

Cardi B asserts at the end of the intro, “Wet-ass pussy, make that pullout game weak, woo.” She goes on to speak about the wetness on the chorus, while on the first verse, she asserts, “Hop on top, I wanna ride / I do a Kegel while it’s inside.” As for Megan Thee Stallion, on the second verse, she begins with a bang: “Gobble me, swallow me, drip down the side of me / Quick, jump out ‘fore you let it get inside of me.”  It doesn’t stop there as both have additional verses with shocking, highly sexual lyrics. The ‘freaky’ perspective won’t be relatable or win everyone over but give them credit for such a raw joint where the women freely express their sexual desires like the men frequently do.

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5. The Kid LAROI, “F*ck You, Goodbye”

Ft. Machine Gun Kelly

F*CK LOVE 3: OVER YOU • Columbia • 2020

“Fuck you, goodbye / You hurt me, for the last time.” At this point, it should come as no surprise that The Kid LAROI is partial to the f-bomb.  I mean, there’s F*CK LOVE 3: OVER YOU as a whole, and then there’s the song at hand, “F*ck You, Goodbye,” where the first line of the song begins with a lyrical middle finger.  While parents everywhere may cringe at Charlton’s potty mouth, he perfectly captures teen angst and matters of the heart superbly.

“It’s the last time I let you hurt me,” he asserts on the first verse, continuing, “Fuck you, goodbye, I did not deserve it / None of this bullshit was ever really worth it.” Woo! The Kid gets reinforced by Machine Gun Kelly, who contrasts Howard’s more youthful delivery with an older, more experienced take on pain (“Red in the eyes, lately I’ve been on a cocaine diet / I’ve been tryin’ to feed my high”).

Also appears on :
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6. Taylor Swift, “‘Tis the damn season”

Evermore • Taylor Swift • 2020

“So, we could call it even / You could call me ‘babe for the weekend / ‘Tis the damn season, write this down.”  Intriguing, Taylor Swift, intriguing.  Interestingly, at one point, Swift would write songs sans swear words.  However, with the release of Folklore in 2020, Swift joined numerous other artists by embracing some of those dirty old swear words.  It continued on  Evermore where the Grammy-winning musician asserts, “‘Tis the damn season.” ‘Tis the Damn season indeed, and now way to escape it with that assertive song title!  

Besides a title that bears attitude (and the d-word), the backdrop of “‘Tis the Damn Season” has attitude as well.  That assertive sound includes the ripe tone of guitars, and later, punchy snare drum.  Still, within the context of Evermore, Swift, as well as her background, never gets overblown or overwrought.  There’s always ‘cool energy’ that cooks but never scorches.  The chorus, excerpted above is a huge selling point, with Swift providing the right amount of juice. It continues as follows:

“I’m stayin’ at my parents’ house
And the road not taken looks real good now
And it always leads to you and my hometown.”

Well, ‘day-um’… The verses are alluring thanks to the descriptive nature of the lyrics, telling a narrative related to Dorothea in the context of evermore.

7. Juice WRLD & Benny Blanco, “Real Shit”

“Real Shit” • Grade A Productions / Interscope • 2020

“Real shit, real shit, never tell a lie.” It’s honestly a good philosophy that the late Juice WRLD expresses on “Real Shit”, a single released on what would’ve been his 22^nd birthday (December 2).  On the melodic single, he’s assisted by the pen and production of benny blanco.  In addition to blanco, “Real Shit” is also produced by Cashmere Cat, Henry Kwapis, Jack Karaszewski, and Dylan Brady.  

“Real Shit” is characteristic of Juice WRLD.  It’s melodic, finding the deceased artist embracing the emo side of the genre.  The chorus is ear catching.  Beyond the chorus, the post-chorus continues the goodness (“Life’s good so I’m living great”), even before we get a single verse.  Early on, it’s clear, Juice is all about positive vibes.  On the second verse, he enthusiastically asserts:

“I’m eatin’ too damn good
Goddamn, tryna gain weight
Workin’ on my demons, they in better shape
Demons on my back, get them away from me.”

Sadly, Juice was unable to make the positive attitude and progress on this single a reality.

Also appears on :
Real: 5ive Songs 80 (2021)

8. Rina Sawayama, “STFU”

SAWAYAMA • Dirty Hit •  2020

“How come you don’t expect me / To get mad when I’m angry? / … How come you don’t respect me? / Expecting fantasies to be my reality / Why don’t you just sit down and…” More folks need to be buzzing about Rina Sawayama – she’s amazing! Best described as an alternative musician, her music encompasses a variety of different styles including pop, R&B and even metal (hold that thought ). Her debut album, SAWAYAMA, has received universal critical acclaim, a feat few albums can tout.  The LGBTQ+ musician truly is a force to be reckoned with, something the showcases to the nth degree on “STFU” (aka “shut the fuck up”) the third track from SAWAYAMA.

Remember how I mentioned Sawayama dips her toes into metal sometimes? Well, “STFU” is a prime example.  No, she doesn’t wail like a metal singer, but she does bring the attitude and the heat over an aggressive, guitar-driven backdrop. She doesn’t need to belt or strain her voice in the least – she packs a mean punch being true to self and bringing her own distinct style.  Who exactly does Rina tell to shut the fuck up? Haters, judgmental folks, homophobes, etc. She’s over the BS essentially; she’s not afraid to “Tell It Like It Is”, Aaron Neville!

“Shut the fuck up (Shh)
Have you ever thought about taping your big mouth shut?
‘Cause I have, many times, many times
Have you ever thought about taping your big mouth shut?
‘Cause I have, many times, many times.” 

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9. Megan Thee Stallion, “Thot Shit”

“Thot Shit” • 1501 Certified Ent. / 300 Entertainment • 2021

“I don’t give a fuck ‘bout a blog tryna bash me / I’m the shit per the Recording Academy.” That’s true, Megan Thee Stallion – well – the part about the Recording Art Academy.  Early in her career, Megan is already a three-time Grammy winner – that’s amazing.  She electrifies on her latest banger, “Thot Shit”. “Thot Shit” marks the return of her alter ego, Tina Snow.

“Thot Shit” features production work by OG Parker and LilJuMadeDaBeat.  They stitch up the track for Megan, who drops a compelling flow, as always.  We get exactly what we’ve come to expect from her: explicitness, outlandishness, rawness, and surefire, unapologetic-ness, all from the jump. The chorus is repetitive, simple, yet highly effective: “Hands on my knees, shakin’ ass, on my thot shit.” Beyond those memorable lyrics, Megan delivers numerous ear catching lines. Two fine examples: “Missionary or doggystyle, I’ma top shit / Pussy-ass niggas hatin’ on me from the closet, ah” and “2021, finna graduate college / Goth girl shit, I’m a real hot topic.”  The former lyric is both sexual and seems to reference the closet, in reference to gay men.  Do with that whatever you will. “Thot Shit” is totally worth bumping – another enjoyable banger to add to the listening rotation.

Also appears on :
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10. JBACH, “fuckboy”

“fuckboy” • The Krusty Krab • 2021

“I gave a fuckboy my heart.” Alas, JBACH, that was a gargantuan mistake.  He continues singing on “fuckboy,” “My friends they tried to warn me / Somehow they knew from the start.” Clearly, the Chaldean (Iraqui) American LGBTQ musician was blinded by what he perceived to be love on this brief, two-minute ballad.  Of course, the dashingly handsome Detroit, Michigan native was burned.  That, of course, is what those no-good fuckboys do!

Despite his pain from being burned, JBACH sings in a soft, beautiful, and expressive voice – angelic to be honest.  He’s accompanied by guitar primarily, with the production expanding as the record progresses.  That said, the production is much more ‘non troppo’ than overblown.  Naturally, he sings about falling for too easily and giving his all for little in return.  Ultimately, he asserts, “Don’t know why, I do such dumb shit for love.” The truth is, don’t we all or have at some point in our lives? It’s easy to be blinded by an illusion, and that’s exactly what this fuckboy was to JBACH.  You live, love, and learn, right?

Also appears on :
FUCKBOY: 3BOPS No. 58 (2021)

11. Tink, “Fuck Around”

Hopeless Romantic • Winter’s Diary / WD / EMPIRE • 2020

“Boy, you look good in whatever you wear / I like them tattoos on your face,” Tink asserts, continuing, “Boy, when you pull me and grab on my neck / That’s that lil’ shit that be havin’ me wet.” Holy moly! That’s that After Dark shit that we love! The rapper/singer is totally digging this man judging by those lyrics.  He has exactly what she wants on “Fuck Around”,  which appears on her 2020 album, Hopeless Romantic. Would it be inappropriate to say that she’s not fucking around when it comes to loving (and making love to) him?

“You’re everything that I want / You been a hundred from the start / Hit the gas, boy you movin’ fast / But you know you’re good in my arms (Oh, yeah).” Tink is hopelessly in love! To her, this dude is it – the Sugar. Honey. Iced. Tea! “None of these bitches is gon’ understand [him],” but, “[He’s] everything that [I] want.” The chorus sums up the dedication perfectly, which, unsurprisingly, involves NOT “fuck[ing] around”:

“I’ll be there for you when you had a long day
Type of love, make me wanna go and tat your name
Promise I won’t fuck around, promise I won’t fuck around.”

The edge, sheer dedication, and sex solidify “Fuck Around” as an adults only affair.  Of course, the f-bomb solidifies its spot on Swear Along with These 15 Swear Songs!

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12. Eminem, “Ass Like That”

Encore • Shady / Aftermath • 2004

“The way you shake it, I can’t believe it / I ain’t never seen a ass like that / the way you move it, you make my pee-pee go / D-doing, doing, doing.” Woo!  When Grammy-winning rapper Eminem discusses the “D-doing, doing-doing” regarding his, um, ‘junk,’ on “Ass Like That,” we clearly know the effect that those assets are having.

“Ass Like That” appears on Marshall’s 2004 album, Encore. Of course, the song isn’t innocent as Eminem, via Triumph, the Comic Insult Dog, is a pervert, and the police are there to arrest him .

“Think someone’s at the door, but I don’t think I’ma answer
Police sayin ‘freeze’...
What do you mean, freeze
Please, I’m a human being, I have needs
I’m not done, not ‘til I’m finished peeing
I am not resisting arrest, I am agreeing
Mr. Officer, I’m already on my knees
I can’t get on the ground any further, it’s impossible for me.”

OH, BROTHER! There’s more of course, with R. Kelly shade, sketchy Asian lyrics, objectifying Jessica Simpson, Mary-Kate and Ashley, and Hilary Duff… “Ass Like That” is a mess, period.  Still, the production ( Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo) is superb and as crude as the song is, it’s entertaining.

Also appears on :
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13. girl in red, “You Stupid Bitch”

if I could make it go quiet • world in red / AWAL • 2021

Three words: “You Stupid Bitch”.  To that, I fittingly say, DAMN! “You Stupid Bitch” is  actually the title of the single from alternative singer/songwriter, girl in red (Marie Ulven Ringheim).  The ‘charmingly’ titled song appears as the sixth track on her 2021 debut album, if I could make it go quiet.  As brash and unapologetic as the title is, the song itself isn’t quite as ‘rough around the edges’ you might say.

So, why is Ringheim calling someone a “stupid bitch?” Well, matters of the heart are involved.  Within the context of the song, she’s referencing a girlfriend, who seems to have the opposite perspective regarding relationship(s).  As girl in red tells it, she’s simply trying to be supportive and is the perfect girl for her.  “You let the wrong people love you,” she advises on the first verse, adding, “But you don’t see that do you?” Later, on the second verse, she adds, “But you never listen / Take my advice as criticism / Then make the worse decisions.” On the chorus, she calls her “stupid bitch,” but not maliciously believe it or not: “You stupid bitch, can’t you see / The perfect one for you is me.”  Furthermore, throw an energetic, driving alt-rock backdrop (Ringheim and Matias Tellez) and assertive vocals and you have a surefire winner.

14. Timmy Trumpet & Nitti Gritti, “Hey Motherfucker”

“Hey Motherfucker” • SpinninRecords.com • 2021

“Hey motherfucker, motherfucker, motherfucker / Hey, hey, motherfucker, motherfucker, motherfucker.” Hmm, not the way I usually greet my friends for sure.  Nonetheless, on the brief but explicit “Hey Motherfucker,” that’s what’s served up lyrically.  Given the fact that Timmy Trumpet is a DJ/producer, and his style is electronic, it’s not surprising that motherfucker is repeated a million times.  Trumpet is joined by Nitti Gritti who is the guilty party for the rampant mf-bombs.  Sorry, not sorry!

Obviously, the title raises eyebrows, though, if you’re like me, when you found out there was a song named “Hey Motherfucker,” you had to check it out .  The phrase is self-explanatory, looped throughout – I won’t be breaking that down any further!  What’s more intriguing is the quick tempo and bright, energetic, and electrifying production by Timmy Trumpet – it’s a V-I-B-E.  All of that said, again, I don’t recommend going to just anybody and greeting them, “Hey motherfucker.”

15. Lizzo, “Good as Hell (Remix)”

Ft. Ariana Grande

Cuz I Love You (Super Deluxe) • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2019

“So, girl, if he don’t love you anymore / Then walk your fine ass out the door.” Attitude! Lizzo, who had a tremendous year in 2019, has received buzz from songs recorded in years prior.  This includes her number one hit, “Truth Hurts”,  as well as a song from a previous EP, “Good as Hell.” “Good as Hell” originally appeared on Lizzo’s 2016 EP, Coconut Oil.  Much like the two-year-old “Truth Hurts” (which appears on the deluxe version of Cuz I Love You), “Good as Hell” is a hot commodity, made hotter via “Good as Hell (Remix)” featuring Ariana Grande, appearing on the Super Deluxe version of Cuz I Love You.

“Good as Hell” is indeed, good as hell.  The vocals from Lizzo are on-point, filled with energy.  The personality she infuses into her performance, coupled with brilliant production work by Ricky Reed makes this a totally infectious, can’t-miss, sub-three-minute gem.  Adding Grande, particularly with a degree of control and subtlety, works out well.  Lizzo remains the star, but Grande provides a nice contrast, sneaking in on the second half of the second verse.  From there, the two trade lines or sing together with remarkable results.  By the final chorus, the duet is quite ripe, giving listeners some epic ear candy – or something like that.  Even if you’re a dude, who can resist:

“And do your hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin’ (Feelin’ good as hell).”

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