When artists create music, the hope is that their work will resonate with listeners and maybe even become a massive hit. However, not every successful song is beloved by its creator. In fact, some musicians have developed a strong dislike for their own popular tracks. Whether it’s due to changing personal values, regret over controversial lyrics, or simply growing tired of performing the same song over and over, these musicians have openly expressed their disdain for some of their biggest hits. Here’s a look at ten artists who would prefer to forget about their most famous songs.
1. Katy Perry – “I Kissed a Girl”
Katy Perry’s 2008 breakout hit, “I Kissed a Girl,” catapulted her into stardom, but she’s not exactly fond of it today. The song, which describes a woman’s first-time experience kissing another woman, has sparked criticism over the years for reinforcing stereotypes about bisexuality. Perry herself has expressed regret, stating that if she were to write the song today, she would make significant lyrical changes to better reflect the more nuanced conversations about sexuality that have developed in the years since its release.
2. Paramore – “Misery Business”
Paramore’s “Misery Business” was a defining track for the band in the mid-2000s emo scene, but lead singer Hayley Williams has since distanced herself from the song. Written when she was just 17, the lyrics include lines that Williams now finds problematic, particularly in terms of their portrayal of women. In 2017, she reflected on her growth since writing the song and acknowledged that its message no longer aligns with her current values.
3. Lady Gaga – “Do What U Want”
Lady Gaga’s 2013 collaboration with R. Kelly on “Do What U Want” was initially well-received, but the song took on a much darker tone after the sexual assault allegations against Kelly came to light. Gaga has since expressed deep regret for working with him and has removed the track from streaming platforms, emphasizing her support for survivors of sexual abuse and her desire to distance herself from Kelly’s controversial history.
4. Pharrell Williams – “Blurred Lines”
Pharrell Williams initially defended “Blurred Lines,” his 2013 collaboration with Robin Thicke, despite its suggestive lyrics. However, as societal discussions around consent and chauvinism evolved, Williams reconsidered his stance. He later admitted that the song contributed to a culture that objectifies women, and he expressed regret for not recognizing this sooner.
5. Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy”
Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” became an anthem in 2019, but the young star doesn’t think much of the song. Despite its global success, Eilish has called the track “stupid” and “goofy,” revealing that she never took it seriously and only intended it to be a fun, lighthearted piece of music. Her candid comments show that even hit songs can feel trivial to their creators.
6. Jay-Z – “Big Pimpin’”
Jay-Z’s 1999 hit “Big Pimpin’” is one of his most famous tracks, but the rapper has grown uncomfortable with its lyrics, which reflect a dismissive and objectifying attitude towards women. Now a father of daughters, Jay-Z has re-evaluated the song, calling it “harsh” when revisiting the lyrics years later.
7. Iggy Azalea – “D.R.U.G.S.”
Iggy Azalea faced backlash for a lyric in her 2011 song “D.R.U.G.S.” where she referred to herself as a “runaway slave master.” The line, intended as a metaphor, was widely condemned, and Azalea quickly apologized, admitting that the lyric was thoughtless and offensive. She now regrets not considering how her words might impact listeners.
8. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
“Stairway to Heaven” is an iconic rock anthem, but Led Zeppelin’s frontman Robert Plant has never been fully comfortable with the song’s lyrics. Plant has expressed that the lyrics don’t resonate with him anymore and that he would never write something similar today. Despite its status, he’s admitted that he finds it hard to relate to the song now.
9. Drake – “Jodeci (Freestyle)”
Drake’s 2013 track “Jodeci (Freestyle),” featuring J. Cole, sparked controversy due to offensive lyrics about autism. After significant public criticism, Drake issued an apology, acknowledging that the lyrics were inappropriate and hurtful. He later edited the song to remove the offending lines, showing his commitment to respecting all audiences.
10. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Oasis’s “Wonderwall” is arguably one of the most recognizable songs of the 1990s, but both Liam and Noel Gallagher have expressed their dislike for the track. Despite its success, the brothers have grown tired of the song, with Noel describing its global popularity as inexplicable and Liam admitting he hates performing it.
These stories reveal the complex relationship artists can have with their own work. While their songs may resonate with millions, these musicians remind us that success doesn’t always equate to satisfaction.
