REWIND TO THE 80s: SONGS ABOUT TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS THAT STILL RESONATE TODAY
The 80s were a decade of great music, but it also served as an era of intense societal change, where the subject of toxic relationships began to emerge prominently in pop culture. Several artists at the time were producing songs that spoke of unhealthy relationships and the need for self-worth. Decades later, many of these songs still resonate today, and it’s evident that the problems they address are not particular to any one period. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable songs from the 80s that deal with toxic relationships.
What is a toxic relationship?
Before we dive into these songs, let’s define what a toxic relationship is. A toxic relationship is a situation where one or both partners have negative behaviors and attitudes that inflict emotional, physical, or psychological damage on the other person. In such relationships, one partner is usually dominant, controlling, or abusive, while the other is submissive and unable to defend themselves.
Cyndi Lauper – Time after Time (1984)
Time after Time is a ballad that was released in 1984 by Cyndi Lauper. The song recounts the emotional rollercoaster of a relationship where one partner repeatedly betrays the other. In the visually rich lyrics, we see how the singer has built up her walls to protect herself, yet she still finds herself vulnerable to her lover’s influence. The song’s chorus encapsulates the whole story, repeating the refrain, “If you’re lost you can look, and you will find me, time after time.”
Eurythmics – Thorn in my Side (1986)
Eurythmics released this song in 1986 as a response to their personal experiences with toxic relationships. Thorn in my Side reflects the emotional turmoil of a toxic relationship where one partner is unwilling to let go despite the other’s wishes. The song conveys how hard it is to end a toxic relationship when you are vulnerable, lonely, and unsure of yourself. The lyrics of the chorus are particularly stark, “I have a thorn in my side, and it hurts when I move.”
Pat Benatar – Love is a Battlefield (1983)
Love is a Battlefield was one of the popular rock anthems of the 80s, showing how women are at the receiving end of toxic relationships. The song speaks to the idea that love can turn into a battleground, where partners fight psychologically and emotionally. The music video does a great job of emphasizing the song’s ideas as Benatar gets into an argument with her father and then runs away to escape an abusive relationship. Her battlecry chorus, “We are young, heartache to heartache, we stand” captures the theme of resilience present throughout the song.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the theme of toxic relationships is not something new, as evidenced by the songs from the 80s that we’ve looked at in this article. These songs are not only meant to entertain us but also help us recognize the signs of toxic relationships and how to get out of them. The lyrics from these classic songs still resonate with us even today, and their messages can still empower individuals to recognize the signs of toxic relationships, take action, and seek help.
