Controversy
Natalia Kills Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Controversy, uh huh (x 8)

Cheerleaders
Wet panties
Drug dealers
Porn addicts
Underage
Underpaid
Fuck you for a McDonald's

Narcotic
Don't stop it
All the girls are friends with Molly
Dilated
X-rated
Pageant princess
Puking rainbows

Drink the Kool-Aid, Don't drink the Kool-Aid (x 8)

Controversy, uh huh (x 4)

Teen brides
White Lines
Politicians
Headlines
Prom queens
STDs
Highschool shoot outs
Dirty dreams

Cult leaders
Cowboy preachers
Blame it on the non-believers
Therapists
Sedatives
Visiting hours are 10 to 6

Drink the Kool-Aid, Don't drink the Kool-Aid (x 8)

Controversy, uh huh (x 4)

Peer pressure
Sex obsession
Television
Intervention
Cotton mouth
OCD
Ricky Lake
Society

Bath salts
Authority
Online is the new reality
The internet is reality
Technology killed reality

Drink the Kool-Aid, Don't drink the Kool-Aid (x 8)

Controversy, uh huh (x 4)

Bloody noses
Riot squad
Prostitution
Valium
Hate crimes
Debutants
Victims
Vixens
Vicodins

Bloody noses
Riot squad
Prostitution
Valium
Hate crimes
Debutants
Victims
Vixens
Vicodins

What the fuck you lookin' at?
This ain't high school pussy cat
Looking down my shirt like it's Disneyland
Like you're waiting for a fast pass

What the fuck you lookin' at?
What the fuck you lookin' at?
What the fuck you lookin' at?
What the fuck.





Controversy, uh huh (x 8)

Overall Meaning

Natalia Kills's song Controversy is a hard-hitting critique of the societal issues from drug addiction, promiscuity, cults, and technology. The song is set through a series of contrasting images that showcase the darker side of humanity. The repetitive chords and aggressive lyrics of “Controversy, uh huh” emphasise her message that society is becoming excessively addicted to both technology and drugs, and that the negative consequences for our culture and society are not slowing down. She sings about "Cheerleaders, Wet panties, Drug dealers, Porn addicts" and other taboo topics that we are too scared to explore.


Kills touches on themes that create public debate and have severe consequences for society. One such theme is drug addiction, which she refers to as “Narcotic, Don't stop it, All the girls are friends with Molly”. She highlights that it is an issue that affects all ages and all classes. It is a theme around which the song revolves, and Kills invites the listener to consider it through an essential lens. The second theme is the prevalence of cults in modern society, as illustrated by the lyrics “Cult leaders, Cowboy preachers, Blame it on the non-believers.” The song grimly reminds us that drug and technology addiction has reached a point of no return, becoming the new norm in our society.


In summary, Natalia Kills's controversial lyrics with her aggressive vocals evoke her message that society has become heavily dependent on both drugs and technology, and it's time we start to recognise and address these pressing issues.


Line by Line Meaning

Controversy, uh huh (x 8)
The singer is introducing the theme of the song, pointing to the controversial and often taboo aspects of modern society.


Cheerleaders
Cheerleading is a popular sport, but it is often criticized for its emphasis on appearance over athleticism.


Wet panties
Sexual arousal is often taboo, but it is a natural human emotion and should not be shamed.


Drug dealers
Drug addiction is a serious problem in society, but blaming dealers alone does not address the root causes of addiction.


Porn addicts
Pornography is controversial, as some believe it objectifies women and can have negative effects on viewers.


Underage
Underage drinking, drug use, and sex are illegal and often dangerous, but many young people engage in these activities regardless of the risks.


Underpaid
Low wages are a problem for many workers, and businesses should prioritize fair pay and working conditions.


Fuck you for a McDonald's
The singer is criticizing the low wages paid by McDonald's and other fast food chains, which make it difficult for workers to make ends meet.


Narcotic
Drugs that are addictive and potentially dangerous, but are still widely used and often glamorized in popular media.


Don't stop it
The singer may be advocating against drug prohibition and in favor of harm reduction policies.


All the girls are friends with Molly
Molly is a slang term for MDMA, a popular party drug that is known for inducing feelings of euphoria and empathy.


Dilated
Pupil dilation is a common side effect of drugs like MDMA, but it can also be caused by other factors like emotional arousal or eye injury.


X-rated
In the context of the song, this likely refers to sexually explicit content (e.g. X-rated movies), which is often controversial and considered taboo.


Pageant princess
Refers to young girls who compete in beauty pageants, which are often criticized for objectifying children and promoting unhealthy beauty standards.


Puking rainbows
A metaphor for vomiting after taking drugs that induce hallucinations, which can cause people to see vivid colors and patterns.


Drink the Kool-Aid, Don't drink the Kool-Aid (x 8)
A reference to the Jonestown massacre, in which over 900 people died after drinking Flavor Aid laced with cyanide. The phrase has since become a metaphor for blindly following a charismatic leader or ideology without questioning its validity or consequences.


Teen brides
Refers to underage or forced marriages, which are often criticized for perpetuating gender inequality and abuse.


White Lines
A slang term for cocaine, a highly addictive drug that is illegal in many countries and is associated with a range of social problems, including violence and addiction.


Politicians
Refers to the controversy surrounding political figures and their actions, including scandals, corruption, and ideological differences.


Headlines
The singer is pointing to the sensationalized and often biased nature of news media, which often prioritizes sensational stories over objective reporting.


Prom queens
Refers to popular girls in high school, who are often praised for their looks and social status rather than their abilities or character.


STDs
Refers to sexually transmitted diseases, which are a public health concern but are often stigmatized and blamed solely on individuals who contract them.


Highschool shoot outs
Refers to mass shootings in schools, which are a recurring problem in America and often revolve around issues of gun control, mental health, and societal pressures.


Dirty dreams
Refers to sexual fantasies, which are often frowned upon in society and can be a source of shame or guilt for some individuals.


Cult leaders
Refers to charismatic and often dangerous individuals who attract dedicated followers by promoting extreme ideologies and isolating them from mainstream society.


Cowboy preachers
Refers to religious leaders who use provocative or aggressive tactics to attract followers, often using fear or shame to control their behavior and beliefs.


Blame it on the non-believers
The singer is criticizing the tendency of religious leaders to blame societal problems on non-believers rather than accepting responsibility for their actions or beliefs.


Therapists
Refers to mental health professionals who treat individuals with emotional or psychological problems using various therapies and interventions.


Sedatives
A type of drug that reduces anxiety and induces sleep, but can be addictive and has potentially dangerous side effects.


Visiting hours are 10 to 6
Refers to hospitals or other institutions where individuals may be isolated from their loved ones or the outside world.


Peer pressure
Social pressure to conform to group norms or behaviors, which can be positive or negative depending on the context.


Sex obsession
The singer is criticizing the tendency of modern society to fetishize and overemphasize sex, often to the detriment of other aspects of life or relationships.


Television
Refers to the pervasive influence of media on society, which can shape perceptions and values in subtle but significant ways.


Intervention
A type of therapy or counseling that involves confronting individuals with problematic behavior or addictions, often to encourage them to seek treatment or modify their behavior.


Cotton mouth
A dry or parched feeling in the mouth, often caused by drug use or anxiety.


OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts or compulsions that interfere with daily life.


Ricky Lake
Refers to the talk show host Ricki Lake, whose show often featured guests discussing controversial or taboo topics such as sex, drugs, and relationships.


Society
The complex and diverse network of individuals and institutions that make up modern civilization, which must balance the needs and desires of individual members with the demands of the collective.


Bath salts
A type of synthetic drug that can cause hallucinations, agitation, and violent behavior in users, and has been attributed to a number of bizarre and disturbing incidents in recent years.


Authority
Refers to individuals or institutions in positions of power, who can shape and control the behavior of others through various means such as laws or social norms.


Online is the new reality
The singer is pointing to the trend of modern society to increasingly rely on digital technologies and online media to shape our perceptions of the world and our interactions with others.


Technology killed reality
The singer is lamenting the loss of authentic human experience and interaction in the face of a world that is increasingly mediated by technology and digital media.


Bloody noses
A common side effect of cocaine use, which can cause nasal septum erosion and other health problems.


Riot squad
Refers to specialized police units that are called in to deal with riots or other disturbances, often using aggressive tactics and weapons such as tear gas or rubber bullets.


Prostitution
Refers to the practice of selling sexual services, which is often controversial and illegal in many parts of the world.


Valium
A type of benzodiazepine drug that is used to treat anxiety, but can also be addictive and has potentially dangerous side effects.


Hate crimes
Crimes that are motivated by prejudice or hate towards a particular group or individual, often based on factors such as race, gender, or sexual orientation.


Debutants
Young women who are presented to society at formal events, often based on their family's social status or connections.


Victims
People who have been harmed or wronged in some way, often through no fault of their own, and may suffer from physical or psychological trauma.


Vixens
Refers to women who are sexually attractive or alluring, often based on a stereotypical image of femininity that emphasizes physical beauty and submissive behavior.


Vicodins
A type of painkiller medication that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, which can be addictive and has potentially dangerous side effects.


What the fuck you lookin' at?
The singer is challenging the voyeuristic or judgmental behavior of others, who may be gawking or staring inappropriately.


This ain't high school pussy cat
The singer is pointing out that the behavior being judged or criticized is not due to immaturity or naivety, but is a reflection of complex issues in society.


Looking down my shirt like it's Disneyland
The singer is criticizing the overly sexualized ways in which women's bodies are often portrayed in popular media and culture, reducing them to objects of desire rather than individuals with agency.


Like you're waiting for a fast pass
Refers to the theme park ride reservation system at Disneyland, implying that the person is acting entitled or impatient in their behavior toward the singer.


Controversy, uh huh (x 4)
The singer is repeating the theme of the song, emphasizing the wide range of issues and topics covered in the lyrics, and the overall controversial nature of modern society.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Guillaume Doubet, Jeff Bhasker, Natalia Cappuccini

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jamies7782

10 years ago? How ahead of the time this was, and this whole album for that matter. The campaign, the looks, the acclaim, the lyrical content, the visuals...Trouble was such an immense era.

@ANAxKEY

Some people are chasing times, some live timeless ess ...

@rightwerk

In my opinion Trouble was the best pop album of the 2010s. Criminally underrated. The writing, production, sound design, aesthetics, vocals. There is no bad songs or skips. I will never not be mad at Natalia Kills’ demise!

@skyfitsheaven

I love Trouble but everything about it was very much 2013. all the aesthetics she had during that time were all over tumblr

@ArchiveTS

The X Factor was staged. She is in gag order, she cannot expose them. The producers did not imagine that the public would react like that, Simon Cowell always does this on television and people do not attack him. She already said she apologized and said that she can't talk about what really happened.

@matimoi

This comment needs to be higher

@isaacvermon

this is going to age VERY well

@larey9484

I randomly remembered this video shortly after lockdown, and I was shocked by how well this represented modern internet culture. Even better than when it was released originally

@acidinmyspam7402

I'm STILL a stan and haven't stopped listening to this song since it first came out. She was onto something GOOD during this era...

@fattiesunite2288

It’s ICONIC! Natalia kills ahead of her time as usual

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