Country singing group Little Big Town has created a controversy with their new song “Girl Crush.” On the heels of their number one single “Day Drinking,” the group’s new single is being misinterpreted on country radio. Stations are refusing to play the single because some think the song is about a lesbian relationship. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Girl Crush” is a song about jealousy; about one woman wanting so much to be the “other“ woman. The lead sings , “I want to taste her lips / Yeah, ’cause they taste like you … I want her magic touch / Yeah, ’cause maybe then you’d want me just as much / I got a girl crush.”
What is alarming is the hate of some that listen to country radio, where many have called stations citing that the song was promoting the “gay agenda.” Country radio’s response, not to play the song. This is evidenced by the Girl Crush being one of the bestselling singles for weeks on iTunes peaking at number 4, but not getting the equivalent radio airplay where it peaked at 33.
This is not a unique response from country radio, a similar blacklisting occurred with the song “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves, which was named Song of the Year in 2014 by the Country Music Association. Musgraves’ win underscored the disconnect between artists, fans and country radio. The song basically extolled the virtues of being oneself, including kissing boys or girls whichever you like.
Just like the rest of America, many in the country music world are accepting of LGBT people. And just like some in America, country radio is refusing to accept the inevitable, equality in all places. Even in music on the radio.
