Imagine recording a hit song that propels you to stardom, only to realize years later that you can’t stand it.
For many of us, having a hit song would be a dream come true. We’d bask in the glory, enjoy the fame, and, of course, appreciate the financial rewards. But not all musicians feel this way.
Some musicians who hate their own songs have expressed regret and even embarrassment over their popular tracks.
Here are five music stars who wish they could erase their hit songs forever.
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Katy Perry, "I Kissed a Girl"
Katy Perry's 2008 smash hit "I Kissed a Girl" propelled her to stardom.
The infectious lyrics and lively rhythm took it to the top of the charts. However, Perry has since expressed remorse over the song.
Upon reevaluation, Perry recognizes that the song perpetuates stereotypes about bisexuality and fluidity, concepts that were less understood at the time.
Years after its release, Perry told Glamour, “We’ve really changed, conversationally, in the past 10 years. If I had to write that song again, I probably would make an edit on it. Lyrically, it has a couple of stereotypes in it.” It’s a classic case of a song that doesn’t age well as societal conversations evolve.
https://youtu.be/tAp9BKosZXs
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Paramore, "Misery Business"
Paramore's "Misery Business" became a defining track for the band when it was released nearly two decades ago.
Yet, lead singer Hayley Williams has distanced herself from the song due to its controversial lyrics. The line “Once you’re a wh*re, you’re nothing more, I’m sorry that’ll never change” has made Williams cringe in hindsight.
In a 2017 interview with Track 7, Williams reflected on her growth since writing the song. “I was a 17-year-old kid when I wrote the lyrics in question, and if I can somehow exemplify what it means to grow up, get information, and become any shade of ‘woke,’ then that’s okay with me,” she explained.
As a proud feminist, Williams acknowledges that the song doesn’t align with her current values, making it one of the worst hit songs in her catalog.
https://youtu.be/aCyGvGEtOwc
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Lady Gaga, "Do What U Want (With My Body)"
Lady Gaga's 2013 collaboration with R. Kelly on "Do What U Want (With My Body)" was initially a success. However, in light of R. Kelly’s later legal issues and accusations of sexual misconduct, the song has become a source of regret for Gaga.
The track’s provocative title and association with R. Kelly now seem highly inappropriate.
Following the revelations from the "Surviving R. Kelly" docuseries, Gaga issued a public apology on Twitter.
“I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault. I’m sorry, both for my poor judgment when I was young and for not speaking out sooner,” she wrote.
Gaga’s remorse means that once-celebrated song can turn into a regretful reminder of past decisions.
https://youtu.be/f7VNnpeKojQ
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Billie Eilish, "Bad Guy"
Billie Eilish’s breakout hit "Bad Guy" dominated the charts in 2019, but the singer herself has a less-than-flattering opinion of the song.
During a 2023 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, Eilish called it “the stupidest song in the world.” Despite its massive success, she finds the track “dumb” and “goofy.”
Eilish explained that humor was a key element of her debut album, but looking back, she views "Bad Guy" as more of a playful, silly track than a serious artistic statement.
This honest self-critique from Eilish makes it clear why she might want to forget one of her most famous songs, making her one of the worst hit songs.
https://youtu.be/DyDfgMOUjCI
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Jay-Z, "Big Pimpin’"
Jay-Z’s "Big Pimpin’" is one of his most popular tracks, but it’s also a song he wishes he could take back.
The lyrics, which speak disparagingly about women, have become a source of regret for the rapper, especially now that he’s married to Beyoncé and has daughters of his own.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Jay-Z made a statement on the song’s impact, saying, “Some [lyrics] become really profound when you see them in writing. Not ‘Big Pimpin’.’”
https://youtu.be/Cgoqrgc_0cM
His shift in viewpoint has been shaped by his family and personal development, which is why his successful hit song has turned into one of his biggest regrets.