Half a decade after its release, Pharrell Williams admits he finally understands why the public had such a negative reaction towards his song ‘Blurred Lines.’
During a new interview with GQ, the singer admitted he didn’t understand what all the fuss was about when the song, which also features Robin Thicke and T.I., was released. But after reflecting on the criticism- which largely argued the song promoted rape culture- Pharrell says he now regrets singing it in the first place.
“Some of my old songs, I would never write or sing today,” he told the publication. “I get embarrassed by some of that stuff. It just took a lot of time and growth to get to that place.”
He went on to admit he was confused at first by the controversy over the song’s lyrics. “I didn’t get it at first because there were older white women who, when that song came on, they would behave in some of the most surprising ways ever,” the musician explained. And I would be like, ‘Wow.’ They would have me blushing. So, when there started to be an issue with it, lyrically, I was, like, ‘What are you talking about?’’
Pharrell continued, “There are women who really like the song and connect to the energy that just gets you up. And ‘I know you want it’ — women sing those kinds of lyrics all the time. So, it’s like, what’s rapey about that?”
However, after some thought, he finally realized the implications of the song’s message. “Then I realized that there are men who use that same language when taking advantage of a woman, and it doesn’t matter that that’s not my behavior,” he explained. “Or the way I think about things. It just matters how it affects women. And I was like, ‘Got it. I get it. Cool.'”
The lyrics of ‘Blurred Lines’ wasn’t the only controversial aspect of the hit song. It was only last December the artists settled a 5-year long copyright suit. In the end, the songwriters were found guilty of copyright infringement due to the song’s similarities to Marvin Gaye’s 1977 hit ‘Got To Give It Up.’ Gaye’s estate was awarded $5 million.
“While we respect the judicial process, we are extremely disappointed in the ruling made today, which sets a horrible precedent for music and creativity going forward,” Pharrell’s representative said about the ruling, People reports.“Pharrell created ‘Blurred Lines’ from his heart, mind and soul and the song was not taken from anyone or anywhere else. We are reviewing the decision, considering our options and you will hear more from us soon about this matter.”
