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Suggestive Songs

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 10, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 28.

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Suggestive Songs

A WARNING cry is being raised today against some of the suggestive songs which in too great a measure enter into so-called “popular music.” Says Maud Powell, the famous American violinist:—
American music has been handicapped and thrown into disrepute through the unspeakably depraved modern popular song. I am heartily in favor of a board of censorship for the popular song. We censor moving pictures and, in extreme cases, censor the drama. We need toning for the popular song. Its words, if spoken, would call for arrest. Its effect on young folks is shocking. The vicious song is allowed in the home by parents who, no doubt, have not troubled themselves to look at the words. As a result the suggestive meanings are allowed to play upon immature minds at the dangerous age. It is from the popular song that the popular suggestive dance sprang. Together and apart they are a menace to the social fabric.
These timely words of warning should be heeded.