We all listen to these songs as we get ready to go out, do homework, work out and even sing them horribly in the shower. But how much have we been paying attention to the dangerous drinking habits a lot of these songs encourage?
Here are 9 songs* that show the influence alcohol and drinking culture has on the media and music industries.
*in no specific order
1. “Blame it on the Alcohol” by Jamie Foxx
Fill another cup up
Feelin on yo butt what ?
You don't even care now
I was unaware how fine you were until my buzz set in
...
Alcohol abuse can cause you to make decisions you didn't intend or maybe wouldn’t have wanted to make if you were sober. Make sure you make a plan and set your limits for the night (especially if you're trying to dodge grenades)
Honestly, the only thing you can blame on the alcohol is your hangover…
2. “Shots” by LMFAO
Patrones on the rocks and I'm ready for some shots
The women come around everytime I'm pourin' shots
Their panties hit the ground everytime I give em shots
So cups in the air, everybody let's take shots.
…
Do we really need an explanation…Rather than taking 32 shots in 17 seconds, try and stick to one standard drink (1.5 ounces for shots) an hour. Nobody wants to be that sloppy drunk dancing creepy in a zebra suit
3. “Drunk in Love” by Beyonce
I been sippin', that's the only thing
That's keeping me on fire, we on fire
Didn't mean to spill that liquor all on my attire
Sorry Bey, we had to do it. Unless you’re Beyonce or J Law at every awards, stumbling isn’t cute. lack of coordination/balance, stumbling and slurred speech are all signs that your BAC is getting pretty high and you might want to alternate.
And lets be real, how are you going to be able to dance like this if you can’t even walk?
4. “How Many Drinks” by Miguel
How many drinks would it take you to leave with me?
You look good and we came to party but I don't wanna waste my time.
Back of my mind I'm hoping you say two or three
Sexual coercion is not cool... at all. Not to mention bringing alcohol into the picture...Try working on your pick up lines next time, Miguel.
5. “Drink to That” by Rihanna
Cheers to the freakin' weekend
I drink to that, yeah yeah
Don't let the bastards get ya down
Turn it around with another round
With all the #alternative activities on and around campus, there are so many ways to celebrate the weekend that don't include alcohol! Go check out a new restaurant, take advantage of a DAPA Deal, see RiRi in concert or even take a day to channel your inner kid at SkyZone.
6. “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry
There's a stranger in my bed, There's a pounding in my head
Pictures of last night, Ended up online...
It's a blacked out blur,
But I'm pretty sure it ruled
The best part of the night are the memories you make and after one too many drinks, remembering what happened 5 minutes ago can be difficult because of the damage to the hippocampus. A phone full of texts, finding a stranger in your room or being tagged in embarrassing pics from the night before might not be the best way to start your morning after.
7. “I Love College” by Asher Roth
Even if we did get a little bit too drunk
Time isnt wasted when you're getting wasted...
Chug chug chug chug chug chug chug...
Do somethin crazy! Do somethin crazy! Do somethin crazy! Do somethin crazy!
Keg Stand! Keg Stand! Keg Stand! Keg Stand!
Sorry, Asher, but getting wasted actually can waste a lot of your time. Dealing with a hangover the next day can make make you all types of unproductive and makes getting work done seemingly impossible. At a place like Harvard, it’s easy to forget that alcohol isn’t the only stress buster out there.
8. “Drink You Away” by Justin TImberlake
Bottom of the bottle, To fill this empty heart up.
A thousand proof, Don’t change the truth.
I tried it but I can’t.
JT, you sure do make us swoon, but there might be better ways to deal with your lady issues. There are over 20 campus support groups on campus to help you vent when you need a listening ear like the Women’s Center, SMHL, Room 13, Contact, Response and so many others. Alcohol won’t solve any of our problems, it might even cause more.
9. “Patron Tequila” by Paradiso Girls ft. Lil Jon
We goin' all get real drunk tonight
Hey girl, I got bud we can all get fucked up tonight
By the end of the night
Imma have you drunk and throwing up
By the end of the night [oohh]
Imma have you so fucked up! (so fucked up!)
Posh Spice said it all. Real talk though, throwing up is one of the clear signs of alcohol poisoning and means you definitely need to stop drinking. If you think a friend could use a break from drinking and maybe have a glass of water, go get yourself one and bring back two. If a friend is throwing up frequently, it might be a good idea to call UHS.