Censoring the Filthy Fifteen : the rise of the music rating system in America

Abstract

This research paper will analyze lyrics used as examples for justification of a music rating system in the 1985 Record Labeling U.S. Senate Hearing. The study contributes an important component to the field of censorship and freedom of speech in contemporary music culture by comparing the Filthy Fifteen to the top pop music songs of the time. It will discern any legitimacy to the concerns over potentially profane lyrics brought to the U.S. Senate by the Parents Music Resource Center organization (PMRC).