Originally, my aversion to this song felt instinctive, almost primal. Perhaps it was the sheer ubiquity of it, playing ad nauseam, or maybe my innate contrarian streak kicking in, rejecting anything that achieves mainstream popularity simply by virtue of its popularity. It felt like a gut reaction, a simple dislike of the overplayed.
Then, there was the singer, Nasri Atweh, whose whiny delivery and somewhat grating vocal tone didn’t exactly endear me to the track. A quick dive into Wikipedia reveals Magic! to be a “Canadian reggae fusion” band. Frankly, every word in that descriptor feels off-key to me, contributing to the growing unease.
Initially, I admit, the tune was somewhat catchy. I passively listened, letting it wash over me without truly engaging. But the more my dislike intensified, the more I started paying attention to the lyrics. Backwards logic, I know. It was when I finally grasped the song’s actual message that my mild annoyance solidified into genuine dislike. The lyrical content became the primary source of my disdain.
For those fortunate enough to have avoided Magic!’s “Rude,” the narrative is deceptively simple. A young man seeks permission from his girlfriend’s father to marry her, and the father declines. A classic scenario, certainly not groundbreaking. Music history is replete with tales of societal barriers and rebellious spirits challenging authority (think back to Pat Benatar’s anthems of defiance). I understand the trope.
But truly absorb these lyrics (or, if you dare, listen to the song again), and you might begin to grasp why it sets my teeth on edge. Perhaps you’ll understand even before I articulate it:
Can I have your daughter for the rest of my life?
Say yes, say yes ’cause I need to know
You say I’ll never get your blessing ’til the day I die
Tough luck, my friend, but the answer is ‘No’Why you gotta be so rude?
Don’t you know I’m human too?
Why you gotta be so rude?
I’m gonna marry her anywayMarry that girl
Marry her anyway
Marry that girl
Yeah, no matter what you say
Marry that girl
And we’ll be a family
Why you gotta be so Rude
I’ve glossed over the opening lines, as they are less central to my core grievance, although they do paint a picture of the protagonist meticulously preparing for this paternal audience – donning a suit, his “best” no less, for the journey to the father’s home. Shower optional, deodorant questionable? Perhaps I am straying into excessive judgment.
No, my fundamental issue lies in the deeply ingrained cultural attitude the song embodies, particularly prevalent in the 2010s, and sadly, perhaps still today. The protagonist acknowledges the father as “an old fashioned man,” recognizing the traditional custom of seeking a father’s blessing. He even goes through the motions of asking. However, upon receiving a “no,” his reaction isn’t one of determination to prove his worth or to articulate the depth of their love. Instead, it’s a petulant, “Why you gotta be so rude?” In essence: I asked for your permission, you denied it, therefore you are being rude to me. Seriously? Why even ask if the only acceptable response is unwavering approval?
This encapsulates a particularly grating aspect of contemporary culture – the tendency to label any dissenting opinion as “rude” or “offensive.” When someone expresses a viewpoint we dislike, we often mischaracterize it as a personal affront, an act of aggression. Time Magazine even offered a humorous take on this, questioning whether the father’s refusal even meets the definition of “rude.” It’s not about actual rudeness, but about discomfort with disagreement.
Then, the lyrical kicker: “…gonna marry her anyway…no matter what [dad says]…” Now, I actually don’t inherently object to the sentiment of marrying someone regardless of parental approval. It is the 21st century, and generally, once adults reach a certain age, they should have autonomy in choosing their life partners. But it circles back to the initial premise: this character did seek the father’s blessing, acknowledging its importance, only to dismiss the father’s decision as “rude” and then whine, “I’m gonna marry her anyway.” It reeks of entitlement and a profound lack of respect for genuine dialogue or differing perspectives.
There’s a vast catalog of songs where protagonists defy rules and authority. Many of these resonate with me. I even admire some, like this empowering anthem of self-determination. But “Rude” just grates. From the singer’s whiny inflection to the insolent underlying message, and, yes, the inescapable radio saturation, it’s a perfect storm of musical annoyance.
Perhaps you share my sentiments. Misery, after all, loves company. You’re welcome to join my personal campaign against “Rude.”
Now, return to your day, and may your commute home be mercifully free of this particular sonic offense.
Editor’s Note: I have consciously refrained from including a direct link to the song, as I have no desire to subject anyone else to it or to further promote the artists behind it. Petty? Perhaps, but my aversion is, as I believe I’ve made clear, quite profound.
