“Rated X”
Wrapping it up, let’s take a look at “Rated X,” a song delving into the complexities of divorce. Although Loretta Lynn never went through a divorce herself, she acknowledged how society views women who choose that path, stating, “Divorce is the key to being loose and free / So you’re gonna be talked about.”
In the song, Lynn painted a vivid picture of how being divorced could alter people’s perceptions of a woman. Yet, she cautioned against hasty judgments, saying, “But I think it’s wrong to judge every picture / If a cheap camera makes a mistake.”
As reported by Taste of Country, some stations banned the song due to its themes. Despite the controversy, “Rated X” soared to no. 1 on the Billboard hot country chart in 1973. Lynn’s poignant lyrics include, “And when your best friend’s husband says to you / You’ve sure started lookin’ good / You should’ve known he would / And he would if he could / And he will if you’re rated X.”
