A Chilling Exploration of Twisted Affection: When The Crystals Sang of the Disturbing Paradox of “He Hit Me (It Felt Like a Kiss).”
“He Hit Me (It Felt Like a Kiss),” a song that remains one of the most controversial and discussed recordings of the early 1960s, perfectly encapsulates a disturbing and deeply unsettling perspective on love and abuse. Released in 1962 by The Crystals, under the production of the legendary Phil Spector, the single failed to make a significant impact on the Billboard Hot 100, a likely consequence of its disturbing subject matter. However, its notoriety and the questions it raised about the complexities of human relationships have ensured its place in music history. The song’s meaning, as conveyed through the seemingly emotionless vocals of lead singer Barbara Alston, explores the twisted logic of a young woman who interprets physical abuse from her partner as a sign of his deep affection, rationalizing the violence as an expression of a love so intense it manifests in this destructive way. It transforms a deeply disturbing reality into a chilling and unforgettable narrative that continues to provoke thought and discomfort.
Imagine the cavernous echo of Phil Spector’s “wall of sound,” the seemingly detached yet haunting vocals of The Crystals, and the unsettling lyrics painting a picture of a young woman rationalizing violence as an act of love. The song, featured on their album “He’s a Rebel,” stands in stark contrast to the more upbeat and romantic tunes typically associated with girl groups of the era. The seemingly innocent melody and the almost childlike delivery of the disturbing lyrics create a chilling juxtaposition, making the song all the more unsettling. The production, with its characteristic echo and layered instrumentation, adds to the dreamlike yet disturbing atmosphere, underscoring the protagonist’s distorted perception of reality. The song’s very existence challenges conventional notions of love and raises uncomfortable questions about the psychological complexities of abusive relationships.
The story behind “He Hit Me (It Felt Like a Kiss)” is as unsettling as the song itself. Reportedly inspired by an account that songwriter Gerry Goffin heard from his and Carole King’s babysitter, Little Eva (of “The Loco-Motion” fame), who was in an abusive relationship and rationalized the violence in this way, the song was an attempt to explore this disturbing phenomenon. Phil Spector, known for his dramatic and often unconventional production techniques, embraced the song’s darkness, creating a sonic landscape that mirrored its unsettling narrative. The fact that such a controversial and disturbing subject was explored in a pop song of the era is a testament to the willingness of some artists and songwriters to push boundaries, even if the result was met with discomfort and a lack of widespread commercial success.
For those of us who have witnessed or understood the complexities and often tragic realities of abusive relationships, “He Hit Me (It Felt Like a Kiss)” by The Crystals evokes a sense of profound unease and perhaps a grim understanding of the distorted perceptions that can take hold in such situations. It serves as a stark reminder of the darker aspects of human relationships and the ways in which love can be tragically twisted and misinterpreted. While the song is undoubtedly unsettling, it remains a significant and thought-provoking piece of music history, a chilling exploration of a disturbing reality that continues to demand our attention and understanding. It stands as a stark and unforgettable reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the complexities of abuse and its devastating impact on the human psyche.
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