6 Songs Accused of Containing Hidden Messages When Played Backward

When it comes to internet lore about famous songs, the “song played backward” trend has prevailed for years. Tons of well-known songs have been played backward for conspiracy theorists to pick apart. Many of the claims that famous songs feature secret, evil messages when played backward aren’t true. However, if you listen closely to these six songs played backward, it really does sound like secret messages are buried in their soundscapes. Let’s pick them apart, shall we?

1. “Empty Spaces” by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd are psychedelic rock legends, and their music hasn’t escaped speculation over songs played backward to reveal secret messages. However, this instance is very much legit and intentional.

“Empty Spaces” comes from the 1979 album The Wall. When played in reverse, one can hear Roger Waters say “Congratulations. You have just discovered the secret message. Please send your answer to Old Pink, care of the Funny Farm, Chalfont…” It’s clear as day and not warbled and indecipherable; the secret message was very much intentional. 

2. “Hotel California” by Eagles

When it comes to secret messages in songs played backward, “Hotel California” by Eagles has been subject to the most speculation. When played in reverse, you can hear what sounds like “Satan he hears this. He had me believe.” 

This has led many to believe Eagles embedded secret Satanic messages in their music. Whether or not this is true is up for debate, and many believe that conspiracy theories are projecting with this one.

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3. “Announcement Service Public” by Linkin Park

This is a much cheekier and more pleasant example of secret messages on songs played backward. When the rock song “Announcement Service Public” by Linkin Park is played in reverse, a clear message can be heard: “You should brush your teeth and you should wash your hands.” 

This one was likely intentional and kind of funny. It’s good advice, at least. No Satanism involved, either.

4. “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

This one is a bit of a stretch. The famous rock song “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin has been the subject of conspiracy theorists’ debates for some time. When played in reverse, it kind of sounds like someone is saying “Here’s to my sweet Satan” and “The one whose little path would make me sad, whose power is Satan.” Another part of the song in reverse sounds kind of like “He will give those with him 666.”

5. “Darling Nikki” by Prince

“Darling Nikki” was quite a boundary-pusher for Prince. It was also written during a time when Prince was blending his trademark sensuality with spiritual and religious undertones.

When this song is played in reverse, it sounds like someone is delivering a prophecy: “Hello, how are you? Fine, fine, ’cause I know that the Lord is coming soon.” This is very much intentional and clear. Prince was likely trolling listeners who were on the Satanic Panic bandwagon, but we’ll never know for sure.

6. “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen

“Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen is a classic. And when you play it backward, one part sounds like someone saying “It’s fun to smoke marijuana.” This one is another major stretch, but it does kind of sound like Freddie Mercury put a secret message in this song. It could have been a joke, or our brains are just trying to find patterns where there are none.

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