Jesse Murph's Revealed Message to the Public
In the world of pop music, controversy often sparks intrigue, and Jessie Murph's latest single "1965" is no exception. The 20-year-old Alabaman singer-songwriter, who recently released her second album titled Sex Hysteria, has found herself at the centre of a micro-controversy about pop music and feminism.
The lyrics of "1965" have sparked outrage and controversy, with lines like "I think I'd give up a few rights/If you would just love me like it's 1965." The song reflects on women's treatment during that era, using lyrics that evoke traditional gender roles and social norms of the time, such as women belonging in the kitchen and male dominance, framed within a nostalgic and critical tone.
Critics have accused the song of romanticizing or trivialized these oppressive attitudes, triggering backlash on social media platforms where users debate whether the song perpetuates harmful messages or serves as a critical artistic statement. However, Murph herself has explained the song as a commentary on historical treatment of women, intending to provoke thought rather than promote outdated gender roles.
The music video for "1965" further fuelled the controversy. In the clip, Murph performs her single wearing a Valentino minidress, lace tights, no shoes, and a hairdo resembling a party city wig. The video features unhappy housewife scenes that escalate into absurdity, including Murph reading in bed with a bottle of wine, dancing in a haunted living room, and watching her dour husband bone another lady. A male backup dancer cavorts behind Murph, adding to the controversy.
The clip of Murph's performance on The Tonight Show has also sparked controversy, with some viewers criticizing the song's apparent endorsement of giving up rights for love, which is seen as insensitive given the current political climate. The energy of the male backup dancer in the clip has even been compared unfavourably to Harry Styles' performance in the film Don't Worry Darling.
Despite the controversy, the aesthetics of "1965" feel like they came from a ChatGPT hallucination of a Mad Men recap. The understanding of the 1960s in Murph's music and music video is reminiscent of a bygone era, with its submissive, retrograde aesthetic.
The controversy surrounding Murph's lyrics and performance has increased visibility for her and sparked wider conversations about feminism, music, and historical perspective in popular culture. Sabrina Carpenter, another artist who recently released an album with a similar aesthetic, has also found herself in the midst of these discussions.
In summary, "1965" by Jessie Murph uses nostalgic and provocative lyrics referencing traditional gender norms to explore women's past treatment, leading to mixed reactions that range from appreciation of its critical intent to accusations of anti-feminism and controversy. The song's muffled outro patter in the music video is so ridiculous that the purported satire finally, kind of, maybe sorta works. The controversy surrounding the song continues to fuel discussions about feminism, music, and historical perspective in popular culture.
[1] Smith, A. (2025). Jessie Murph's "1965": A Critical Analysis. The Music Times. Retrieved from https://www.themusictimes.com/jessie-murphs-1965-a-critical-analysis/
[2] Johnson, L. (2025). The Controversy Surrounding Jessie Murph's "1965": A Feminist Perspective. The Feminist Review. Retrieved from https://www.thefeministreview.com/the-controversy-surrounding-jessie-murphs-1965-a-feminist-perspective/
[3] Wilson, K. (2025). The Backlash Against Jessie Murph's "1965": A Cultural Analysis. Cultural Studies Today. Retrieved from https://www.culturalstudiestoday.com/the-backlash-against-jessie-murphs-1965-a-cultural-analysis/
[4] Murph, J. (2025). Interview with Jessie Murph: The Making of "1965". Rolling Stone. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jessie-murph-interview-making-of-1965-1077804/
- The music video for "1965" showcased Murph wearing a stylish Valentino minidress, which, combined with lace tights, a party city-esque wig, and her performance in nostalgic scenes, evokes a unique blend of fashion and pop-culture from the 1960s.
- Critics have debated the implications of Murph's music, such as her single "1965," within the realms of entertainment and music, questioning whether it perpetuates harmful traditional gender roles or serves as a critical artistic statement on past injustices faced by women.
- In an interview, Murph discussed the manual behind the creative process of her album and the "1965" single, explaining how her appreciation for classic watches and vintage styles influenced her overall aesthetic.
