Single or not, when Valentine’s Day rolls around everyone is sick of the sappy love songs.
And so, as a Valentine’s Day gift to you, I’ve compiled a list of 14 punk love songs with a little more bite. The following is a compilation of some of the greatest punk love songs from the 80s, 90s, and now. (And in case 14 just aren’t enough, check out my list from last year as well!)
1. “Primitive” by The Cramps
For those of you who are into that wild, animalistic kind of love—you know the kind, with the throbbing, primal drumbeats and dirty basslines.
2. “I Only Fucked You as a Joke” by CHILDBIRTH
This song is about exactly what it sounds like.
3. “Troubadour” by The Adicts
Fun fact: In the Middle Ages troubadours were French poet composers who sang about courtly love. Good to see Monkey and the boys are keeping the great troubadour tradition alive.
4. “Cynicism” by Nana Grizol
“Cynicism isn’t wisdom; it’s a lazy way to say that you’ve been burned.”
5. “Free Money” by Patti Smith
This song is about not having any money but acknowledging that if you did have any money, you would spend it on your baby. (Though if you ask me, everything Patti Smith touches turns to gold.)
6. “New Rose” by The Damned
“Is she really going out with him?”
7. “Femme Fatale” by The Velvet Underground and Nico
If we’re being honest here, everybody knows Andy Warhol’s superstar Nico is probably the ultimate femme fatale.
8. “Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games” by Of Montreal
“Maybe I’ll never die; I’ll just keep growing younger with you.”
9. “O Baby” by Siouxsie and the Banshees
Because nobody does poppy punk love songs better than Siouxsie Sioux. She’ll make your heart skip a beat with this bouncy love tune.
10. “Lover’s Rock” by The Clash
This charming punk classic is about safe sex and all things romance.
11. “Venus in Furs” by The Velvet Underground
Props to Lou Reed for making an influential punk song referencing the 19th century novella of the same name by Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch (from whose name the term “masochism” is derived). Both the song and the novella are fascinating, in case you were wondering—you know, if you’re into that violent, shiny, metallic kind of love.
12. “The King of Carrot Flowers” by Neutral Milk Hotel
Look to part two of this three-part song for a pretty candid proclamation of punk love.
13. “Anti-Pleasure Dissertation” by Bikini Kill
All hail Kathleen Hanna, the ultimate punk feminist.
14. “I Have a Date” by The Vandals
Because sometimes when you score a hot date, you just have to jump around and sing off-key about it.
