3OH!3 says 'people forgive' controversial DONTTRUSTME lyrics after massive crowd at Warped Tour set
EXCLUSIVE: 3OH!3 reflected on some of their old music, which includes a few controversial phrases. However, they're confident the people of the emo world forgive them
At Warped Tour DC, 3OH!3 didn't disappoint the masses during their jam-packed set, playing their hits like DONTTRUSTME.
The music festival returned to celebrate 30 years of alternative rock, including a stellar lineup and action-packed sets. However, over the decades, the culture has shifted, leaving some themes of the music taboo or inappropriate by modern standards. 3OH!3's DON'TTRUSTME, for example, refers to a "ho" and makes a startling reference to Helen Keller.
Revisiting the songs like that in a new climate is an obvious challenge for many artists. 3OH!3 told the Mirror US in Washington D.C. that they're sure their fans aren't caught up over it. "People also understand. I think people forgive [the lyrics]," Nathaniel Motte said.
He stated, "I feel like, you know, obviously [Warped Tour] is tapping into a nostalgia for people that want to come and... A lot of people were in high school, middle school, enjoying the best sort of times of their lives. So, we're just hoping happy to come here and put a smile on people's faces."
Sean Foreman emphasized their commitment to putting on a good show, regardless of any rumblings of controversy. "We're obviously here to play Warped Tour and having a good time doing it," he said. "We're happy to see all the bands that are playing, and it's like, the era that we were came from in terms of like playing Warped Tour ... how long, 10 years since last Warped Tour?"
"Don't trust a ho / Never trust a ho / 'Cause a hoe won't trust me" are the controversial lyrics that surged in popularity after the song's release in 2008.
However, regardless of the crass lyrics, the song saw mega success after acting as the lead single off 3OH!3's second album, Want. The song was certified five-times platinum. At the time, some critics pointed out concern with the lyrics, but largely it was forgiven by fans who charted the tune, marking it as a breakout success.
During the festival, fans only emphasized the love of DONTTRUSTME by showing up en masse to the stage at Warped Tour. They crammed their way into the audience, packing the Ghost stage full, before belting the lyrics right along with Sean and Nathaniel.
The song also includes a famous verse which says , "X's on the back of your hands / Wash them in the bathroom to drink like the band / And your set list (set list) / You stole off the stage / Had red and purple lipstick all over the page / Be-be-be-bruises cover your arms / Shaking in the fingers with the bottle in your palm / And the best is (best is) / No one knows who you are / Just another girl alone at the bar."