Incredibly dark meaning behind the lyrics of Aqua's Barbie Girl

In the absolute megamix of bangers that soundtracked many a school disco in the 90s and 00s, there is of course the sprinkling of S Club 7 bops, ‘The Ketchup Song’, ‘Macarena’ and ‘Cha Cha Slide’.

Obviously, Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl’ is in there too.

The 1997 track is an absolute iconic song for many of us and never fails to stir up a bit of nostalgia from the moment ‘Hiya, Barbie’ is heard.

But while it might have seemed like an innocent sing-along as kids, adults may realise the lyrics have an incredibly dark meaning.

And just a quick read through will scrape away any of the fun Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling-revived world of Barbie.

Ok, we know the lyrics all to well by now, but let's go into that ear worm wriggling chorus anyway: "I'm a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world. Life in plastic, it's fantastic.

"You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere. Imagination, life is your creation."

So, think about it, that could be seen as a little disturbing right? Hopefully Barbie is referring to a happy, loving relationship with a similarly-aged Ken, and good for her if she is.

But let's not forget this is a kid's song, and Barbie is asking someone to 'undress her everywhere'.

Think of all the billions of kids around the world singing 'undress me everywhere' - yikes.

YouTube/Aqua

If the song wasn't as popular and such a pop anthem for so many kids, it possibly wouldn't be as bad - but this song sits at over a billion views on YouTube and millions, and millions, of streams on Spotify.

Anyway, the next part of the song: "I’m a blond bimbo girl in a fantasy world.

"Dress me up, make it tight, I’m your dolly. Kiss me here, touch me there, hanky panky."

Well, the use of the word 'bimbo' is problematic enough in itself, and the less interpretations we can make about the second line the better.

Next up, Barbie sings: "Make me walk, make me talk, do whatever you please. I can act like a star, I can beg on my knees."

For those who haven't caught on yet, Barbie is essentially saying that Ken gets whatever he pleases.

YouTube/Aqua

So, I think we can see why that line should not be allowed in a kid's song.

Ken then joins in the fun: "Come jump in, bimbo friend, let us do it again. Hit the town, fool around, let’s go party."

Bimbo friend? No words.

And the final lyric we are looking at is: "You can touch. You can play."

If we've just ruined your childhood, all we can do is sincerely apologise.