“Rated ‘X” by Loretta Lynn is a bold, unapologetic critique of the double standards faced by divorced women in American society, particularly in the 1970s. Released in 1972, the song quickly rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, cementing Loretta Lynn’s status as a trailblazer in country music. Known for her fearless approach to taboo topics, Lynn once again broke new ground by addressing the stigma surrounding divorce, a topic that was largely avoided in country music at the time.
With “Rated ‘X’,” Loretta Lynn tackled the judgment and unfair treatment that women experienced after their marriages ended. The title itself is a clever metaphor—just as movies with an “X” rating were considered scandalous and unsuitable for respectable audiences, divorced women were often unfairly labeled as immoral or unworthy. Through the song, Lynn gave a voice to women who were judged, gossiped about, and shamed simply for moving on after a failed marriage. This message of defiance and solidarity with women resonated deeply, especially during a time when the feminist movement was gaining momentum and societal norms were beginning to shift.
Musically, “Rated ‘X” fits squarely within the traditional country sound of the early 1970s, with a twangy guitar and a strong, steady rhythm driving the track forward. However, it’s Loretta Lynn’s vocal performance that steals the show. Her voice is clear and assertive, with just the right amount of sass and conviction. She sings with an air of confidence, as if she’s daring anyone to challenge her. There’s a sharpness in her delivery that makes the song feel like both a personal declaration and a rallying cry for all women facing similar struggles.
The lyrics of “Rated ‘X” pull no punches. Lynn bluntly calls out the hypocrisy of how divorced women are treated differently from divorced men. While men were often free to remarry and carry on without much judgment, women were expected to remain quiet, ashamed, and undeserving of respect. Lynn rejects this notion outright, pushing back against the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to her marital status. She shines a light on the double standards, calling attention to the way women were often judged harshly, both by society and by other women.
For many listeners, especially women who had gone through divorces themselves, “Rated ‘X” was a breath of fresh air. Lynn spoke to their experiences in a way that few artists of the time were willing to do. The song gave a voice to those who felt ostracized or judged, reminding them that they had every right to live their lives without shame. Lynn’s ability to tackle these deeply personal and often uncomfortable subjects made her not only a beloved country star but also a pioneering voice for women in music.
Beyond its cultural significance, “Rated ‘X” also highlights Lynn’s exceptional songwriting skills. She wrote the song herself, and it’s a perfect example of how she could take complex, real-life issues and turn them into catchy, accessible country songs. The song’s lyrics are clever and direct, and while the message is serious, there’s a playful edge to the way Lynn delivers it. It’s as if she’s letting her critics know that their judgment doesn’t faze her—she’s going to live her life the way she sees fit, and there’s nothing they can do about it.
For older audiences, especially those who remember hearing the song when it first came out, “Rated ‘X” may evoke memories of a time when divorce was much more stigmatized than it is today. The song would have been a bold statement, a defiant rejection of the societal norms that sought to limit women’s choices and freedoms. Even today, its message of self-respect and empowerment remains relevant, as women continue to face scrutiny for the decisions they make about their lives and relationships.
Loretta Lynn’s courage in writing and performing “Rated ‘X” helped pave the way for future generations of women in country music. By addressing issues like divorce, birth control, and infidelity, she pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in country music, opening the door for other female artists to explore their own truths.
Even decades after its release, “Rated ‘X” remains a powerful anthem of female empowerment. Its timeless message, combined with Loretta Lynn’s fiery delivery, ensures that it will continue to resonate with listeners who have experienced the unfairness and hypocrisy it calls out. In the hands of a lesser artist, a song like this might have been controversial or alienating, but Loretta Lynn turned it into an enduring symbol of strength, defiance, and self-worth.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Well, if you’ve been a married woman
And things didn’t seem to work out
Divorce is the key to bein’ loose and free
So you’re gonna be talked about
Everybody knows that you’ve loved once
They think you’ll love again
You can’t have a male friend
When you’re a has-been or a woman
You’re rated X
And if you’re rated X, you’re some kind of gold
Even men turnin’ silver try to make
But I think it’s wrong to judge every picture
If a cheap camera makes a mistake
And when your best friend’s husband says to you
You’ve sure started lookin’ good
You shoulda known he would, and he would if he could
And he will if you’re rated X
Well, nobody knows where you’re goin’
But they sure know where you’ve been
All they’re thinkin’ of is your experience of love
Oh, their minds eat up with sin
The women all look at you like you’re bad
The men all hope you are
But if you go too far, you’re gonna wear the scar
Of a woman rated X
And if you’re rated X, you’re some kind of gold
That even men turnin’ silver try to make
But I think it’s wrong to judge every picture
If a cheap camera makes a mistake
And when your best friend’s husband says to you
You’ve sure started lookin’ good
You shoulda known he would, and he would if he could
And he will if you’re rated X
Why, us women don’t have a chance
‘Cause if you’ve been married, you can’t have no fun at all
No, you’re rated X
No matter what you do, they’re gonna talk about you
Look down their noses
I, I don’t know what to think about it
Just give ’em somethin’ to talk about, I guess