 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
"You're a Jerk" (CD single)
Common Sense Media says
Anthem of jerkin' dance craze is ode to playing the field.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while the jerkin' dance style isn't particularly risque, this song itself includes some mature content, including swearing and sexual references.
What's the story?
YOU'RE A JERK is the debut track from New Boyz -- an L.A.-based rap/hip-hop duo consisting of teens Ben J and Legacy. The Boyz created the tune to correspond with "jerkin'," the street dance craze that combines a little bit of footwork with a lot of knee bends and jerky movements. The song's title is a double entendre, referring to both the dance style as well as the main character: a guy who acts like a player by repeatedly loving and leaving his girl. In the typical style of many rap and hip hop songs, the lyrics in "You're a Jerk" make it seem cool for guys to treat girls disrespectfully: "So I did it, it was good / And I quickly got dressed / She was like, 'Where you goin'?' / And I had nothing to say but sorry that it hurts."
Is it any good?
"You're a Jerk" is undeniably danceable: the drum machine and synth-line make for a strong hook that's great for jerkin' (or plenty of other dance styles). Ben J and Legacy give good performances, delivering their rhymes with a smooth lilt that fits with the track's "I'm a player" message. The downside to this song is the "you're a jerk" refrain that repeats throughout in a high, fast-forward tone that becomes seriously annoying after a few listens.
What families can talk about
Must music that is especially good for dancing also include risque lyrics in order to appeal to young people? Is a catchy beat enough to draw dancers in, or do tunes also need to offer mature lyrics that describe sex, substances, and other mature content?
For advice on how to manage your kids' music choices, read our tips on Music and Your Kids.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 7, 2010
AGE
good for eenage girls and boys ...
I love this song.It has a good dance and i love it.I do it all the time...
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AGE
good for eenage girls and boys ...
I love this song.It has a good dance and i love it.I do it all the time...
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Kid, 11 years old
January 7, 2010
AGE
good for eenage girls and boys ...
I love this song.It has a good dance and i love it.I do it all the time...
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Kid, 12 years old
November 12, 2011
AGE
you're a jerk if you don't like this song
A good preteen song although there is some sexual referencing in the music if you listen close enough, along with one salty use of language. A great anthem to the old-schooled L.A. dance, and a great song to listen to.
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AGE
Da Bezt!
THe whole idea, ya i get it is havin a grood time, and lovin on a girl, and leavin, bad message. But the song iz amazin, new boyz rox, and all ya haterz out there, back off just kuz dey wear da skiinney jeanz, and sing. ALlwayz and foreva, New Boyz!!! Will tear it up. YO and jasonhaddad10, bak off. Juzt cuz you think it's to ALDUTISHE, dat your oppinion, if yo neva hear sexual stuff, yo life gon be mizerable.
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AGE
Some sexual references. I heard one use of retard. But the positives are it's a good song and has a cool beat
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AGE
what jazz-j think'ss
i love it cuz you can meet people for all around the world nd they can teach you no think'ss but i really dont got nun to say but about it
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AGE
i say for smeone ten and up
well ur a jerk is a very intersting song
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