Jeanny (song)

Jeanny is a controversial and commercially successful song by Austrian singer Falco, released in 1985 as part of his album Falco 3. It is the third installment in a trilogy of songs featuring the recurring character "Jeanny", preceded by "Coming Home (Jeanny Part 1, One Year After)" and followed by "Bar Minor 7/11 (Jeanny Part 3)".

The song is a pop ballad sung from the perspective of a stalker or possible perpetrator addressing a young woman named Jeanny. The lyrics suggest a disturbed individual obsessing over Jeanny, finding her and possibly committing violence against her. The song's ambiguous narrative, delivered with a spoken-word intro and refrain, sparked significant controversy upon its release.

Several interpretations of the song exist. Some listeners and critics interpreted "Jeanny" as depicting a kidnapping and potential murder, citing lines that suggest the woman is no longer alive. Falco himself maintained that the song was meant to be interpreted as a love song from a mentally unstable individual, emphasizing the psychological aspect rather than a literal depiction of violence.

Despite the controversy, "Jeanny" achieved considerable chart success, reaching number one in several European countries, including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The controversy surrounding the song, however, led to its ban from some radio stations and television programs. The song's success is attributed to its catchy melody, Falco's distinctive vocal delivery, and the unsettling nature of its narrative, which generated widespread public discussion.

The song's music video further contributed to the controversy. It featured scenes that were interpreted as suggestive of violence and exploitation.

"Jeanny" remains a significant example of 1980s pop music that pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms, albeit in a way that proved highly controversial. It continues to be analyzed and debated for its lyrical content and its impact on popular culture.