This article looks at three classic rock songs that contain hidden backward-recorded messages, a nod to the 1970s trend of accusing rock bands of embedding secret or occult content in their music. Rather than genuine attempts at hidden meaning, the examples cited are largely playful responses from artists mocking the conspiracy theories that surrounded them at the time. The piece highlights how bands used the "backmasking" trope to poke fun at critics and fans alike rather than to smuggle in sinister content.

Pink Floyd's "Empty Spaces" contains a backward section that, when reversed, reveals a joking message directing listeners to send answers to "Old Pink, care of the funny farm, Chalfont." Deep Purple added a backward vocal mimicking the demonic voice from The Exorcist as a studio prank that made the final cut, while Electric Light Orchestra's "Fire on High" features a reversed message reading "The music is reversible, but time is not / Turn back," created in response to accusations the band was hiding messages in its music.

– Pink Floyd's "Empty Spaces" hides a joking message about a "funny farm"
– Deep Purple's Exorcist-style backward vocal began as a studio prank
– ELO's "Fire on High" mocks claims of hidden messages with a reversed lyric