In a recent article for The Conversation, Dr Adam Behr, a respected voice from Newcastle University, delves into the longstanding tradition of altering song lyrics, shedding light on its historical roots and the evolving motivations behind this practice.
Dr Adam Behr addresses the recent attention drawn to The Prodigy, an electronic dance music band, for altering the lyrics of their hit “Smack My Bitch Up” during live shows. While this change has sparked contemporary discussions, Dr Behr emphasizes that modifying song lyrics is not a modern trend but an age-old phenomenon.
The roots of altering song lyrics can be traced back to the blues, where an oral tradition often led to lyric amendments for different situations or adaptations as songs passed between artists. Dr Behr notes that the advent of recording in the late 19th century shifted the focus to a primary “text” in the form of a record or sheet music. However, the tradition of adaptability persisted.
Dr Behr identifies various motivations for altering lyrics, ranging from artistic decisions to adaptability based on evolving social norms. Artists like Paul Simon and The Who have tweaked lyrics in live performances, demonstrating the fluid nature of songs over time.
The article discusses how shifting social mores drive lyrical changes to avoid causing offense. As societal norms evolve, artists may revise lyrics to align with contemporary conventions. Dr Behr cites examples such as edits to The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” and Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” to remove offensive language.
Advancements in technology have made seamless lyric changes more achievable. Dr Behr highlights Taylor Swift’s re-recording of albums as a strategic move to regain control of her music rights and revise lyrics for social consciousness. He emphasizes that artists now face a more vocal audience through social media, influencing their decisions in altering songs.
Dr Adam Behr underscores that songs have never been set in stone from inception. Tweaking and editing, whether to please audiences, navigate societal changes, or satisfy the artists themselves, are intrinsic parts of the creative and commercial process.
As discussions around altered song lyrics continue, Dr Behr’s insights provide a historical and contextual understanding of a practice that remains as dynamic as the music industry itself.
