My son-in-law was nice enough to add some tunes to my newly acquired IPod nano. I now have the greatest hits of Billy Joel and Dire Straits, two of my favourite artists. So today, while shopping for the ingredients to what will no doubt be a most inviting supper, I was listening intently to the lyrics of “Money for Nothing” by the Dire Straits, when what to my wondering ear did appear but the word “faggot” not once but twice. I immediately thought to myself, “seriously? Is this the first time I am hearing this?
The song has won numerous awards and has been around since 1985. But as it turns out, last year (2010) a listener to a radio station in St. John’s Newfoundland complained that because the lyrics contained the word “faggot” the song should be banned from the air waves. A panel agreed that while the word “faggot” may have been acceptable in 1985, it has evolved and has now become unacceptable and therefore the song, Money for Nothing will only be aired if suitably bleeped. As a side note, one of the most admired artists of all times, Elton John, enthusiastically performed this exact song at the Prince’s Trust Concert, in 1988. It should be pointed out as well, that Dire Straits were actually mocking people who used the word "faggot" and not using it in a derogatory manner towards homosexuals.
So now I sit here scratching my head because for one thing I am in desperate need of a shampoo and for another, where will this, for lack of a better word, “twaddle” end? I agree the word is offensive taken out of the context of the song. This move to censor lyrics could open a Pandora’s box and potentially put an end to certain genres of music. One which comes to mind is rap. This could be a good thing actually. But others may not be far behind. For instance, one of my favourite songs is “Crazy” by Patsy Cline. I have yet to hear whether the Canadian or American Mental Health Institutes have called for a ban on the airing of that tune. I hope not. It’s my signature song.
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