Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls" - suicidal vs. in denial

[DizBelle]

I have been hearing this song on my local pop radio station for several weeks but just the other day I noticed that the song's lyric of "it makes me suicidal" was changed to "it makes me in denial". Basically, it was censored.

Thoughts?

 

[Christine]

My kids have told me that MTV has been "bleeping" out "suicidal" in the video.

I think it's ridiculous.

 

[MagicalMom]

I never noticed the change. Porbably because I can't heard the radio over my own loud, obnoxious singing of that song.

 

[Tiffer]

I don't like the song, not because of the word suicidal, just don't like it in general.

My thoughts are that what a pathetic view that we have of the world. They must really look at the public as stupid. People who aren't already suicidal, aren't going to kill themselves over this song.

BTW~~MTV censors it as well. Silence during that word, although you can see his lips move.

 

[kt_mom]

I think its kind of stupid and a waste of time considering all the filth that is in most of the other songs on the radio.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have no idea who that is. Damn, I'm old.

 

[Christine]

I don't like the song, not because of the word suicidal, just don't like it in general.

My thoughts are that what a pathetic view that we have of the world. They must really look at the public as stupid. People who aren't already suicidal, aren't going to kill themselves over this song.

BTW~~MTV censors it as well. Silence during that word, although you can see his lips move.

I wonder what the motive is for the censorship?

Do they really think it will drive people to suicide or are they worried about offending people who have loved ones that have committed suicide?

 

[cardaway]

Do they really think it will drive people to suicide or are they worried about offending people who have loved ones that have committed suicide?

It's a valid concern. Just ask Ozzy or the members of Judas Priest.

Not that a song alone can put somebody over the edge, but reality doesn't keep people from suing anyway.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Blech, what an annoying song.

 

[Daxx]

It seems that a lot of songs are being bleeped or re-edited and cleaned up versions are playing on the radio. I love the "Beep" song (maybe by Pussycat Dolls) where they sing and any time you think something suggestive could be put in it's place, there's a beep. If I am not mistaken, they recorded it that way as a mock of all the songs that have beeps in them to replace the obscenities or whatever censors feel inappropriate for radio.

As for changing suicidal to denial, my guess is to deter any kids from contemplating suicide. Remember years ago when some kid was listening to some hard core heavy metal band and blamed the music for the reason he killed his parent(s)? Maybe they don't want this to happen w/kids committing suicide?! I can't remember the song offhand b/c I will love a song but have no idea what its title is!!! I'll have to go find it and play it at limewire.

Censoring of lyrics is not uncommon. Back in the 60's, when bands were appearing on Ed Sullivan, etc. one of the tv shows asked The Rolling Stones to change "Let's Spend the Night Together" to "Let's Spend Some Time Together" b/c they felt it was inappropriate. The Rolling Stones complied to the request. The Doors were asked to change the lyric "Girl we couldn't get much higher" to "Girl we couldn't get much better" due to the drug reference. The Doors, however, did not comply.

Does it bother me? No ... b/c you can purchase the songs with their original lyrics if you wish!

 

[CathrynRose]

My kids have told me that MTV has been "bleeping" out "suicidal" in the video.

I think it's ridiculous.

I do too.

I live in Chicago - so we generally get full-gusto songs. Nothing censored. And it isnt until i watch BET or MTV (or travel somewhere) that I hear the censored versions.

I think it's totally ridiculous, too.

 

[Daxx]

I wonder what the motive is for the censorship?

Do they really think it will drive people to suicide or are they worried about offending people who have loved ones that have committed suicide?

My guess is that if some teen commits suicide and their parents find the song w/the "suicide" lyric on their i-Pod, the family will blame the artist who will then face a multi-million dollar lawsuit. I think the record companies are trying to protect their artists.

The way I look at it -- play what you want on the radio as long as I can buy the clean or explicit versions on iTunes.

 

[kt_mom]

It hasn't been censored on our stations here, I think I heard it in the car yesterday.

I am surprised though because there are plenty or worse songs out there, with references to things that could be offensive, inappropriate or considered harmful and they are not censored.

But I rarely have the radio on. DD and I are usually talking or listening to something for her.

 

[CathrynRose]

Link to song: (edited)

I decided since they've been a little point crazy with me as of late... and I have a trip so close, and neeeeed access.... I aint posting the link!

BUT - if you go to YOUTUBE.com - search : Beautiful Girls Sean Kingston

 

[Daxx]

I do too.

I live in Chicago - so we generally get full-gusto songs. Nothing censored. And it isnt until i watch BET or MTV (or travel somewhere) that I hear the censored versions.

I think it's totally ridiculous, too.

I have to ask -- did you get the full-gusto version of Hollaback Girl b/c I can't imagine them airing that on the radio!

 

[Christine]

Here's the lyrics for those not familiar. The melody is actually kind of upbeat but reading the lyrics, not necessarily. Still it doesn't come off as an Ozzy or Judas Priest kind of "heavy" tune. It has a sort of beachy feel to it.

Beautiful Girls
JR! Sean Kingston!

Chorus:
You're way too beautiful girl
That's why it'll never work
You'll have me suicidal, suicidal
When you say it's over
Damn all these beautiful girls
They only wanna do your dirt
They'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When they say it's over

Verse 1:
See it started at the park
Used to chill at the dark
Oh when you took my heart
That's when we fell apart
Coz we both thought
That love lasts forever (lasts forever)
They say we're too young
To get ourselves sprung
Oh we didn't care
We made it very clear
And they also said
That we couldn't last together (last together)

Refrain:
See it's very define, girl
One of a kind
But you mush up my mind
You walk to get declined
Oh Lord...
My baby is driving me crazy

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 2:
It was back in '99
Watchin' movies all the time
Oh when I went away
For doin' my first crime
And I never thought
That we was gonna see each other (see each other)
And then I came out
Mami moved me down South
Oh I'm with my girl
Who I thought was my world
It came out to be
That she wasn't the girl for me (girl for me)

(Repeat Refrain and Chorus)

Verse 3:
Now we're fussin'
And now we're fightin'
Please tell me why
I'm feelin' slightin'
And I don't know
How to make it better (make it better)
You're datin' other guys
You're tellin' me lies
Oh I can't believe
What I'm seein' with my eyes
I'm losin' my mind
And I don't think it's clever (think it's clever)

You're way too beautiful girl
That's why it'll never work
You'll have me suicidal, suicidal, suicidal...

 

[Tiffer]

I wonder what the motive is for the censorship?

Do they really think it will drive people to suicide or are they worried about offending people who have loved ones that have committed suicide?

Maybe? But then why not have concerns for all of the other people who have family memners who have died and edit all the songs that have potentially offensive lyrics?

It's a valid concern. Just ask Ozzy or the members of Judas Priest.

Not that a song alone can put somebody over the edge, but reality doesn't keep people from suing anyway.

I beleive that all of the people who killed themselves over a song, were pre-diposed to killing themselves anyway.

My guess is that if some teen commits suicide and their parents find the song w/the "suicide" lyric on their i-Pod, the family will blame the artist who will then face a multi-million dollar lawsuit. I think the record companies are trying to protect their artists.
The way I look at it -- play what you want on the radio as long as I can buy the clean or explicit versions on iTunes.

Then why is the song released in the first place with the suicide word? It plays on my radio stations in the original form.

 

[CathrynRose]

I have to ask -- did you get the full-gusto version of Hollaback Girl b/c I can't imagine them airing that on the radio!

Ooooo - good example! ! !

Lets just say we got it all, except they they dropped the T

And you know, theres a song.... gosh I cant think of it, but during the day they edited the "butt" word out, but replaced it with a girl's moan and a 'smack'

Gee - which is worse?

 

[MosMom]

I just saw this kid on the Today show. They said he put himself out on YouTube and got a record contract that way. Pretty interesting!

 

[Christine]

Maybe? But then why not have concerns for all of the other people who have family memners who have died and edit all the songs that have potentially offensive lyrics?

Tiffer,

This is already being done which is why I was wondering if this is a politically correct thing. See below reference to the Black-Eyed Peas song "Let's Get It Started" which was originally "Let's Get Retarded".

Originally, this was "Let's Get Retarded," which is how it appears on the album. When it was released as a single, it was changed to "Let's Get It Started" so it would get radio play. The phrase "Let's Get Retarded" is a West Coast term that means to go crazy on the dance floor (synonyms are "Go Dumb," and "Get/Go Stupid."). The phrase is chanted at clubs and dances and used in everyday slang, but the word "Retarded" is offensive to people who see it as put-down of those who are mentally challenged. (If you want to be really politically correct, the term is "Cognitively Impaired)

I actually understand the suicide fears and the companies not wanting to glamorize it, but this song "Beautiful Girls" comes off as an upbeat tune. I hear the song all the time, didn't know the specific lyrics until today, but assumed he was singing about beautiful girls he'd never have a chance with and the "torment" of never getting one.