Censorship of music

cuddlyewok · Censorship of music

Hi all.

I thought of this topic as I was listening to the radio. It seems to me, that more and more music songs that are played on the air are being censored, even for minor words.
The station I was listening to was Radio 1, although I have seen the same words censored on VH1.
The song that made me think about it, was Nickelback's Rock Star.
In the song, the words Drugs, Drug dealer, and Ass hole were censored.
Now, to me, those are not offensive words. Yes, some people may take slight offence at ass hole, but the others?
In the news, they mention the words Drugs, and drug dealers, so why censor them in music?
I can understand, if it is explicit lyrics, a they are deemed as offensive.

However, going back to ass hole, a Radio one presenter - Chris Moyles, uses the words ass, and arse, so is there much difference between what he says on air, and the songs?

Is it a case of censorship gone too far, or do you think that words such as drugs, and ass hole, should be censored?
Your thoughts and opinions, are, as always, appreciated.

Kitty

I think that the artist/band has chosen those lyrics for a reason. If the words get censored then it's kind of taking away part of the song. I do understand why some words are censored- but drugs? Thats ludicrous!
I guess that when children listen to music, they hear the lyrics and sing them. And if it does have swear words, then it becomes a habbit?

Katie915

I dont think music should be censored. Bands/artists wouldn't randomly add words such as drugs or even ass hole for the sake of it. I believe many songs need those kind of words to explain what they are trying to say.... for example if someone did write a song about drugs and how they can harm people,censoring the word drugs would just be completely pointless. Most of the music i listen to has meaning to the songs where swear words are appropriate although it does sometimes annoy me when artists like rappers for example add the f word to their songs every 5 seconds....

Jack

Some censorship is absurd, like the examples you provided of "drugs" and "drug dealer". However, on the other hand, some of the profanity in 'songs' these days is certainly worth censoring.

When swear-words add meaning or emotion to a song, I see no reason as to why they should be censored; but when a chorus consists of "M********* that n****; m********* that b****" four times each then censorship is definitely a positive thing.

^ Those lyrics are from the song "Real N**** Roll Call" by Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boyz.

ferret47

Depends on the time and words. If it's things like f and c word then playing it at 8:30 in the morning when children are in cars going to school isn't the best idea but say after 9pm when the watershed is lifted then fine although some songs that are completly stupid (ie basicially swear words eg london underground (i know it wouldn't be played on the radio)).

Peew4K

NEVERRR!!!! if the artist feels they are needed then why censor them...

ManicStreetPreacher

No, it shouldn't be censored. The word(s) are there for a reason, and probably have more of an effect than another word meaning the same thing. like 'f off', is more powerful than 'go away'. If someone is offended, then they should wirte in and say why or the like.

ryberto

to be fair stuff worse on tv is said than in songs so its not like children dont know th words its a joke the words were picked for a reason it hardly cums across as angry or sad if its bleeping

also if you aint heard the song b4 youll try to figure out the word whereas youd probly just not notice if it didnt

.HAZ

dont bump topics over 15 days old

Chrissie

iliveinireland

I voted "Yes, but only really offensive words."

The word "drug" isnt offensive is it ?

Its used on the news every day,"drugs have been seized from ______" etc etc.

So why blank it out in a song ?

I thik some words that are really offensive like M____ F_____ etc should be blanked out.But "drug" ????

.HAZ

ok cheers chrissie and it takes the effect from the song
the artists worte it with those words so they should keep it that way and not blank the words becasue we know wha the words are so whats the point