Whether its politics or pocketbooks musical artists sometimes decide to change their song lyrics to be less offensive. Three cases in point come to mind including out with the old Bush, in with the new Obama and let’s just say Britney’s back in the news.

Broadway musical Avenue Q has been poking fun at George W. Bush since 2003 and now that he’s out of office, the Q is wondering just what to do? The answer is hold a contest to see who can come up with a new set of lyrics for the play.

Rapper will.i.am is a fan of Obama an in order to pay tribute to the new President, he is willing to fudge his lyrics just a bit. According to Hot Air, lyrics linking the CIA to terrorists (first written under the Bush leadership) will now change at least for a little while as a tribute to Obama.

And, of course, Britney’s back in the news and on the charts, but one of her songs is being given the silent treatment by radio stations everywhere. In order to gain the much appreciated, and financially lucrative air time, Britney has to take the F-word out of her lyrics one on of the tracks from her Circus album.

Changing song lyrics is nothing new and the motivations are many. Pocketbooks and politics are usually the top two reasons for the change.

Filed under: Lyrics