When should we edit offensive racial lyrics?

Here's an example from a recent post I made: I'm posting Riley Puckett's version, "The Other Side of Jordan." I have edited out the offensive racial slurs to make this version practical to be sung. I was wondering if this was wrong, or what people thought about editing for racial content.

"The Other Side of Jordan/Jordan is a Hard Road To Travel" from Riley Puckett (Transcription Stewie- edited):

If I was the president of the United States
Well I'd make my laws recorded
The *sinners I'd sell, let the British all go
I'd put 'em on the other side of Jordan

Chorus: Haul off your overcoat, roll up your sleeve
Jordan am a hard road to travel I believe
Haul off your overcoat, roll up your sleeve
Jordan am a hard road to travel
[Whistles melody above guitar]

If you want to do well go down to the hotel
Get your washing and your board on the credit
If they ask you when you'll pay just tell 'em right away
They may get (it) on the other side of Jordan

Chorus and whistling

Two little *boys went out to play
All the people thought they's a-fightin'
When they hollered to the big *one get out of the way
'Cos little Boys going to **the other side of Jordan.

Chorus and whistling

Daddy caught a turkey in the woods the other day
Well he put him in the oven for to cook him
He jerked back his head and he knocked off the lid
Well he gobbled on the other side of Jordan

Chorus and whistling

David and Goliath had a fight the other day
Found one thing certain
He hit Goliath on the head with a bar of soft soap
And it sounded on the other side of Jordan

Chorus and whistling

*offensive racial lyrics
**lyrics unclear


Original post: THE OTHER SIDE OF JORDAN

If I was the president of the United States
Well I'd make my laws recorded
The niggers I'd sell, let the British all go
I'd put 'em on the other side of Jordan

Chorus: Haul off your overcoat, roll up your sleeve
Jordan am a hard road to travel I believe
Haul off your overcoat, roll up your sleeve
Jordan am a hard road to travel
[Whistles melody above guitar]

If you want to do well go down to the hotel
Get your washing and your board on the credit
If they ask you when you'll pay just tell 'em right away
They may get (it) on the other side of Jordan

Chorus and whistling

Two little niggers went out to play
All the people thought they's a-fightin'
When they hollered to the big nigger get out of the way
'Cos little niggers going to (?)

Chorus and whistling

Daddy caught a turkey in the woods the other day
Well he put him in the oven for to cook him
He jerked back his head and he knocked off the lid
Well he gobbled on the other side of Jordan

Chorus and whistling

David and Goliath had a fight the other day
Found one thing certain
He hit Goliath on the head with a bar of soft soap
And it sounded on the other side of Jordan

Chorus and whistling


Several commented that the lyrics should not be edited. I'm not as concerned about posting them on Mudcat as I would be in a songbook or other public offering. What do you think and why?

-Thanks, Richie