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?