Weddings Bride Insists on Explicit Lyrics in Song..

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Scott Hanna said:
one song never killed anybody.
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And that's the problem with today's society. Where will the line be drawn?

There will always be somebody offended. They might not say anything but after the event you'll be the worst DJ they ever saw to their friends because you played "that song with the dirty words".

Yep, the customer is always right.
 
Cap Capello said:
Tim : Nope. Would not play it.

I'm a mobile DISK JOCKEY not a mobile MUSICAL WHORE. Just 'cause I'm being paid does not mean I have to forfeit any moral standards I have. They DO NOT own me.

She would be told flat out, politely, but in no uncertain terms, that it is totally not acceptable on my time, on my watch, ever.
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And now, at this time, ladies and gentlemen, a big hand a salute for Cap!
 
GoodKnightDJ said:
And that's the problem with today's society. Where will the line be drawn?

There will always be somebody offended. They might not say anything but after the event you'll be the worst DJ they ever saw to their friends because you played "that song with the dirty words".
Yep, the customer is always right.
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In todays world people look for things to be offended about (think Christmas party) I could play you are my sunshine and I am sure I would offend someone

Brian Martin said:
Guess it depends how bad you need the work.
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I personally will do by years end 70+ bookings I don't need the work by any means. I do keep promises though and if they want it they get it. I may lay a disclaimer before the song, I may try to talk them out of it but in the end i they want it they get it

I think it was Fred who used to have the sig line Censorship is telling a man he can't have steak because a baby can't chew it :sqwink:
 
I am late getting in on this one, but I am completely with Papa and the rest who said never ever ever play it.

When I was in the biz, on my website, in my contract and in every planning meeting, it was made perfectly clear that I played nothing that was not within FCC on air standards.

I would never play a song like that, no matter what kind of announcement was made before playing it.
 
Jeff - the point is ...where do you draw the line......Do you allow your young children to use the F bomb.....If not, why is OK then to play a song with the F bomb...because the customer paid me to?.. Oh..that's a good lesson for the youngsters....It's OK to give that guy a b job, as long as you're paid for it.....

This isn't about censorship.....there's a big difference between damn and f*ck......the latter is definitely offensive; no questions....

It's about leading, having principles.....do as you teach your kids, being an adult, being responsible....not selling your soul for a dollar.....
 
I play bars all the time, you play edits and you get dirty looks... I have both versions (cut and uncut) because if its a live to air, Im in big doodoo of I play uncut... Honestly, if it was a wedding around here, I would keep it til 12, of course, we go til 1am around here... use your judgment, see what is on the floor, who is out there... had a cooperate event, most the old people left during the comedian if not right before him, we had fun and I played what ever they wanted...
 
again, for me it rarely rarely ever comes up....people don't ask that often...when they don't, edited versions are played. When they do, i tell them i have edited versions.

If...and when..a customer requests a song with explicit lyrics...we will discuss it like adults. are they requesting it to be played at 7 oclock with 50 kids there?....how clear is the explicit lyric? near midnight?...no kids?

again, I do not make it an issue by telling people what I wont do for them. I don't even bring it up unless they ask.

One thing i wont do is broadcast to everyone to be listening for the bad words in the upcoming song because 99% wont be listening close enough to hear the explicit lyric in the first place, unless of course, I tell them first.
 
Papa Deuce said:
We only play songs with suggestive lyrics when granted permission by you. Our company policy precludes us from playing overtly explicit lyrics. We believe our reputation and your party is enhanced by this policy. Please initial that you understand our policy. ____
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Chuck - Thanks for sharing! I have a question about the bolded part.

Who determines what is "suggestive?" It just seems that this is a highly subjective term. I recently had a guest at an event get upset over a song I played, saying that it was not appropriate with children present. The song was Kid Rock's "All Summer Long," and the objection was to the song's reference to "making love," "Whiskey" and "smoking funny things." While I felt it was a fairly innocuous song, I could see his point (even if I didn't agree with it...)

By his standards, "Brown Eyed Girl" could be offensive, and "Baby Got Back" could induce a stroke! I just wonder if there is a way to narrow the definition of this clause to make it more explicit and better define what is "suggestive."
 
Well..

This is what I've decided to do. I have purchased the song in topic in my computer. I'm not even going to call the bride. I'm going to rock the reception and wait till the time comes..I'm not even going to bring it up..IF she does, I will remind her of the lyrics, etc..I don't know if she's a drinker..Maybe she'll get to liquored up to remember...:sqwink:

If she's still insistant, then I'll play it be ear...
 
DJ Zac said:
Chuck - Thanks for sharing! I have a question about the bolded part.

Who determines what is "suggestive?" It just seems that this is a highly subjective term. I recently had a guest at an event get upset over a song I played, saying that it was not appropriate with children present. The song was Kid Rock's "All Summer Long," and the objection was to the song's reference to "making love," "Whiskey" and "smoking funny things." While I felt it was a fairly innocuous song, I could see his point (even if I didn't agree with it...)

By his standards, "Brown Eyed Girl" could be offensive, and "Baby Got Back" could induce a stroke! I just wonder if there is a way to narrow the definition of this clause to make it more explicit and better define what is "suggestive."
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It may be. But since we also discuss my policies before they sign, the client knows what I mean. And I have no problem with Baby Got Back...... I just tell them that this falls under suggestive lyrics. but I'm happy to play it if they say OK.
 
Papa Deuce said:
It may be. But since we also discuss my policies before they sign, the client knows what I mean. And I have no problem with Baby Got Back...... I just tell them that this falls under suggestive lyrics. but I'm happy to play it if they say OK.
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"This anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns hun!"

How does that not fall under suggestive? :sqerr:

Okay, it does fall under suggestive, but doesn't that complicate the clause in the contract? Sorry, I'm just really confused here. :sqembarrassed:
 
DJ Ducky said:
"This anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns hun!"

How does that not fall under suggestive? :sqerr:

Okay, it does fall under suggestive, but doesn't that complicate the clause in the contract? Sorry, I'm just really confused here. :sqembarrassed:
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I think you just have to decide where to draw the line and stick with it. It may seem arbitrary to some people, and you may lose business over it, but that is often the cost of taking a stand.

For me "making love" is suggestive but I do enjoy that song. However to me, "making love" is not nearly as suggestive (and the whole song of Brown Eyed Girl is not nearly as suggestive as the entirety of Baby Got Back) as the lyrics of Baby Got Back.

For my bride I am playing "Foreverandever, etc".

Mike
 
DJ Ducky said:
"This anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns hun!"

How does that not fall under suggestive? :sqerr:

Okay, it does fall under suggestive, but doesn't that complicate the clause in the contract? Sorry, I'm just really confused here. :sqembarrassed:
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Like I said, I DO play SUGGESTIVE lyrics with permission. I don't get your confusion. I NEVER play overtly explicit lyrics no matter what. My clients understand what I will and won't do after we talk, but I still have them initial that clause.

I think "some" folks just don't understand that a DJ does not have to play everything a prospective client wants. Just like they can look for a DJ who will give them everything they want, a DJ can turn down those clients who want what he or she is not willing to provide.

So, I'll make it clear.... If it is one of the "7 Dirty Words You Can't Say on TV".... It isn't going to be played at one of my events. If it encourages violence against women, I'm not playing it. If it is about general "thuggery", I am not playing it.

I run a clean DJ business, and am proud of that fact. But, as I always say, I am glad that my DJ income is inconsequential to my lifestyle, or otherwise, my stance against certain music would be much harder to uphold.
 
Papa Deuce said:
So, I'll make it clear.... If it is one of the "7 Dirty Words You Can't Say on TV".... It isn't going to be played at one of my events. If it encourages violence against women, I'm not playing it. If it is about general "thuggery", I am not playing it.
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No offense, but what music does that leave you with for playing? :sqconfused:
Also, it's great that you're picky with music for your events, but what about your clients' events? :blink:
 
DJ Ducky said:
No offense, but what music does that leave you with for playing? :sqconfused:
Also, it's great that you're picky with music for your events, but what about your clients' events? :blink:
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Hahahaha.. That is some funny stuff right there! :sqbiggrin:

But seriously, I work with my clients within the limits of my beliefs. Most of my issues (as an LD) are of the safety variety, so they don't really compare. But, why would I hire a DJ that doesn't play explicit lyrics if I want explicit lyrics? Why wouldn't I thank them for their time and hire someone else? I will make their event the best it can be, but I am upfront about things I will and will not do. Let the buyer beware.

I have to serve my clients needs, but I do not have to serve every client who comes to me. That whole right to refuse service to anyone.

Mike
 
Anna - would you play a song that encourages the lynching of blacks? Would you play a song that encourages the touching of minors? Will you play a song that advocates rape? shooting police officers?

Why not?

I won't play "Crank Dat"...I will play "Baby Got Back"..There is a big difference in these two songs...and as a woman, if you can't see that.....sigh!


The f bomb and other clear cut profanities...don't get played....

It's not only about the words.....it's also about the tone and subject matter.....
 
I've heard no complaints about "Shake It" by Metro Station or "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. yet those get played. I guess I'm just confused on where this "line" you guys keep talking about is drawn. For me, I try to avoid playing stuff that is loaded with cusses and explicit descriptions of violence or sex - and I mean explicit. I cater to every clients' sensitivities and on the other end of the spectrum, I can also spin a very naughty dance. Just because I don't have the physical balls doesn't mean that I lack the figurative ones.
 
That music guy is really some music guy. Steve do you play Blueberry Hill? Do You play grease megamix? Do you play Billy Squier- Stroke? I could go on but Im off to business class.
 
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