Canceled What? Nick Cave Says Songs' Cancelations Are 'Badges of Honor'

Nick Cave has been open about cancel culture and once shared an unexpected approach toward canceled songs.

In the past years, several songs suffered cancelations due to several reasons. Musicians have been open about it, as well, including Cave.

Cave once shared his thoughts on music being canceled. He explained on the latest entry to his Red Hand Files Q&A site that he was initially asked about Tom Jones' classic hit song, Delilah after it was banned at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

What Nick Cave Said About Tom Jones' "Delilah"

A fan specifically asked cave about a whole album of murder ballads, "Murder Ballads."

He then said that while he is not a fan of "Delilah," he likes Jones as a singer and artist."

Cave called "Delilah," a song that sounds too "waltzy, strident, hammy, mariachi, and triumphant." He noted that its words are ugly, citing part of its lyrics that goes "I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more."

"I understand there is a principle here, but on some level, I like the fact that some songs are controversial enough to be outlawed," the crooner said. "It fills me with a kind of professional pride to be a part of the sometimes contentious business of songwriting."

For what it's worth, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Principality Stadium released a statement saying that Jones' "Delilah" would no longer be played in Wales and was removed from Principality Stadium's playlist.

It explained that its problematic nature - as the song depicts a woman getting stabbed by her jealous partner - led them to make the decision. It reportedly sought advice on the issue and confirmed the song's problematic background.

The WRU also declared it condemns any form of domestic violence. Thus, it decided on the song's removal.

The "Where the Wild Roses Grow" singer's sentiment wholly explained why the canceled songs raised people's brows.

Tom Jones Defends "Delilah" Lyrics

Before Cave shared his thoughts, Jones already broke his silence regarding the 1968 hit song.

In an interview with BBC, the 82-year-old legendary musician explained that his controversial song should not be taken literally.

According to Jones, the song's chorus is what people pick up on. Despite that, he has not performed the song at the song since June 2022.

He then expressed his shock, saying that "a man killing a woman" in the song is not a political statement. Jones added that it makes him feel proud to be Welsh whenever he sings it at rugby games.

Tom Jones' delilah was written by Barry Mason. It topped several charts in different countries, including Switzerland and Germany. It also scored the No. 2 spot on British charts in March 1968, becoming the sixth-best selling single that year.

Jones notably performed the song during Queen Elizabeth iI's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. The hit movie "Edward Scissorhands" also featured it.

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