Friday, July 29, 2016

Tom Jones / We need to drop Delilah song for being too violent

Tom Jones

We need to drop Delilah song for being too violent, says singer

Sir Tom Jones' classic and Welsh rugby anthem Delilah has been labelled inappropriate for rugby crowds over claims it promotes domestic violence.

Former Plaid Cymru president and folk singer Dafydd Iwan said the iconic ballad should be abandoned for its violent lyrics.

He said the song tends to "trivialise the idea of murdering a woman".

The Welsh Rugby Union disagrees though, comparing the lyrics to Shakespeare plays such as Romeo and Juliet.

Mr Iwan said: "It is a song about murder and it does tend to trivialise the idea of murdering a woman.

"It's a pity these words now have been elevated to the status of a secondary national anthem. I think we should rummage around for another song instead of Delilah."

Sir Tom said he was proud the song was used at rugby matches and said the song's subject matter simply reflected "something that happens in life".

Too violent?

The lyrics in question are: "At break of day when that man drove away, I was waiting.

"I cross the street to her house and she opened the door.

"She stood there laughing... I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more."

A Welsh Rugby Union spokesperson said: "Within rugby, Delilah has gained prominence through its musicality rather than because of its lyrics.

"There is, however, plenty of precedent in art and literature, prominently in Shakespearean tragedies for instance, for negative aspects of life to be portrayed.

"The Welsh Rugby Union condemns violence against women and has taken a lead role in police campaigns to highlight and combat the issue."

BBC NEWS