#59969 Christmas Songs
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 11:43 pm
http://theboard.byu.edu/questions/59969/
I don't think changing song lyrics is horrible. Does "Jingle bells, Batman smells" ring a bell, anyone? (no pun or offense against Batman intended) We alter lyrics all the time, and when done to spiritual songs like "Joy to the World" I don't think it's meant to disrespect the original, but rather to use an old tune everyone knows.
In elementary school, our music teacher (whom I am 95% confident is Jewish, but have never confirmed it) would have the choir sing Christmas (both secular and nonsecular), Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs. One of my favorites was a Hanukkah song. I think it is better to be multicultural than noncultural, especially in exposing kids to music, but having fun with lyrics does not instantly turn you into a noncultural--unless you are actually forbidding any signs of Christmas on pain of death.
Anyone else have any thoughts?
I don't think changing song lyrics is horrible. Does "Jingle bells, Batman smells" ring a bell, anyone? (no pun or offense against Batman intended) We alter lyrics all the time, and when done to spiritual songs like "Joy to the World" I don't think it's meant to disrespect the original, but rather to use an old tune everyone knows.
In elementary school, our music teacher (whom I am 95% confident is Jewish, but have never confirmed it) would have the choir sing Christmas (both secular and nonsecular), Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs. One of my favorites was a Hanukkah song. I think it is better to be multicultural than noncultural, especially in exposing kids to music, but having fun with lyrics does not instantly turn you into a noncultural--unless you are actually forbidding any signs of Christmas on pain of death.
Anyone else have any thoughts?