The song “Fat Bottomed Girls” by the legendary band Queen is missing from the reissue of a “Greatest Hits” album for children, according to British media. British media reported on Monday that this is due to the title and content of the song, which sings about stronger women and sexual experiences with them. The Mail on Sunday previously quoted an appalled music industry source as saying: “Nobody can understand why such a good-natured, funny song shouldn’t be acceptable in today’s society.”
Written by guitarist Brian May, the song was featured on the band’s 1981 Greatest Hits album. The new edition that has now been published appeared on the audio platform Yoto, which is explicitly aimed at younger children.
Other Queen songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You” appeared with warning labels. “Please note that the lyrics in some of these songs contain adult themes, including occasional references to violence and drugs,” the site reads, according to the Telegraph. “These are the original and unedited recordings.” Although no profanity would be used, parents should be present when the songs are played in the presence of younger children.
A few years ago, guitarist May told the music magazine “Mojo” that “Fat Bottomed Girls” was a “pansexual song” and was inspired by singer Freddie Mercury. “I wrote it with Fred in mind, how do you do that when you have a great singer who likes big butt girls… or boys,” May said.
Recently, a debate had also broken out in the literature as to whether terms in historical books – such as those by children’s book author Roald Dahl – that are now considered offensive should be adapted.
