When Lizzo changed the wor(l)d
A few weeks back, Lizzo re-wrote and re-recorded one of the lines in her new song, Grrrls.
In the big scheme of world events and earthly worries,I don’t pay much attention to Lizzo’s politics. I like the music but TBH I don’t know what she’s saying most of the time. (Then when I learn the words I’m too prissy to belt out fuck, hoes and coochie, even in the car.)
In case you missed it, here’s what happened with Grrrls.
Originally the first verse went like this…
Bitches, uh / Bitches, uh, uh-huh
Hold my bag, bitch / Hold my bag
Do you see this shit? I'ma spazz
I'm about to knock somebody out (girls)
Yo, where my best friend?
She the only one I know to talk me off the deep end (ah)
I would not have seen this coming (again, because I have no idea what Lizzo is saying half the time) but the metaverse took issue with the word spazz. Fair enough.
I don’t hear kids using that term today. We used it back in the 70s until it was generally agreed that spazz is insulting, demeaning and inappropriate. Derived from the word “spastic” it was used by kids to call out someone who was uncoordinated; it could imply that they were also somehow mentally inferior. I know I said it, I also know I retired it along with words like booger, cooties and gag me with a spoon.
So (stay with me here) …
First I thought… hmmm. Bitches, C-E-Ho, and “I'ma go Lorena Bobbitt on him so he never fuck again” are okay for our kids to hear on repeat, but “spazz” is the hill we’re gonna die on?
Okay.
Words have power. I know that. They really do pack a wallop when they come out of certain mouths, and when they land on certain ears. Choosing words should be intentional, should be taken as a serious responsibility; you need to know who you are and who your audience is. Always.
It appeared that Lizzo listeners had a problem with the word spazz. In these public outrages you never know who is actually feeling offended. Is it her fans? Is it a real group of people who identify as, while objecting to, the collective term spazz? Or is it a subset of pearl-clutchers who have taken on the job of policing the English language? (And if so, wtf are they doing listening to Lizzo?)
Also, if I’m nitpicking, Lizzo wasn’t using spazz as a noun, so it wasn’t being used as a label, and she wasn’t punching down. She used it as a verb to describe her own angry reaction.
Anyhow, what came next was fascinating.
People objected to the word, so Lizzo changed it. Without getting defensive. Without getting cancelled. Without debating Freedom of Speech. Without apologizing. She just… fixed it. And tweeted:
"It's been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song 'GRRRLS'". Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I've had money hurtful words used against me so I overstand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally). I'm proud to say there's a new version of GRRRLS with a lyrics change. This is the result of me listening and taking action. As an influential artist I am dedicated to being part of the change I've been waiting to see in the world. Xoxo, Lizzo."
I imagine it’s tough for an artist to change a lyric. Then again, it’s just one word. Then again, it’s never just a word. I don’t like mob pressure nor creativity by committee. I do support learning and evolving. Language is complicated; choosing words is a delicate, challenging and powerful pursuit.
Later on Facebook I saw Mita Naidu refer to Lizzo’s actions as Matriarchal (transformative) justice. I’ve heard the terms, but hadn't thought much about what it looked like.
“IMHO THIS is what matriarchal (transformative) justice looks like=
1. Parties communicate directly and clearly.
2. Deep listening and centering of oppressed voices takes place.
3. Ownership and accountability is taken of a mistake and/or harm.
4. Solutions are offered and built collaboratively.
5. Community acceptance and forgiveness.
MORE OF THIS PLEASE. ”
I agree.
This whole thing kinda blew up, hit the news cycle, then disappeared. That’s how it goes these days. But this quick-as-a-flash social media scenario allowed me to witness a language change that side-stepped the usual explosion of outrage, defensiveness, empty apology, simmering resentment and cancel culture.
One word, in a song I could barely decipher, gave me an opportunity to witness how community, communication and compassion can work.
Isn’t language wonderful?