Here is why the song “Delilah,” by Tom Jones, prohibited at Principality Stadium by Wales rugby and the meaning of the song lyrics
Ahead of the Six Nations, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has prohibited the popular song “Delilah” by Tom Jones from being played at the Principality Stadium.
Sky News reports that the 74,500-seat national stadium of Wales will no longer include the 1968 anthem.
Explained why has Wales rugby Principality Stadium banned the Delilah anthem and song lyrics meaning explained
People are contending that the song, which contains lyrics about a lady who is stabbed by her jealous husband, has no place in the UK, where instances of domestic violence spike during sporting events.
According to a Principality Stadium spokesperson:
Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium.
Further was said that it was requested by the choirs to not feature the song during the pre-performance as well as throughout the game.
Why did the WRU ban “Delilah”?
The reason behind this choice is centred on the song’s lyrics, which have been labelled “problematic.”
Delilah is killed by her jealous husband in the song after learning that she has been unfaithful. The husband’s begging for forgiveness is heard at the song’s conclusion.
The spokesperson for Principality Stadium added:
“The WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind.”
Further was said that they have respectfully acknowledged that the song’s subject matter makes it troublesome and unpleasant to some supporters, and they have previously sought guidance from subject matter specialists on the question of suppressing it.
Awesome to hear DELILAH ring out at Twickenham ahead of Wales vs France! Come on you Welsh! #London7s 🎶🐲 pic.twitter.com/tvf53pE0dB
— London Welsh Women (@londonwelshwrfc) May 21, 2017
They stated once more that Jones’ song had previously been taken out of the halftime show and music selection for international matches in 2015.
A year earlier, Dafydd Iwan, whose song Yma O Hyd is now sung throughout Principality Stadium, made the following statement:
A song about murder 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.”
He insisted, though, in a letter to The Guardian:
Banning songs is not something I would ever advocate – even if it was possible.”
C’mon Wales! 🏴 🏉💪🏻@WelshRugbyUnion @SixNationsRugby #WALvENG #throwback #nineties #delilah #wales #wembleystadium pic.twitter.com/kYPOE3Ngep
— Tom Jones (@RealSirTomJones) February 27, 2021
What has the public’s response been to “Delilah’s” WRU ban?
Without mentioning the decision specifically, Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit tweeted the same sentiments as many fans:
All the things they need to do and they do that first.”
All the things they need to do and they do that first….😶
— Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) February 1, 2023
How has Tom Jones responded to “Delilah”?
In an interview with The Independent in 2014, Sir Tom, one of the most well-known Welshmen of all time, expressed his delight that the song was played before rugby matches and stated that listeners don’t truly consider the lyrics.
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