Historic hit 'Smack My Bitch Up' gets a lyric makeover to make it more 2023-ish

Written by Jeppe W

Nov.28 - 2023 1:24 PM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com

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The Prodigy, renowned for their energetic performances, is making headlines with a significant change to one of their biggest hits.

Ahead of their upcoming concert in Copenhagen at TAP1 this Saturday, the band has reportedly altered the lyrics of their 1997 hit "Smack My Bitch Up," a decision following years of controversy surrounding the song's message.

Originally, the track's title and repeated line "Smack My Bitch Up" drew intense criticism for seemingly promoting violence against women.

For years, The Prodigy and their record label XL defended the artistic nature of the song, with Richard Russell from XL reflecting on the issue in his 2020 book. While expressing doubts about releasing a similarly titled song today, he maintained that he did not regret the original decision.

However, during recent performances in London's Alexandra Palace, attendees witnessed a notable change in the song's lyrics. Instead of the iconic line, the band sang "Change my pitch up!"

Videos circulating on social media captured this alteration, with many in the audience appearing unprepared for the change.

As The Prodigy prepares to take the stage in Copenhagen, fans attending the concert should anticipate this significant lyric modification.

This move marks a notable shift for the band, acknowledging the evolving societal attitudes towards music and its impact since the song's release 26 years ago. The alteration signifies a more conscientious approach from The Prodigy, aligning with contemporary sensibilities while maintaining their dynamic musical essence.