Comments on: Ask A DJ – Know Your Lyrics

By: Amy DeLosso

Amy DeLosso — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:56:15 +0000

I whole heartedly agree, my latest for a montage, the Mom requested “Rockstar” by Nickelback. I asked her to reconsider as they sing about having drug dealers on speed dial – and popping pills from a Pez Dispenser.
“Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston was another request from a parent. Suicidal.

50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” for the Grand entrance of the Bar Mitzvah boy because his theme was candy – I blushed!

Some people just hear the title and think that’s the whole song.

I implore parents – search out the lyrics. Don’t trust the title of a song.

By: Alan Robb

Alan Robb — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:11:36 +0000

This post made me laugh, since I’m constantly amazed by inappropriate feature dance requests. The Righteous Brothers – You’ve LOST that Lovin’ Feeling, was a classic example. Or Brown Eyed Girl as a Father/Daughter dance! “Making love in the green grass” indeed!

How about stalker anthem “Every Breath You Take”? Strokin’ by Clarence Carter? Pretty much every song Prince wrote in the 80s?

I’m not a fan of censoring music, but there’s a time and a place! Hehe….

By: Tony Azzaro

Tony Azzaro — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:28:09 +0000

I am fortunate to have been trained under Craig and the rest of the staff here at Cutting Edge for many years, and I believe that this is a very important part of what a DJ does. You are not only representing yourself and the company to others, but representing your client as well. Your song choices reflect them in the eyes of the guests and you never know who could be there. Just because a song is popular doesn’t mean it is appropriate. As a MC/DJ who does numerous events such as Sweet 16s, etc. for younger kids, I have refused to play certain songs due to their content. I am not saying I am on any type of higher moral ground than others, but I do believe in maintaining a certain level of class and professionalism on the job.

By: Jason Jones

Jason Jones — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:13:07 +0000

Hi Craig,

I am the co-owner of Elegant Event Entertainment,Inc. a DJ and Event Planning firm in Los Angeles and I am so glad someone pointed me to your Blog. This particular article resonated with me because I have experienced this numerous times with clients. As far as lyrics go, we try to politely educate our clients when a song seems to be mismatched with the tone of the event. I think it’s safe to say that many songs that people love are misunderstood. Like poetry and fine art, the surface might seem beautiful but the meaning is often very different than the tone might imply at first glance or in the case of songs, the first time you hear them. In an event as important as a First Dance or Father/Daughter, Mother/Son dance, it’s a great idea to Print the lyrics to the songs you are considering. Go check out my Blog on Choosing the Father Daughter Dance and Planning the First Dance, with a list of recent Songs we’ve played at Weddings, chosen by our clients.
Thanks for this and other articles, I plan to follow your Blog. Great work Craig, I’m glad to know there are other DJs who “get it”

Cheers,

Jason

By: Juliet

Juliet — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:13:27 +0000

Thanks for writing about this. I just recently stumbled across your blog and I’ve enjoyed reading. Remember when Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” was a popular wedding song? I never understood it because it’s a breakup song!

By: Steve Wolfe

Steve Wolfe — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:28:47 +0000

Craig,

Careless Whisper for a wedding dance? If the over/under is 3 years, I’ve got $20 on the under.

Can’t wait to see the Newsletter and new website.

Steve

By: Renee Grande

Renee Grande — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:34:41 +0000

I was laughing to myself as I read this post because it is so true. I have been in the same situation myself several times with clients, and even as a guest at some weddings sitting in my chair thinking “Are they really dancing to this”