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George Ezra changed ‘offensive’ song lyric for Platinum Jubilee

George Ezra said he 'didn't question' changing the song lyric - Jeff J Mitchell/Pool via REUTERS
George Ezra said he 'didn't question' changing the song lyric - Jeff J Mitchell/Pool via REUTERS

George Ezra changed his lyric "throw a party on the day that I die" to avoid offending the Royal Family at the Platinum Jubilee.

The singer-songwriter said "you don't question it" when asked why he altered his song Green Green Grass during his performance at the celebrations earlier this month.

The 29-year-old performed the song during the Platinum Party At The Palace on June 4, held outside Buckingham Palace in celebration of the Queen's 70 years on the throne.

However, the lyrics "Green green grass, blue blue sky, you better throw a party on the day that I die", were edited to remove the reference to dying.

Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Ezra said: "When you're playing for the Royal family, when they say 'jump', you jump, you don't question it."

Adding: "My take on it was that it was going to make it more obvious to change it, and the thing is it kind of turned out that way.

"It's the thing that I get asked about a lot now and I just say: 'Well, I wasn't going to fight back, was I?"'

George Ezra recently released his third studio album Gold Rush Kid - Adam Scarborough
George Ezra recently released his third studio album Gold Rush Kid - Adam Scarborough

He added: "But for me, the song is kind of a celebration of life, is how I would read it. I would never see it as a funeral manifesto."

At the end of the four-day Bank Holiday weekend, the Queen thanked Britain for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, hailing the "renewed sense of togetherness" that left her "deeply touched".

In a 130-word personal message to the nation, Her Majesty said “there is no guidebook to follow”, noting that “it really is a first”.

“While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family,” the monarch wrote.

“I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.

“I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations.”