Songs which represent institutions will often undergo lyrical amendments if the language used in the lyrics is no longer deemed to be in line with the values of the institution.
This was seen in the case of the Sydney Swans AFL team who, in 2021, altered the lyrics of their club song to say 'loyal Swans' instead of 'loyal sons.'
The old lyrics were not seen as reflecting the club's values of gender equality, especially given that they are fielding a women's team for the first time in 2022. Both the men's and women's teams will sing the new lyrics.
This is a different approach to the Western Bulldogs, who recorded a separate 'AFLW' version of their team song 'Sons of the West,' which replaced the masculine noun 'sons' with the feminine 'daughters'. Read more in our post here about language and gender equality in sport.
The Guardian Australia - Sydney Swans change 60-year-old AFL club song to remove gendered language
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In 2020, the lyrics of the Australian national anthem were changed from 'we are young and free' to 'we are one and free.'
The adjective 'young' was seen as inappropriate given that it did not recognise the long history of Indigenous culture in Australia that preceded European settlement. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the change to the lyrics would help foster a 'spirit of unity' between all Australians, no matter their cultural background.
This lexical choice, despite being a small change, aims to show that the government stands in solidarity with Indigenous Australians, and appeals to their positive face needs by demonstrating respect and inclusion.
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