Fall Out Boy is renowned for their witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and, notably, their incredibly long song titles. Among their most iconic lengthy titles is “Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued.” This title isn’t just for show; it hints at a fascinating backstory that has captivated fans and sparked numerous discussions online, as seen in various online forums. Let’s delve into the story behind this distinctive title and explore the fan theories surrounding its origins.
Unpacking the Official Title and Its Legal Nod
The official title, “Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued,” is a meta-commentary in itself. It directly addresses the band’s experience with legal constraints in the music industry. This title isn’t just a random string of words; it’s a statement, a humorous acknowledgment of the realities artists face. The length and specificity of the title immediately grab attention and pique curiosity. It’s a clever way for Fall Out Boy to inject their signature wit and irony even before the song begins.
The core reason behind such a title, as it suggests, is legal prudence. The music industry is rife with potential copyright issues and lawsuits. Bands and artists must tread carefully to avoid legal battles. By explicitly mentioning their lawyer in the title, Fall Out Boy humorously highlights the often-unseen legal hoops artists jump through. It’s a candid peek behind the curtain of the music business, served with a side of Fall Out Boy’s characteristic sarcasm.
Rumored Original Titles: A Dive into Fan Speculation
The internet is abuzz with theories about what the original title of the song might have been before the lawyers intervened. Several rumored titles have circulated among fans, each offering a different flavor of potential lyrical content and band attitude.
One of the most frequently mentioned rumored titles is “My Name Is David Ruffin And These Are The Temptations” or a slight variation, “My Name Is David Ruffin And These Are My Temptations.” David Ruffin was a legendary singer from The Temptations, a Motown group known for hits like “My Girl.” This rumored title suggests a potentially audacious or perhaps satirical comparison. Fans speculate that the original lyrics might have contained references or allusions to The Temptations or Motown, which could have triggered copyright concerns or simply been deemed too controversial or legally risky.
Another rumored original title that has surfaced in fan discussions is “Stevenson Girls Are Sluts.” This title, reportedly linked to a high school rumor, is significantly more provocative and offensive. If this was indeed a potential original title, it’s easy to see why lawyers would strongly advise against it. Such a title is not only likely to cause outrage and controversy but could also lead to defamation lawsuits.
A third rumored title, “I Loved You So Much More Before You Were a MySpace Whore,” points towards the social media landscape of the mid-2000s when MySpace was hugely popular. This title is more in line with Fall Out Boy’s lyrical themes of relationships and social commentary, albeit with a potentially edgy and derogatory term. While less legally problematic than the “Stevenson Girls” title, it still carries a level of offensiveness that might have been deemed unsuitable or commercially risky, leading to the lawyer’s intervention.
It’s crucial to remember that these titles are rumored and based on fan speculation. Fall Out Boy has never officially confirmed any of these as the actual original title. The mystery surrounding the original title only adds to the song’s allure and the band’s enigmatic image.
Fan Reactions: Embracing the Long Title and the Mystery
Fans have largely embraced the long and unusual title. Many find it humorous, clever, and quintessentially Fall Out Boy. The title has become a talking point, a testament to the band’s unique approach to music and branding. As evidenced by online comments, fans appreciate the irony and the peek into the music industry’s legal side.
Some fans express a fondness for the rumored original titles, particularly “My Name Is David Ruffin…” finding it “cool.” This suggests that fans appreciate the band’s willingness to be unconventional and even slightly provocative. The discussion around the different rumored titles also indicates a strong engagement with the band’s creative process and lyrical themes. Fans are not just passive listeners; they are active participants in deciphering the band’s artistic choices and the stories behind their songs.
Conclusion: A Title That Speaks Volumes
“Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued” is more than just a song title; it’s a narrative, a joke, and a commentary all rolled into one. It exemplifies Fall Out Boy’s witty and self-aware style. Whether the original title was indeed one of the rumored versions or something else entirely, the official title has become an integral part of the song’s identity and Fall Out Boy’s legacy. It stands as a testament to the band’s creativity in navigating the complexities of the music industry while maintaining their unique artistic voice and connecting with their fans through humor and irony.
