Ramblin Gender

TMT has a bone to pick. It's a small bone, like the one in a chicken wing, but still tough.

When covering a well-loved song, why do singers have to change the lyrics so that they are gender correct? Let me explain.

I am currently listening to Cat Power's latest album, "Jukebox", which is fantastic. It covers the likes of Billie Holiday, James Brown, and Hank Williams. Chan really alters these songs to wonderful ends, except for one. She changes Hank Williams "Ramblin Man" to "Ramblin Wo(man)." WHY?

Chan, can we talk? Ok good. First let me say, we at the blog love you. Second, Ramblin Man is a fantastic iconic song. You obviously agree. Why do you think it is necessary to change the lyrics? We know you are a woman. Were you to sing, "I'm a ramblin man..." we wouldn't be confused, thinking, "WHAT? Man? When did Cat Power become a man?!" It's a song.

We understand that you are bringing yourself to Hank's Ramblin party, but we just aren't a fan of you or your dip, so to speak.

Take a lesson from our man, Jack White, when he covered Dolly's "Jolene." "Jolene Jolene Jolene Jolene. I'm begging of you please don't take my man."

Word, Jack. word.