Clarification Of Issues
Clarification on ban of offensive verse in popular marching song "Purple Light"
18 November 2013
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In response to queries on whether the entire "Purple Light" song has been banned, MINDEF offered the following clarification:,"We understand that there have been some concerns about a ban on the popular marching song Purple Light because of an offensive verse. We would like to clarify that Purple Light has not been banned. However, steps have been taken to stop the offensive verse from being sung in the SAF, as it runs contrary to the values of our organisation and should not be condoned. The original verse uses the following lyrics "Booking out, saw my girlfriend / Saw her with another man / Broken heart, back to Army / With my rifle and my buddy and me". The modifications were done independently by some groups during their march, and are not authorised.