MTV Networks -- which is comprised of MTV, VH1 and CMT -- is going to be integrating lyrics into content on its TV, online and multimedia channels. Somehow I doubt this is going to affect the TV network employees very much, unless of course they have to transcribe episodes of "The Hills" (and even then, the creation of an "OMG" key will cut the work by one-third).
Here are some changes you can expect to see (via Wired.com):
The on-air lyrics initiative will see MTV renaming its upcoming "Spankin' New Music Week" show "Spankin' New Lyrics Week, which will focus on lyrics and the situations that inspired them. VH1 will integrate song lyrics into its show "Boxset," while CMT will air interviews with "heartland viewers" talking about what country song lyrics mean to them.
"You see, when Kenny Chesney says his tractor is sexy, what he's really saying is that our nation's current foreign policy is too focused on the oil-rich Middle East and not in touch with the struggle of Darfur or other third-world nations! In addition, WOOOOOO!!!!!"
I'm actually in favor of this resolution, and I'll tell you why. Back in the day ("the day" being 1993), a guy named Snow put out a song called "Informer," from his hilariously-titled 12 Inches of Snow album. This song would go on to become an international hit, a hilarious "In Living Color" sketch, and my current roommate's cell phone ring. The only problem was, "Informer" was impossible to understand. Luckily, MTV began airing the lyrics at the bottom of the video. This is only reason I -- or anyone on Earth -- knows the lyrics to "Informer." Sounds stupid, but ask anyone from my generation, and they'll tell you this was groundbreaking. So for that, MTV deserves credit.
On the other hand, didn't they invent TV so that I don't have to read? Yes, as a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure that's why TV was invented. Also, showing lyrics might finally allow white people to figure out what "Supermaning a ho" means, and trust me, they're gonna be pissed. Come on MTV, you know the deal, you're supposed to provide us with free entertainment that requires no independent thought, and in return, we complain about you not playing videos while still tuning in to every episode of "Next." This whole reading thing wasn't part of the bargain.
