Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan recently addressed the viral discovery that the children’s music franchise Kidz Bop altered the lyrics to his hit song “Stick Season” for their 2024 compilation album. While fans initially speculated on social media that the changes were made to “The Great Divide,” reports confirmed the edits actually targeted “Stick Season,” replacing references to alcohol and cigarettes with child-friendly alternatives.
Why Did Kidz Bop Change the Lyrics?
Kidz Bop maintains a long-standing policy of modifying popular radio hits to remove mature content, including references to drugs, alcohol, and violence. In the case of “Stick Season,” which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024, the brand swapped “And I’m drinking to quell the achin'” for “And I’m singing to quell the achin’.” Additionally, the line “And I’ll dream of each tub of cigarette burns” was changed to “And I’ll dream of each tub of cinnamon turns.”
These edits follow the company’s standard practice of making chart-topping music accessible to their primary demographic of children ages 5 to 12. According to the official Kidz Bop website, the group records “kid-friendly” versions of today’s biggest pop songs, ensuring that the lyrical content aligns with family-oriented standards.
How Did Noah Kahan React?
Noah Kahan responded to the lyrical overhaul with humor on social media. After fans brought the “cinnamon turns” lyric to his attention on X (formerly Twitter), Kahan posted a lighthearted acknowledgment of the change. He appeared to embrace the absurdity of the edit, which has become a common rite of passage for mainstream artists as their songs gain enough popularity to be covered by the franchise.
Kahan’s reaction reflects a broader trend among modern musicians who generally view their inclusion in Kidz Bop as a milestone of commercial success. Because Kidz Bop typically selects only the most prominent songs for their albums, the transformation of his lyrics serves as a marker of his song’s massive cultural saturation.
Contextualizing the Edit
The modification of “Stick Season” is consistent with historical precedents set by the franchise. Since its inception in 2001, Kidz Bop has consistently sanitized lyrics to avoid parental complaints. Past examples include:
- Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”: “Say, boy, let’s not talk too much” replaced more suggestive verses.
- Lizzo’s “About Damn Time”: References to alcohol and adult themes were scrubbed to maintain the song’s upbeat, radio-friendly tempo.
While some listeners find the changes jarring, music industry analysts note that these edits rarely impact the original artist’s streaming numbers or reputation. Instead, they introduce younger audiences to the melody and structure of the song, often acting as a gateway for children to discover the original versions as they grow older.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Kidz Bop versions official releases?
Yes, Kidz Bop operates under licensing agreements that allow them to record and distribute altered versions of popular songs.
Does Noah Kahan get paid for these versions?
Yes, as the songwriter and performer, Kahan receives royalties from the mechanical licensing and distribution of the Kidz Bop cover, just as he would with any other authorized cover version of his work.
Will the original version of “Stick Season” be affected?
No, the original recording remains available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, entirely unchanged.
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