‘You can’t stop us’: Tom Jones finally breaks his silence on decision to ban hit song ‘Delilah’

Content Warning: This article deals with domestic violence.

Iconic singer Sir Tom Jones has taken a defiant stand against cancel culture after finally addressing the recent decision to ban his 1968 hit Delilah.

Earlier this year, Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced that Jones’ hit song would no longer be performed by choirs at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Although Welsh rugby fans have sung Delilah during matches as an unofficial anthem since the early 1970s, the lyrics of the song have long attracted controversy, with one line referencing a woman being murdered by her partner.

At the time a stadium spokesperson said “the WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind”.

“We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song, and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter,” the spokesperson said.

Now Jones has finally broken his silence on the matter during a recent live performance at Cardiff Castle in which he told concertgoers, “you can’t stop us singing Delilah”.

“Can you imagine? Who was the man who didn’t want us to sing ‘Delilah’?” he asked the crowd.

“They may stop the choir from singing it, but they haven’t stopped the crowd. Keep on singing it – and I’ll keep on singing it too.”

Jones then delighted crowds by defiantly belting out the hit song as those in attendance joined along.

After Jones hit out at the ban, an outpouring of support from fans flooded social media, praising the music icon for his stand in defence of the beloved hit song.

Well done Tom

— Barry Block (@themadmanisback) July 25, 2023

Too right wru hypocrites

— Paul (@paul48311435) July 25, 2023

Good man. Sing it loud.

— Tez Locke (@TezLocke) July 24, 2023

Good on him ,bloody woke

— Kenmorrey (@Kenmorrey92) July 23, 2023

While support for not banning the song appears to be strong, critics have long been calling for the hit to be cancelled, which Jones has previously dismissed.

“I don’t think [singers] are really thinking about it,” Jones told the BBC in 2014.

“If it’s going to be taken literally, I think it takes the fun out of it.”

FAMILY VIOLENCE DISCLAIMER: If you are concerned about domestic and family violence in your family, friends or workplace, contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.