Keith Urban angers fans with altered lyrics to popular song
“Want me to play your guitar?” Keith Urban’s recent divorce announcement from Nicole Kidman stirred fans as he slyly altered lyrics to his hit song.
After nearly two decades together, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman’s split has become a hot topic in tabloids since it was confirmed on September 29. However, Urban added more fuel to the fire during a recent concert by making a suggestive change to the lyrics of one of his songs. The track in question is “Fighter,” a chart-topper from 2016 that was inspired by a conversation Urban had with Kidman.
Urban’s alteration to the lyrics occurred at a live show where he adapted a line to dedicate it to his new young guitarist, Maggie Baugh. Previously, the lyrics stated, “When they’re tryna get to you, baby, I’ll be the fighter.” Urban playfully switched it to, “When they’re tryna get to you, Maggie, I’ll be your guitar player.” Baugh posted a video clip of the modified lyrics on her Instagram, captioning it with a surprised “did he just say that?” along with eyes emoji. Fans were quick to weigh in, particularly since “Fighter” was seen as a tribute to Urban’s marriage with Kidman.
The guitarist told Billboard in 2016, “It’s all from a conversation my wife and I had early on in our relationship, that when things get tough, I need to hold her tighter and just try to take care of her.” The song signifies the desire to heal, care for, and protect someone, serving as a personal vow in many ways for Urban.
Besides the lyrical switch-up, Urban’s recent song selection during his tour has also raised eyebrows. Before the news of his separation with Kidman emerged, Urban included a cover of Loverboy’s 1981 hit “Turn Me Loose” during a concert in Calgary, Alberta. It was a departure from his usual setlist and a first-time performance of the song, which had previously reached number six on Billboard’s Top Rock Tracks chart for the band.
Furthermore, Urban shared happier news about collaborating with PRS Guitars on a new signature guitar based on Clarence, his cherished 40th Anniversary Fender Telecaster that he has owned since 1989. Urban’s love for his guitars shines through, as evidenced by his anecdote of feeling disloyal to his instruments after losing many in the 2010 Nashville flood. He described the experience of buying an Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster off eBay for a recording session as akin to “cheating” on his loyal guitars.
Keith Urban’s playful modification to his song’s lyrics and his musical exploits exhibit his deep attachment to his craft and instruments, shedding light on the personal significance attached to his music and performances.