Music Publisher Forced To Apologise Over 'Sexist' Primary School Lyrics

A music publisher has been forced to apologise after it was accused of promoting 'sexist' views in a children's song.

Out of the Ark Music was subject to serious criticism after their Mother's Day song 'My Mum' was taught in a Church of England primary school this week.

Sophie Hill shared an example of the song to Twitter after her five-year-old niece came home with a copy of the lyrics.

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One line from the song went: "My mum's ever so clever, She may not have a degree, But she can help with my homework, And that's what matters to me."

Another reads: "My mum's really an angel, She's great at caring for me. She does the cleaning and shopping, And makes a wonderful tea."

After the song was posted to Twitter, it faced immediate backlash from thousands of furious users.

"A sexist AND heteronormative song that also manages to exclude children who may not have a mother around anymore. Well done CofE" read one tweet.

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A second person wrote: "Well hello 1952, what's the weather like back there?"

And a third furious user added: "I mean come on!!! We cannot continue to teach these archaic, outdated, damaging stereotypes to children!! This is exhausting. Do better!!! :rage:"

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A fourth said: "Absolutely appalled by this poem! My kid's state CofE primary school have been determined to take the opposite approach. They've been celebrating women in medicine & highlighting their struggle for equality. These children are our future!"

Another Twitter user simply said: "Oh this needs to get in the bin, immediately."

One mother said: "If this ever came into our house it would be promptly put into the recycling and be followed up with a stern complaint to the school. What in the world are they thinking?! "

In response to the controversy, Out of the Ark Music has issued a statement to apologise for the "outdated" lyrics.

The statement read: "We are aware that the songs 'My Mum' and 'My Dad', published by Out of the Ark Music many years ago, have been the cause for some concern and for that we are truly sorry.

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"We recognise that the lyrics in the songs are outdated and don't reflect the invaluable and different roles mothers and fathers play within society and within families. They also do not represent our current values and ethos as a company.

"For a number of years now we have not promoted these songs, taken them out of our new digital platform and have proactively communicated with schools to suggest free alternatives.

"As a business we work hard to instil wholesome values in every song we write, but we recognise that times change, and as result we regularly audit our songs to ensure these values are upheld.

"Unfortunately, we can't remove printed product that was sold and is still in circulation. We will continue to promote and encourage the use of alternatives to these specific songs."

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