‘Sweet Caroline’ can no longer be played at Penn State sporting events although officials deny it’s due to the lyrics
The days of Penn State students singing along to the Neil Diamond hit song Sweet Caroline are over.
The classic song’s lyrics are now considered a bit risqué due to the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal which astounded Penn State earlier last year.
Having students scream the lyrics “Hands, touchin’ hands, reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ you” could be a bit awkward after a jury convicted assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on 45 counts of child-sex abuse.
Penn State, however, claims the lyrics of Sweet Caroline have nothing to do with why the song has been banned.
Penn State’s Associate Athletic Director of Business Relations and Communications, Gregory J. Myford, told USA Today “The music changes every year, both recorded and Blue Band, while some of the staples remain in place.”
Apparently the lyrics of Sweet Caroline had nothing to do with the decision to boot the song. The change was merely to keep things fresh and keep fans entertained. The elimination of the song was simply part of an annual process.
Although, let’s be honest, the song change couldn’t have come at a more convenient time.
It looks like Penn State fans will have to find a new staple song that isn’t Sweet Caroline.
