Getty Images (2)
So it makes sense, then, that in his Florida primary victory, Romney's people would blast the patriotic song 'Wavin' Flag.' Except, of course, the patriot in question is Somali-Canadian rapper K'naan.
After Huffington Post reporter Jon Ward tweeted the song selection, the Toronto-based MC responded on Twitter: "Yo @mittromney I am K'naan Warsame and I do not endorse this message." K'naan later threatened legal action -- while pointedly saying he'd "happily grant Obama permission to use it without prejudice" -- and Romney's spokesperson agreed not to use it again out of "respect."
But this musical gaffe goes much deeper than simply using a song without asking.
It was the second musical miscue for the Republicans this week, after the '80s rock band Survivor announced they are suing Romney's rival Newt Gingrich over his campaign use of their 'Rocky III' theme 'Eye of Tiger.'
But while Survivor may not agree with Newt's politics, the song at least made political sense being a pro-violence anthem associated with a Cold War-era bruiser who beat a black man -- Mr. T -- to win the title fight.
But K'naan's song promotes the polar opposite of Romney's policies. Set in war-torn Mogadishu, the rapper recounts his youth in a "violent prone, poor people zone/ But it's my home, all I have known."
As he talks of his past personal suffering -- "we struggling, fighting to eat and we wondering when we'll be free" -- the callousness of its use as a victory song by a natural-born billionaire who was just quoted saying "I'm not concerned about the very poor" becomes even more appalling.
Perhaps it was picked because Romney's people googled the word "flag" and figured it must be about America. But 'Wavin' Flag' became an international anthem when it was selected as a World Cup theme -- psst Mitt, when they say football they mean soccer -- and used for a Canadian all-star fundraising single to help Haiti in the aftermath of its earthquake.
But to be fair, 'Wavin' Flag' does get very appropriate towards the end, when the refugee rap song reminds us what a Romney presidency might look like:
"So many wars, settling scores/ Bringing us promises, leaving us poor/ Look how they treat us, make us believers/ We fight their battles, then they deceive us."
- 1973
- Mid-'80s
- 1986
- Late '80s
- Early '90s
- November 1995
- Mid-'90s
- Mid-'90s
- 1998:
- 1998
- 2002
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2004
- 2006
- 2007
- Jan. 16, 2007
- February 2009
- 2010
- 2010
- April 2010
- 2011
- October 2011
- November 2011
- January 2012
- Celebrity Kids
- J'Son Mizell
- Bobbi Kristina Brown
- Willow and Jaden Smith
- Curtis Young
- Domani Harris
- Lil B. Sure
- Cori Broadus
- OMG & Doughboy
- Paris Jackson
- Drake's Fashion Evolution
- Say Cheese
- Ladies Love Drizzy
- Wear It With Ease
- Crown Royal With YMCMB Attached
- Wearing His Heart... on His Shirt
- Shaded Glory
- Easy Does It
- Why So Serious?
- Pop Goes the Drizzy
- Cold Hard Cash
- Mama's Boy
- Making Headlines
- Sweater Envy
- I'm a Business, Man
- How I'm Living
Taylor Swift Dominates at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
Tim McGraw's 'Superstar Summer Night' Special to Air May 19
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
Carrie Underwood 'Goats' Hunter Hayes With Blown Away Tour Prank
PHOTOS: This Is The Best Response To Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries We've Seen Yet
Blake Shelton Will Return for Season 5 of 'The Voice'
Who Won 'DWTS'?
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore, Oklahoma 'Will Perservere' After Deadly Tornado
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Rescuers Continue Search For Tornado Survivors
Tim McGraw Stops Atlanta Show to Help Ailing Fan
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Jennifer Hudson Performs 'Inseparable' With 'American Idol' Winner Candice Glover
Demi Looks FANTASTIC In A Bikini
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
PHOTOS: Christie Brinkley Gets Back Into A Swimsuit At 59 Years Old
The World's Most Powerful Women
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
Mother Dies With Infant During Oklahoma Tornado
15 Incredible Cat Photobombs
White Father Allegedly Suspected Of Kidnapping Biracial Daughters
Grossed Out Student Finds "Worm" In His McMuffin
CBS Reporter's Grave Allegations
Singer Sues McDonald's, Claims Chicken Sandwich Incident Ruined Her Voice
Tornadoes Strike Oklahoma
Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Put Their Romance On Display
Justin Bieber BOOED While Accepting Award
PHOTOS: Tornado Devastates Moore, Oklahoma
OUCH: Singer Jumps, Lands On Fan's Neck
Guess Who?
PHOTO: LARGEST Python Ever Caught In Florida!
