In an e-mail message, Idle explained why he made the change: “Because we don't laugh at sad people. [Spamalot director] Mike Nichols requested it and he's right. We changed the lyrics in London, on tour, on Broadway and in Las Vegas. We think that it's now too sad. Britney Spears is being tortured to death and we don't want to be on that side.” The changes went into the various companies last week, the AP reported.

The old lyric was as follows:
“I am sick of my career
Always stuck in second gear
Up to here with frustration and with fears
I've no Grammy no rewards
I've no Tony Awards
I'm constantly replaced by Britney Spears
Britney Spears!”

The Lady of the Lake now sings:
“My love life is a mess
I've got constant PMS
My career is about as hot as ice
They hate me there backstage
They say I'm too old for my age
They're trying to replace me with Posh Spice
With Posh Spice!!”