As a much needed, momentary (if not complete, since Fox plays a role here, at both its broadcast TV network as well as its “news” channel) respite from politics this afternoon, it’s been a hoot watching the evolution of Cee-Lo Green’s instant, if unspeakable, Internet viral smash hit “Fuck You” song/video go from overnight viral sensation to timeless classic in a matter of months, despite the unbroadcastability of its main lyrical hook, and many other parts of the lyrics as well.

[Note: Other than the final, still-rockin’ Gwyneth Paltrow version of the song posted below, the rest of these are likely NOT SAFE FOR WORK…depending on where you work, of course.]

It started in mid-August when, within hours, a low rent, if clever, lyrics-only version of the tune was posted as a Youtube video and almost immpediately went through the roof…

Just two weeks later, the above version was replaced by an “official” video of the tune, featuring Cee-Lo himself, in an upbeat, glossy, through-the-ages “fuck you” time-warp, with all of the original lyrics still intact…

Last Tuesday, Cee-Lo made his way onto The Colbert Report with the PG version of the song, furthered modified for Comedy Central basic cable broadcast with a special suggestion from Stephen Colbert. Along with replacing “Fuck You” with “Fox News,” Cee-Lo also made a few more custom modifications to the first few stanzas:

The live, modifed version absolutely killed. Unfortunately, only the first minute or so is available on the Internets…

…Apparently, Cee-Lo performed a live uncensored version for the Colbert audience off-air afterwards, and that’s the only version the Colbert folks posted to their website…