Great Music/Horrible Lyrics and Vice-Versa

albionmoonlight · 08-01-2007, 10:02 AM

I was listening to Highwayman on the way into work today. It struck me that I really like the music, but that I find the lyrics to be quite silly. The move to dam builder and then spaceship captain and then drop of rain just does not really do it for me.

Then it stuck me that lots of songs probably have that flaw--either great music with poor lyrics or poor music covering up some pretty great lyrics.

What are some of your favorite examples?

King of New York · 08-01-2007, 10:07 AM

We skipped the light fandango
turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
but the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
as the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
the waiter brought a tray

And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale

She said, 'There is no reason
and the truth is plain to see.'
But I wandered through my playing cards
and would not let her be
one of sixteen vestal virgins
who were leaving for the coast
and although my eyes were open
they might have just as well've been closed

Maple Leafs · 08-01-2007, 10:11 AM

I'm sure there are a ton of pop songs that have catchy hooks but awful lyrics.

More in the spirit of what you're looking for, does anybody remember the "band" Enigma? It was basically a one-man studio creation that had a really cool debut album that was almost entirely instrumental -- it was really different and creative and was a surprise hit.

Then the guy decided to start doing adding lyrics, and he was just horrible at it. I mean, it was grade-nine-girl-poetry bad. Just awful, cringe-inducing stuff, layered over top of music that was still unique and interesting. So you'd get these creative beats with international chanting and other sounds you'd never heard before, but meanwhile this guy is singing stuff like "don't care what people say, just follow your own way". It was a very conflicting listening experience.

Passacaglia · 08-01-2007, 10:50 AM

From the ice-age to the dole-age
There is but one concern
I have just discovered :

Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls mothers are bigger than
Other girls mothers

Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls mothers are bigger than
Other girls mothers

As anthony said to cleopatra
As he opened a crate of ale :

Oh, I say :
Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls mothers are bigger than
Other girls mothers

Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls mothers are bigger than
Other girls mothers

Send me the pillow ...
The one that you dream on ...
Send me the pillow ...
The one that you dream on ...
And Ill send you mine

cartman · 08-01-2007, 10:54 AM

Stop
Collaborate and listen
Ice is back
With a brand new invention

Crapshoot · 08-01-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

I'm sure there are a ton of pop songs that have catchy hooks but awful lyrics.

More in the spirit of what you're looking for, does anybody remember the "band" Enigma? It was basically a one-man studio creation that had a really cool debut album that was almost entirely instrumental -- it was really different and creative and was a surprise hit.

Then the guy decided to start doing adding lyrics, and he was just horrible at it. I mean, it was grade-nine-girl-poetry bad. Just awful, cringe-inducing stuff, layered over top of music that was still unique and interesting. So you'd get these creative beats with international chanting and other sounds you'd never heard before, but meanwhile this guy is singing stuff like "don't care what people say, just follow your own way". It was a very conflicting listening experience.

Return To Innocence? I liked that song. *ducks*

MikeVic · 08-01-2007, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

Return To Innocence? I liked that song. *ducks*

Is that the "no more I love yous."

Pyser · 08-01-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartman

Stop
Collaborate and listen
Ice is back
With a brand new invention

this is a terrible example for so many reasons

Crapshoot · 08-01-2007, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Is that the "no more I love yous."

That's the "Just believe in destiny, I don't care what people say, just follow your own way, Think about and reach the chance, its the return of innocence."

And that was from memory (I may have fucked up some of the lyrics).

flere-imsaho · 08-01-2007, 01:05 PM

This isn't quite an example for the OP's question, but the other night on the radio I heard a live version of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" and it struck me as very incongruous to hear people cheering the lyrics, especially the opening ones (about a young woman throwing her newborn baby in a dumpster).

All of which leads me to believe that most people doesn't actually listen to the lyrics.

st.cronin · 08-01-2007, 01:13 PM

I'll never forget the time I was driving home, and the song Cowgirl in the Sand came on the radio. They actually paused the song halfway through for a commercial break.

Maple Leafs · 08-01-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

Return To Innocence? I liked that song. *ducks*

I did too. I would have liked it even more if the guy wasn't babbling his nonsense over top of it.

"Be yourself, don't hide, just believe in destiny..." what is that, a line of dialog from the cutscene before the final boss fight in a Final Fantasy game?

Crapshoot · 08-01-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

This isn't quite an example for the OP's question, but the other night on the radio I heard a live version of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" and it struck me as very incongruous to hear people cheering the lyrics, especially the opening ones (about a young woman throwing her newborn baby in a dumpster).

All of which leads me to believe that most people doesn't actually listen to the lyrics.

I agree. Its the same as people who use "Born in the USA" as a pro-war song. My favorite was the National Review's list of top 50 "conservative" songs, which included The Clash (Rock The Casbah), CCR (Who'll stop the Rain), and The Crickets (I fought the law).

Then again, this isn't a conservative liberal thing - I've heard people singing along to Brick, having absolutely no clue what that song is about.

Warhammer · 08-01-2007, 01:53 PM

Uh, that would be anything off of my cousin's album. He's a great guitarist, but please don't sing.

cartman · 08-01-2007, 02:07 PM

Coast to coast
LA to Chicago

bulletsponge · 08-01-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartman

Stop
Collaborate and listen
Ice is back
With a brand new invention

LOL

whats bad is that isnt the worst lyrics in that song

jeff061 · 08-01-2007, 02:11 PM

That song, Butterfly, by Crazy Town will always dominate this category with me.

st.cronin · 08-01-2007, 02:12 PM

They come from the land of the ice and snow.

bulletsponge · 08-01-2007, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

I agree. Its the same as people who use "Born in the USA" as a pro-war song. My favorite was the National Review's list of top 50 "conservative" songs, which included The Clash (Rock The Casbah), CCR (Who'll stop the Rain), and The Crickets (I fought the law).

Then again, this isn't a conservative liberal thing - I've heard people singing along to Brick, having absolutely no clue what that song is about.

i normally dont know what songs are about.

rkmsuf · 08-01-2007, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bulletsponge

i normally dont know what songs are about.

I don't even know who Brick is.

Sgran · 08-01-2007, 02:17 PM

The song that bothers me to this day is Another Brick in the Wall. On one hand, Waters seems sincere when he laments how badly kids were treated by the teachers. But then the chorus goes "We don't need no education". What does he mean? That really they do and are too stupid to realize it or that it's better to use your colloquial accent than let yourself be indoctrinated. And then he's up there at Global Warm Earth Day with a bunch of children singing this song. Roger, what the hell???

Sgran · 08-01-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by st.cronin

They come from the land of the ice and snow.

What, you're not into Zeppelin's Tolkein period?

st.cronin · 08-01-2007, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgran

What, you're not into Zeppelin's Tolkein period?

Great music/horrible lyrics

Sgran · 08-01-2007, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by st.cronin

Great music/horrible lyrics

imigrant song is not one of my favorites (especially after School of Rock), but at least it has a theme. Any song that actually has it's own identity is far better than songs built on cliches that rhyme baby with maybe.

King of New York · 08-01-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by st.cronin

They come from the land of the ice and snow.

We are your overlords
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(Wait for it)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
On we sweep with threshing oar

st.cronin · 08-01-2007, 02:47 PM

Here's another:

I shot the sheriff. But I didn't shoot the deputy.

cartman · 08-01-2007, 02:49 PM

Now that she's back in the atmosphere
With drops of Jupiter in her hair
Hey, hey
She acts like summer and walks like rain
Reminds me that there's time to change
hey, hey
Since her return from her stay on the moon
She listens like spring and she talks like June
hey, hey

And this song won a Grammy

MikeVic · 08-01-2007, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by st.cronin

Here's another:

I shot the sheriff. But I didn't shoot the deputy.

That makes sense to me? He shot the sheriff, but not the sheriff's deputy...? I don't have the rest of the lyrics for the song memorized though.

Antmeister · 08-01-2007, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

I was listening to Highwayman on the way into work today. It struck me that I really like the music, but that I find the lyrics to be quite silly. The move to dam builder and then spaceship captain and then drop of rain just does not really do it for me.

Then it stuck me that lots of songs probably have that flaw--either great music with poor lyrics or poor music covering up some pretty great lyrics.

What are some of your favorite examples?

Man, I wouldn't put Highwayman up there with horrible lyrics. If you know the entire meaning of the song, it all makes sense.

cartman · 08-01-2007, 03:16 PM

I would put the original NIN version of 'Hurt' in the great lyrics/bad music category. Johnny Cash really hit the remake out of the park.

Ryan S · 08-01-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

I've heard people singing along to Brick, having absolutely no clue what that song is about.

I am not sure that anyone would guess what the song is about on their own.

albionmoonlight · 08-01-2007, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antmeister

Man, I wouldn't put Highwayman up there with horrible lyrics. If you know the entire meaning of the song, it all makes sense.

I'm all ears for anything that will help me like this song better. I really love that music.

MikeVic · 08-01-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartman

I would put the original NIN version of 'Hurt' in the great lyrics/bad music category. Johnny Cash really hit the remake out of the park.

I completely disagree. I prefer the NIN version.

flere-imsaho · 08-01-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVic

I completely disagree. I prefer the NIN version.

NIN version = whiny emo
Cash version = genuine sorrow & regret

jeff061 · 08-01-2007, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff061

That song, Butterfly, by Crazy Town will always dominate this category with me.

I disqualify my post, thought we were talking horrible/horrible

.

Groundhog · 08-01-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

NIN version = whiny emo
Cash version = genuine sorrow & regret

"

Karlifornia · 08-01-2007, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

NIN version = whiny emo
Cash version = genuine sorrow & regret

lol...how can you say that when reznor is the one who penned the lyrics.

People are so quick to call anything emo...

Groundhog · 08-01-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

lol...how can you say that when reznor is the one who penned the lyrics.

People are so quick to call anything emo...

Doesn't matter who penned the lyrics. Cash makes that song his own.

jeff061 · 08-01-2007, 06:48 PM

It's just more approachable with Cash, more mainstreamed if you want to say that. Not necessarily on purpose, it goes with his style.

I prefer the NIN version, thought Cash's was alright but don't quite get how it became so popular. It's more or less a straight rip.

Karlifornia · 08-01-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff061

It's just more approachable with Cash, more mainstreamed if you want to say that. Not necesarily on purpose, it goes with his style.

I prefer the NIN version, thought Cash's was alright but don't quite get how it became so popular. It's more or less a straight rip.

It became hip to love johnny cash around the time he died...

Antmeister · 08-01-2007, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

I'm all ears for anything that will help me like this song better. I really love that music.

It is a song about reincarnation. This wikipedia explains it in more detail:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highwayman_%28song%29

sterlingice · 08-01-2007, 08:19 PM

The extra songs in Guitar Hero 1 and 2 are great examples which remind us that it's really damn hard to put together the three key ingredients in a song: good instruments, good lyrics, and a good singer.

Also, why I think a lot of independent band elitists miss the forest for the threes- they see one good element in a band and miss that there are some mediocre or downright bad ones. Oh, and there are a lot who are just music snobs.

SI

Maple Leafs · 08-01-2007, 08:31 PM

People who call the NIN version of "Hurt" emo don't know what that term means.

I can see liking the Cash version better, especially since you can't really seperate the performance from the fact that he died shortly after and the song works perfectly as a look back on his career. But the NIN version was great in its own right, and even better in the context of the album it was on.

I did like the "clean" version better, though. Exact same song, just with only the piano/guitar, none of the buzzing sound effects.

Maple Leafs · 08-01-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Doesn't matter who penned the lyrics. Cash makes that song his own.

Well, considering we're talking about the actual lyrics, I don't see how they can be "whiny" when sung by the guy who actually wrote them but "genuine" when somebody else covers them. I mean, the lyrics are exactly the same between versions except for one word.

Groundhog · 08-01-2007, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Well, considering we're talking about the actual lyrics, I don't see how they can be "whiny" when sung by the guy who actually wrote them but "genuine" when somebody else covers them. I mean, the lyrics are exactly the same between versions except for one word.

It's all about the delivery.

Maple Leafs · 08-01-2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhog

It's all about the delivery.

In a thread about lyrics?

08-01-2007, 10:07 AM	#2
King of New York High School Varsity Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Edge of the Great Dismal Swamp	We skipped the light fandango turned cartwheels 'cross the floor I was feeling kinda seasick but the crowd called out for more The room was humming harder as the ceiling flew away When we called out for another drink the waiter brought a tray And so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale She said, 'There is no reason and the truth is plain to see.' But I wandered through my playing cards and would not let her be one of sixteen vestal virgins who were leaving for the coast and although my eyes were open they might have just as well've been closed __________________ Input A No Input

08-01-2007, 10:11 AM	#3
Maple Leafs Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002	I'm sure there are a ton of pop songs that have catchy hooks but awful lyrics. More in the spirit of what you're looking for, does anybody remember the "band" Enigma? It was basically a one-man studio creation that had a really cool debut album that was almost entirely instrumental -- it was really different and creative and was a surprise hit. Then the guy decided to start doing adding lyrics, and he was just horrible at it. I mean, it was grade-nine-girl-poetry bad. Just awful, cringe-inducing stuff, layered over top of music that was still unique and interesting. So you'd get these creative beats with international chanting and other sounds you'd never heard before, but meanwhile this guy is singing stuff like "don't care what people say, just follow your own way". It was a very conflicting listening experience. __________________ Down Goes Brown: Toronto Maple Leafs Humor and Analysis

08-01-2007, 10:50 AM	#4
Passacaglia Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Big Ten Country	From the ice-age to the dole-age There is but one concern I have just discovered : Some girls are bigger than others Some girls are bigger than others Some girls mothers are bigger than Other girls mothers Some girls are bigger than others Some girls are bigger than others Some girls mothers are bigger than Other girls mothers As anthony said to cleopatra As he opened a crate of ale : Oh, I say : Some girls are bigger than others Some girls are bigger than others Some girls mothers are bigger than Other girls mothers Some girls are bigger than others Some girls are bigger than others Some girls mothers are bigger than Other girls mothers Send me the pillow ... The one that you dream on ... Send me the pillow ... The one that you dream on ... And Ill send you mine __________________ Pride and Prejudice -- an FOF9 Lions dynasty, starting 1966

08-01-2007, 10:54 AM	#5
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	Stop Collaborate and listen Ice is back With a brand new invention __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

08-01-2007, 01:13 PM	#11
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	I'll never forget the time I was driving home, and the song Cowgirl in the Sand came on the radio. They actually paused the song halfway through for a commercial break. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

08-01-2007, 01:05 PM	#10
flere-imsaho Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chicagoland	This isn't quite an example for the OP's question, but the other night on the radio I heard a live version of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" and it struck me as very incongruous to hear people cheering the lyrics, especially the opening ones (about a young woman throwing her newborn baby in a dumpster). All of which leads me to believe that most people doesn't actually listen to the lyrics.

08-01-2007, 01:53 PM	#14
Warhammer Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dayton, OH	Uh, that would be anything off of my cousin's album. He's a great guitarist, but please don't sing.

08-01-2007, 02:07 PM	#15
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	Coast to coast LA to Chicago __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

08-01-2007, 02:11 PM	#17
jeff061 Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: MA	That song, Butterfly, by Crazy Town will always dominate this category with me. __________________ Last edited by jeff061 : 08-01-2007 at 02:11 PM.

08-01-2007, 02:12 PM	#18
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	They come from the land of the ice and snow. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

08-01-2007, 02:17 PM	#21
Sgran High School Varsity Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Budapest	The song that bothers me to this day is Another Brick in the Wall. On one hand, Waters seems sincere when he laments how badly kids were treated by the teachers. But then the chorus goes "We don't need no education". What does he mean? That really they do and are too stupid to realize it or that it's better to use your colloquial accent than let yourself be indoctrinated. And then he's up there at Global Warm Earth Day with a bunch of children singing this song. Roger, what the hell??? Last edited by Sgran : 08-01-2007 at 02:18 PM.

08-01-2007, 02:47 PM	#26
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	Here's another: I shot the sheriff. But I didn't shoot the deputy. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

08-01-2007, 02:49 PM	#27
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	Now that she's back in the atmosphere With drops of Jupiter in her hair Hey, hey She acts like summer and walks like rain Reminds me that there's time to change hey, hey Since her return from her stay on the moon She listens like spring and she talks like June hey, hey And this song won a Grammy __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

08-01-2007, 03:16 PM	#30
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	I would put the original NIN version of 'Hurt' in the great lyrics/bad music category. Johnny Cash really hit the remake out of the park. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

08-01-2007, 06:48 PM	#39
jeff061 Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: MA	It's just more approachable with Cash, more mainstreamed if you want to say that. Not necessarily on purpose, it goes with his style. I prefer the NIN version, thought Cash's was alright but don't quite get how it became so popular. It's more or less a straight rip. __________________ Last edited by jeff061 : 08-01-2007 at 07:10 PM.

08-01-2007, 08:19 PM	#42
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	The extra songs in Guitar Hero 1 and 2 are great examples which remind us that it's really damn hard to put together the three key ingredients in a song: good instruments, good lyrics, and a good singer. Also, why I think a lot of independent band elitists miss the forest for the threes- they see one good element in a band and miss that there are some mediocre or downright bad ones. Oh, and there are a lot who are just music snobs. SI __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!"

08-01-2007, 08:31 PM	#43
Maple Leafs Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002	People who call the NIN version of "Hurt" emo don't know what that term means. I can see liking the Cash version better, especially since you can't really seperate the performance from the fact that he died shortly after and the song works perfectly as a look back on his career. But the NIN version was great in its own right, and even better in the context of the album it was on. I did like the "clean" version better, though. Exact same song, just with only the piano/guitar, none of the buzzing sound effects. __________________ Down Goes Brown: Toronto Maple Leafs Humor and Analysis

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