# Song lyrics — the good, the bad, and the ugly **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [November 14, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148 "2023-11-14T22:02:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/41 "2023-11-15T18:41:52Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Greatest lyrics ever. All hail The Trashmen. But you left off the best part of it: “Pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa Oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Pa pa pa oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Oom m-oom m-oom m-oom M-oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-oom m-oom m-oom M-oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-mow mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-mow mow Oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-mow mow Oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-oom m-oom m-oom M-oom m-mow mow Oom m-oom m-oom m-oom M-oom m-mow mow Oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom mow m-mow Pa pa oom m-mow mow Oom mow m-mow” ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/42 "2023-11-15T19:02:58Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I love Rush and would nominate them for many great lyrics, but this “rapped” verse in an otherwise great song, “ **Roll the Bones** ,” always makes me cringe: I love some Rush as well, but there a rich seam of cringy lyrics to be found there. I’ll see your “ **Roll the Bones** ” rap, and raise you “ **Virtuality** ”… _Net boy, net girl_ _Send your signal 'round the world_ _Let your fingers walk and talk_ _And set you free_ _Net boy, net girl_ _Send your impulse 'round the world_ _(Put your message in a modem)_ _Put your message in a modem_ _(And throw it in the cyber sea)_ _And throw it in the cyber sea_ Or, how about “ **Dog Years** ”?.. _In a dog’s life_ _A year is really more like seven_ _And all too soon a canine_ _Will be chasing cars in doggie heaven_ ---
**Author:** ![Ponderoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponderoid/32/19221_2.png) [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/43 "2023-11-16T11:39:01Z")
In the ugly department, [Blackmore’s Night, “Be Mine Tonight”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV_hJ3QPcS4) In an otherwise sweet devotional love song, we get this: > So many stories, > So many treasures, > So much our lives have shared… > We’ve done it all and we’ve done it together, > You know I’ve always cared… “Cared?” really, just “cared?” ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/44 "2023-11-16T13:18:35Z")
> [@solost](#): > > The song “The Myth of Fingerprints” is about racism. Does Paul Simon say that somewhere? Because reading the lyrics (of a song I’ve heard hundreds of times) just to be sure, it never occurred to me before and seems like quite a stretch now. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/45 "2023-11-16T13:49:24Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > Does Paul Simon say that somewhere? Because reading the lyrics (of a song I’ve heard hundreds of times) just to be sure, it never occurred to me before and seems like quite a stretch now Well, I suppose I could have said ‘in my opinion’ and maybe saying the song is about ‘racism’ is simplifying things a bit. But the album was created in the shadow of Apartheid, and it seems, to me at least, pretty clear that Simon was making social and political statements about Apartheid; and in general about the prevalence of African culture throughout the world and certain other cultures’ unease with that. However, he didn’t want to distract from the music itself, so he so he couched things in levels of metaphor to keep the social and political messages secondary to the music. Take this expanded section of lyrics from ‘Fingerprints’: _Well, the sun gets bloody_ _And the sun goes down_ _Ever since the watermelon_ _And the lights come up_ _On the black pit town_ _Somebody says what’s a better thing to do_ _Well, it’s not just me_ _And it’s not just you_ _This is all around the world_ Sure, interpretations can differ, and maybe I’m wrong, but to me this is saying that racial injustice, or at least racial biases and misunderstandings happen 'all around the world". [Here’s an interesting thesis on the Graceland album I found online.](https://baylor-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/71e8be58-f319-44ba-97e8-ff9bd07e3199/content) ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/46 "2023-11-16T14:00:40Z")
In the otherwise sublime Moody Blues concept album “Days of Future Passed,” at the end the narrator intones: “Senior citizens wish they were young.” He should have said “old men and women” or something — “senior citizen” is a soulless demographic euphemism. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/47 "2023-11-16T14:04:04Z")
Yep, that always jars me. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/48 "2023-11-16T14:06:24Z")
I think you’re reading a lot into it. I’ll just leave it at that, rather than hijack the thread. Main thing is, the author’s intended meaning is unknown afaict. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/49 "2023-11-16T14:11:09Z")
One I heard yesterday that I really like from Heart _Nothing at all_ I would walk home every evening Through the pyramids of light I would feed myself on silence Wash it down with empty nights Then you get AC/DC: A body of Venus with arms ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/50 "2023-11-16T14:37:42Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > I think you’re reading a lot into it. I’ll just leave it at that, rather than hijack the thread. Main thing is, the author’s intended meaning is unknown afaict. Maybe so; it’s possible I’m reading too much into it. In any case, I will drop the hijack too. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/51 "2023-11-16T14:39:00Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > You forgot the bad. From Shakira’s English debut hit “Whenever, Wherever”: > > _Lucky that my lips not only mumble_ > _They spill kisses like a fountain_ > _Lucky that my breasts are small and humble_ > _So you don’t confuse 'em with mountains_ My S. American Latina wife once related that her mother said to her that my wife was fortunate not to have large breasts because it meant that she could wear low-cut or revealing feminine clothes without looking like a whore. I don’t know if that mindset is intentionally reflected in those lyrics but it reminded me of that. (Should go without saying that I’m not endorsing this line of thought) ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/52 "2023-11-16T14:48:32Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > My S. American Latina wife once related that her mother said to her that my wife was fortunate not to have large breasts because it meant that she could wear low-cut or revealing feminine clothes without looking like a whore. I don’t know if that mindset is intentionally reflected in those lyrics but it reminded me of that. Maybe that sentiment applies here, but one can surely express it better. Confuse them with mountains? That’s ridiculous, almost baby speak. I mean, it’s no biggie, it’s a harmless pop song without any greater message you can dance to, so there are no big expectations for great poetry. I’ve also always assumed that the writer is no native English speaker, so I cut them some slack. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/53 "2023-11-16T14:53:04Z")
True, I won’t say that they’re good lyrics. Just spurred a memory. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/54 "2023-11-16T15:34:47Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Then you get AC/DC: > > A body of Venus with arms I think that’s genius! I mean, it IS AC/DC. Subtlety isn’t their forte. “She told me to come/but I was already there” ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2023, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/55 "2023-11-17T16:55:39Z")
Returning to the **Good** , my entry in the _Songs beginning with E_ thread reminded me of these splendid lines from Black Grape’s **England’s Irie**. (This is, improbably, ostensibly, a soccer World Cup song (very unofficial). Note that the first couple of lines refer to a referee). _Hey diddle-diddle, there’s a fella in the middle_ _And I think he’s pulling my string_ _My wife’s lactating and I’m spectating_ _It’s a football thing_ _I live in a land of class hypocracy_ _We’re going to win the national lottery_ _E I Adio, I don’t think so_ j ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2023, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/56 "2023-11-17T18:48:03Z")
**Atmosphere**. So many good lyrics. My favorite song is “Trying To Find a Balance.” _Wait, let’s prey on the blind, deaf, dumb, dead_ _Hustle, maybe a couple will love what you said_ _Emcees drag their feet across a big naked land_ _With an empty bag of seed and a fake shake of hands_ _Yeah I got some last words, fuck all of ya’ll_ _Stop writin’ raps and go play volleyball_ _Gotta journey the world in a hurry_ _'Cause my attorney didn’t put enough girls on the jury_ _In the days of Kings and Queens I was a jester Treat me like a God or they treat me like a leper You see me move back and forth between both I’m tryin’ to find a balance_ “The Key To Life Vs. 15 Minutes of Fame” _It’s like all of Franklin Avenue now sleeps upon my chest_ _I’ve used cigarette butts and loose leaves to build my nest_ _Did I mention I appreciate the way you treat your guests?_ _But I’m not really convinced when you say that you’re impressed_ _The line between MC and comedian gets a little thinner_ _Now it’s nothing but ruffage for lunch and punchlines for dinner_ _I’ve tried to open the blinds to let in some sunshine_ _Wound the watch 'til it broke all in hopes of stopping the time_ _The key broke off in the ignition_ _Hoping if I wandered off through my thoughts wishing_ _Hoping this could be for you what it is for me patiently I stay busy, I wait, I see_ ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/57 "2023-11-17T21:40:21Z")
Listening to Your Song today and these lines annoyed me as they always do: If I was a sculptor But then again, no Or a man who makes potions in a travelin’ show, oh I know it’s not much, but it’s the best I can do My gift is my song and this one’s for you Even the way Elton sings it, it barely makes sense. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2023, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/58 "2023-11-17T21:58:16Z")
Besides having a funky groove and terrific guitar work by Adrian Belew, I love David Byrne’s semi-rap From Crosseyed And Painless: _Facts are simple and facts are straight_ _Facts are lazy and facts are late_ _Facts all come with points of view_ _Facts don’t do what I want them to_ _Facts just twist the truth around_ _Facts are living turned inside out_ _Facts are getting the best of them_ _Facts are nothing on the face of things_ ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2023, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/59 "2023-11-17T22:42:29Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Even the way Elton sings it, it barely makes sense. That’s what I like about it. It’s about someone grappling for the right words to express his love, but he’s not very creative so it comes out all jumbled. And then there’s this astonishing line: _But the sun’s been quite kind while I wrote this song It’s for people like you that keep it turned on_ ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2023, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148/60 "2023-11-17T23:03:14Z")
What you folks need is **[_Dave Barry’s Book of Bad Songs_](https://www.amazon.ca/Dave-Barrys-Book-Bad-Songs/dp/0740706004)**, which was the result of an overwhelming response to his column setting out a Bad Song Survey. It’s been a long time since I read it but I believe that “MacArthur Park” was at or near the top of the list … > _Someone left the cake out in the rain > I don’t think that I can take it > 'Cause it took so long to bake it > And I’ll never have that recipe agaaaaaaain! > Oh, nooooooooo …_ But the book (and Barry’s fans) also tries to disparage \*The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", which I entirely disagree with. It’s a perfectly fine nautical ballad. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/song-lyrics-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/993148.md?page=4)