# Songs where the different choruses have a slight change of lyrics **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 17, 2012, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965 "2012-09-17T13:54:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2012, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/41 "2012-09-24T23:42:42Z")
“One Week” by the Barenaked Ladies alters the chorus each of the three times it’s sung: It’s been one week since you looked at me Cocked your head to the side and said I’m angry Five days since you laughed at me saying Get that together, come back and see me Three days since the living room I realized it’s all my fault, but couldn’t tell you Yesterday you’d forgiven me But it’ll still be two days till I say I’m sorry … It’s been one week since you looked at me Threw your arms in the air and said you’re crazy Five days since you tackled me, I’ve still got the rug burns on both my knees It’s been three days since the afternoon You realized it’s not my fault, not a moment too soon Yesterday you’d forgiven me, And now I sit back and wait till you say you’re sorry … It’s been one week since you looked at me Dropped your arms to the sides and said I’m sorry Five days since I laughed at you and said You just did just what I thought you were gonna do! Three days since the living room, We realized we were both to blame, but what could we do? Yesterday you just smiled at me Cause we still got two days till we say we’re sorry ---
**Author:** ![lawoot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lawoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawoot)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2012, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/42 "2012-09-25T08:53:36Z")
ELO’s _The Diary of Horace Wimp_ has the chorus: “Horace Wimp - This is Your Life! Go out and find youself a wife!” Which is changed in the last time through to: “Horace Wimp - This is Your Wife! Go out and find youself a Life!” ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2012, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/43 "2012-09-25T12:39:03Z")
Bruce Springsteen, _Pink Cadillac_: Honey I just wonder what you do there in the back of your Pink Cadillac… Honey I just wonder what it feels like in the back of your Pink Cadillac… George Strait, _All My Exes Live in Texas_: That’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee… Therefore I reside in Tennessee… ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/44 "2012-09-26T19:59:59Z")
Hosanna from Jesus Christ Superstar Hosanna, hey, Sanna, Sanna, Sanna, Hosanna, hey, Sanna, Hosanna. Hey, JC, JC, won’t you smile at me? Sanna, Hosanna, hey, Superstar. Hosanna, hey, Sanna, Sanna, Sanna, Hosanna, hey, Sanna, Hosanna. Hey, JC, JC, you’re all right by me. Sanna, Hosanna, hey, Superstar. Hosanna, hey, Sanna, Sanna, Sanna, Hosanna, hey, Sanna, Hosanna. Hey, JC, JC, won’t you fight for me Sanna, Hosanna, hey, Superstar. Hosanna, hey, Sanna, Sanna, Sanna, Hosanna, hey, Sanna, Hosanna. Hey, JC, JC, won’t you _die_ for me Sanna, Hosanna, hey, Superstar. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/45 "2012-09-26T20:32:08Z")
According to Mr. Croce, you’re not supposed to mess with Jim. Later, you’re not supposed to mess with Slim. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2012, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/46 "2012-09-26T20:38:25Z")
Another Tom Paxton one is The Marvelous Toy (no, Chad Mitchell did not write it). When the singer owns the Marvelous Toy: It went zip when it moved and bop when it stopped and whirr when it stood still. I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will. In the third verse, he has given the Toy to his own son: It still goes zip when it moves and bop when it stops and whirr when it stands still. I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/47 "2012-09-27T05:46:11Z")
Star Trekking across the universe On the Starship Enterprise, under Captain Kirk Star Trekking across the universe Boldly going forward 1. cause we can’t find reverse 2. we still can’t find reverse 3. and things are looking worse. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_A.Robrin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sam_a.robrin/32/14497_2.png) [@Sam\_A.Robrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_A.Robrin)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/48 "2012-09-27T06:30:36Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > According to Mr. Croce, you’re not supposed to mess with Jim. Later, you’re not supposed to mess with Slim. That’s a different category, like the “Yellow Clubmarine” in the final verse of the flip side of “Eleanor Rigby.” ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/49 "2012-09-27T10:42:33Z")
Police: Synchronicity II With each chorus the beast in the lake comes closer. Many miles away Something crawls from the slime At the bottom of a dark Scottish lake Many miles away Something crawls to the surface Of a dark Scottish loch Many miles away There’s a shadow on the door Of a cottage on the shore ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2012, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/50 "2012-10-02T20:49:43Z")
The Kinky Friedman classic [They Ain’t Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore](http://www.lyricstime.com/kinky-friedman-they-ain-t-makin-jews-like-jesus-anymore-lyrics.html) No, they ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore, They don’t turn the other cheek the way they done before. He started in to shoutin’ and a-spittin’ on the floor, “Lord, they ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore.” * * * ## No, they ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore, We don’t turn the other cheek the way we done before. You could hear that honky holler as he hit that hardwood floor “Lord, they sho’ ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore!” ## Everybody! They ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore, They ain’t makin’ carpenters who know what nails are for. Well, the whole damn place was singin’ as I strolled right out the door “Lord, they ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore!” No, we ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore, We don’t turn the other cheek the way they done before. Well, the whole damn place was singin’ as I strolled right out the door “Lord, they ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore!” ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2013, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/51 "2013-12-14T15:27:40Z")
Bumping this thread for a mention of Don McClean’s Vincent. 1st & 2nd verse: Now I understand what you tried to say to me. And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free. They did not listen, they did not know how. Perhaps they’ll listen now. 3rd verse: Now I think I know what you tried to say to me. And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free. They would not listen, they’re not listening still. Perhaps they never will. They did not listen, they’re not listening still. Perhaps ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2013, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/52 "2013-12-14T23:17:36Z")
It’s a great trick, especially (like the Parrothead tune in the OP) when it underscores dramatic movement from the verses. The first one that occurs to me that’s not mentioned above is Fortunate Son, by John Fogerty. It’s not the very best type; it reflects differences in the verses, but there’s no dramatic movement involved. > [@](#): > > Some folks are born made to wave the flag, > Ooh, they’re red, white and blue. > And when the band plays “Hail to the chief”, > Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord, > > It ain’t me, it ain’t me, > I ain’t no senator’s son, son. > It ain’t me, it ain’t me; > I ain’t no fortunate one, no, > Yeah! > Some folks are born silver spoon in hand, > Lord, don’t they help themselves, oh. > But when the taxman comes to the door, > Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yes, > > It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no millionaire’s son, no. > It ain’t me, it ain’t me; > I ain’t no fortunate one, no. > > Some folks inherit star spangled eyes, > Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord, > And when you ask them, “How much should we give?” > Ooh, they only answer More! more! more! yoh, > > It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no military son, son. > It ain’t me, it ain’t me; > I ain’t no fortunate one, one. > > It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one, no no no, > It ain’t me, it ain’t me, > I ain’t no fortunate son, no no no, ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2013, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/53 "2013-12-14T23:49:24Z")
Elvis Costello’s _Brilliant Mistake_: - It was a fine idea at the time, now it’s a Brilliant Mistake … - He was a fine idea at the time, now he’s a Brilliant Mistake … - I was a fine idea at the time, now I’m a Brilliant Mistake … ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/54 "2013-12-15T00:06:19Z")
Bob Dylan, “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll”: each verse ends with: _And you who philosophize disgrace And criticize all fears Take the rag away from your face Now ain’t the time for your tears_ Until the last verse changes to: _Bury the rag now deep in your face For now’s the time for your tears._ ---
**Author:** ![Tread](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Tread](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tread)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/55 "2013-12-15T09:19:55Z")
> [@Sam\_A.Robrin](#): > > That’s a different category, like the “Yellow Clubmarine” in the final verse of the flip side of “Eleanor Rigby.” No… that’s exactly this category. ---
**Author:** ![Cazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cazzle/32/75_2.png) [@Cazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cazzle)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/56 "2013-12-15T10:05:38Z")
“Interstate Love Song” by Stone Temple Pilots. The last line of the first chorus is: _All of these things you said to me_ In the second chorus, it becomes: _All of these things I said to you._ ---
**Author:** ![lawoot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lawoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawoot)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/57 "2013-12-15T10:42:21Z")
Electric Light Orchestra’s [The Diary of Horace Wimp](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq0szCX7A1Y) "Don’t be afraid. Just knock on the door. Well, he just stood there mumbling and fumbling Then a voice from above, said: “Horace Wimp, this is your Life go out and find yourself a Wife. Take a stand, and be a man and you will have a great life planned” then, after he gets a wife, it changes to: “Horace Wimp, this is your Wife! Go out and find yourself a Life…” ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/58 "2013-12-15T12:21:40Z")
Would The Police’s Every Breath You Take fit in? Because I’m wondering if the song is mostly chorus and one verse or if the chorus gets sung only once. ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/59 "2013-12-15T17:02:15Z")
oops ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2013, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965/60 "2013-12-15T23:00:07Z")
For most of the song, Jim Croce said, “You don’t tug on Superman’s Cape, You don’t spit into the wind, You don’t pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger And you don’t mess around with Jim.” But in the last verse, after Jim has gotten his ass kicked by a country boy, the chorus goes, “You don’t tug on Superman’s Cape, You don’t spit into the wind, You don’t pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger And you don’t mess around with Slim.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-where-the-different-choruses-have-a-slight-change-of-lyrics/634965.md?page=4)