submissions
| Dramarama – Until The Next Time Lyrics
| 15 years ago
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This song is the perfect starter for Dramarama’s “Vinyl" record. The jangling guitar and manic pacing kick things off with a bang, so to speak. As to what John is singing about, when listening to the track, clearly there is some sort of excitement conveyed. I always thought that excitement was for starting or ending a road tour because of the driving references. A careful read of the lyrics reveals a little more. Perhaps the excitement John is singing about is about procuring and experiencing illicit substances (okay drugs, I said it!)
Either way, this is one fine tune and really gets me pumped up every time I hear it.
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submissions
| Dire Straits – Sultans Of Swing Lyrics
| 15 years ago
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This song just came up on my stereo and just as every time I have heard this song, I was immediately drawn into the groove. It was nearly 30 years ago that this song poured out of my radio speaker and I experienced it for the first time. I fell in love the song and Dire Straits at the same time. I was in graduate school at the time and music radio was degenerating into disco and other worthless uninteresting fluff. “Sultans of Swing” was like a slap in the face, a call to wake up and listen to a real music again. The story Knopfler tells in this song is as evocative as his guitar work. Thank you Dire Straits! |
submissions
| Meat Loaf – You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) Lyrics
| 16 years ago
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In five short minutes, this song takes all the teenage emotions of lust, love, and angst and delivers them to the listener in the lines “You were licking your lips and your lipstick shining, I was dying just to ask for a taste”. What an absolutely perfect lyric.
That said, the album “Bat Out Of Hell” is pure fluff, fun fluff but with nothing truly interesting to say. I have always viewed this album as parody, particularly of Springsteen from that era whose “epic” numbers on “Born to Run” always seemed so contrived and pretentious. In that light, Meatloaf’s parody is hysterical fun and Bruce comes off as a poser. |
submissions
| The Kinks – Killer's Eyes Lyrics
| 16 years ago
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This song is a haunting examination of the mind of a killer, at least as perceived by Ray Davies. I am not sure if Ray had a specific person in mind but thoughts of the infamous people that society has bread fly through my head as I hear this song.
The song hooks you in from the start, “I see so little hope in you…” and makes the listener pay attention to the end. What a fine nugget this song is. |
submissions
| Spirit – Mr. Skin Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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I have been intrigued by this song for decades. I don’t really have a clue what it is about but I have always thought that the singer is relating how difficult it is to walk around in one’s own skin. Our protagonist seems to lament past decisions and perhaps future choices. Undoubtedly this is one cool song and I am glad someone finally put up more Spirit lyrics. |
submissions
| Stevie Wonder – Big Brother Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This very thought provoking song rips me to my very core when Stevie sings, “You've killed all our leaders”. I am still scarred by the deaths of Dr. King, JFK and RFK and this song brutally reminds me that sticking one’s neck out too far can get it chopped off.
As for the rest of the song, Stevie sums up the plight of the forgotten (at least until election time) urban populace with venom and world weary wit. What a great songwriter, sic ‘em Stevie. |
submissions
| Camper Van Beethoven – Eye of Fatima (Part One) Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song has an irresistible musical drive fueled by the interplay of the bass, violin and (I think) slide-guitar riffs. The lyrical imagery is amusing if nonsensical but fits the musical vibe. Common, “and cowboys on acid”, what a great juxtaposition of ideas.
Actually, after review the lyrics and one more listen, I think this song is about a guy and his girl on a crazy drug/alcohol fueled road trip. I offer that explanation up for what its worth but this is still one cool song to digest! |
submissions
| Dramarama – What Are We Gonna Do Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song seems to be a semi-whimsical ode to Earth Day. There seems to be no mystery about that in regards to the lyrics. I saw the group perform this song a few years back and John Easdale admitted that he rarely performs this song but he wasn’t sure why.
There is (of course) a bigger question regarding this song. Recently, the subject of Earth Day was a topic of discussion and I was asked when exactly, is Earth Day. In my mind this song started playing and I responded “It's April 21st and everybody knows today is Earth Day”. Well, imagine my chagrin to learn that Earth Day is April 22! So what’s up with this song John? Maybe the lyrics should be, “It's April 21st and everybody knows today is the day before Earth Day”? I guess John is just having some more fun with the song. |
submissions
| Semisonic – Made To Last Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This is the other hidden treasure on the “Feeling Strangely Fine” album. Last year, this song came up on the stereo right after attending the memorial service of a family friend who had passed after being struck by lightning. As it played, I nearly burst into tears because I interpreted the lyrics as recognition that life is really a short gift to us all. I felt the singer had also lost someone recently and was imploring all his friends and family to last a long, long time.
Whatever the band intended with this song, it is a beautiful reminder to live the life we have to its fullest. |
submissions
| Stevie Wonder – You Haven't Done Nothin' Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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No comments on this amazing, funky number prompt me to throw my two cents into the mix. Stevie Wonder created the perfect protest song with this entry. To me it has always been a generic protest song in many ways but since this song was released in the Nixon era, I believe Stevie was singing to him. To this day, when I hear this song and sing along, I think of that $%#@! Nixon.
Now read the lyrics again and think of our current president. “and we are sick and tired of hearing your song”. Great, timeless stuff. I think Stevie Wonder is the one of the top 10 most important songwriters of the last 50 years. |
submissions
| Aretha Franklin – Son Of A Preacher Man (Dusty Springfield cover) Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song holds a very special place in my heart. I am a son of a preacher man and growing up hearing this song made me think that I too one day would be smooth enough to steal kisses from the object of my desire. Unfortunately, I have always been totally disarmed by women and certainly never acquired the moves needed to compete with Billy Ray mentioned in the song (probably just as well as I have been married for 28 years in a couple of days).
I am not sure if I heard Dusty’s or Aretha’s version first but Aretha’s version is the one version I own and hear all the time. What a great vocal by Aretha as she seems to be totally disarmed by that wolf Billy Ray. Helpless in his power she seems more resigned to her emotions than what I remember from Dusty. Both renditions are wonderful. |
submissions
| Kirsty MacColl – Walking Down Madison Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song is riveting view of life in the city, which I have always assumed to use New York City as the model. I think the lyrics can be taken literally for this song which I take to be presenting the dichotomy of the economic spectrum of those living in the city. That schism is emphasized by the juxtaposition of the musical styles switching from Kristy’s mellow vocal to the haunting rap segments. When Kristy sings, “it’s not too far”, I think she is speaking both to physical location and to the change economic status.
This song’s guitar riffs and groove can rattle and shake into your brain and is a great example of how music be affecting at many levels. |
submissions
| Pete Townshend – And I Moved Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This is such a lovely song and because of that, I ignored the lyrics for years. I originally believed this was written about a physical/romantic encounter, from a woman’s perspective. Like something you might read in a romance novel. However, after learning of Mr. Townshend’s inclinations to swing both ways (as it were), this song could also be written from a man’s perspective. In either case, it is a really fine tune.
Why is it that there are so few comments regarding Pete’s songs here? The Who songs have plenty of people commenting. He is such a interesting songwriter; he deserves more discussion of his solo work |
submissions
| Rickie Lee Jones – The Last Chance Texaco Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song has such a wonderful vocal performance by Rickie. The song is again an example of the lyrics not really being all that important to total experience. I really don’t know what this song is about but I think this song uses references to vehicle repair or maintenance as a metaphor for fixing or acquiring a relationship. I am always amused by the line “trust the man with the star” because it refers to the old Texaco TV commercials. |
submissions
| Steely Dan – Things I Miss the Most Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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Since no one has commented on this song, I will offer mine up to the group. I interpret this as a divorce song. The protagonist is reminiscing about what he did and didn’t like about his lost relationship. The line “somebody to trust” is so important to any lasting relationship.
I am not a huge fan of the post-1970’s Steely Dan records (a bit too jazzy for my tastes) but this song is a real gem. The lyrics/vocals and musical groove presented in this song are perfectly paired. Who does this better than Becker and Fagan? |
submissions
| Dire Straits – Private Investigations Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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The meaning to this song is quite evident from the lyrics. There may be an allegorical meaning, talking about the music industry instead of a PI but that may be a stretch. This track is a real favorite of mine because of the really cool musical vibe it has. The ethereal atmosphere of this song sucks the listener into the story. Mark does have a way of creating an interesting story in many of his songs.
This is another great song to test the Hi-Fi with. Listen for the breaking glass towards the end. To me it sounds like a wine glass shattering. I never heard/noticed this on my original vinyl copy but shows up nicely on CD. Crank this one up too! |
submissions
| Everclear – Heartspark Dollarsign Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song brings back such powerful memories for me. Growing up in essentially an all black neighborhood in the 60’s, all my first crushes were on girls whose skin color was much different from my own. Back then, the pressure applied from peers, family and others towards a mixed race couple usually was too much to maintain the relationship and this idea is captured almost perfectly in the song lyrics. This song brings a mist to my eyes every time I hear and when it comes on, I just have to stop what I am doing and listen. Thanks Everclear!
We have come a long way since 60's but there is still a long, long way to go. |
submissions
| Soul Asylum – Without A Trace Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song is an example of what I like to call a hidden treasure that can be buried in albums. These hidden treasures are what differentiate the ordinary from the extra-ordinary record.
This is a favorite of mine from the Grave Dancers Union record too. I am not sure what is intended by the lyrics but I have interpreted it as the singer telling us of his strange decisions and the consequences which result. Again as previously noted, it could just be amusing nonsense. |
submissions
| Paul Simon – The Sound of Silence Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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What, no comments on this amazing song? I still hear this song popping out of my AM radio in 1965 and indelibly etching itself into my very core. This is as close to a perfect song as you can get from an the beginning of the era where the singer-songwriter was king; when there was actually a point of view in a song that could reach people’s ears.
I am not sure what Paul is trying to say here but it has always had the meaning to me that he is warning the listener that silence/conformity is a dangerous path. This song and thus the message is timeless. |
submissions
| The Posies – Flood Of Sunshine Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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I can’t believe no one has commented on this gorgeous song. I am not sure what, if anything the lyrics mean for this song but it is such a sonic feast for the ears, who really cares. Because of what I like to call the “Cosmic Orgasm” instrumental interlude, I have always interpreted this as music to get busy to. The “Dear 23” album is a real favorite of mine and this is a really good song to test your sound system. Crank it up! |
submissions
| Warren Zevon – The Heartache Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This is a spectacularly sad song for all those who have loved and/or longed for another that does not feel the same. The “Sentimental Hygiene” album is just full of sad and biting (nasty good) commentary from Warren Zevon and is one that I played nonstop for a long time. What a fine songwriter he was and will be missed. |
submissions
| Dramarama – Tiny Candles Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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Waah-Waah-Waah….. Crank this one up folks. I have no idea what John is singing about in this song but for many songs, what is the point. Since I got my first AM radio in 1965, there have been so many songs that I have loved but only later in life learned what was going on in them. Then there are still songs that I am still clueless about. John Easdale is great at writing songs that really don’t require interpretation or left to your imagination (Maybe that is why I like his songs so much). In a sense, these are the songs that can become timeless. I am not sure that this song up to that kind of standard but it still is one that when it comes on, I have to turn it up. |
submissions
| Semisonic – Never You Mind Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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Ah, the classic Star Trek reference in this song is most amusing of all such references that I have heard on record. This refers to perhaps the absolutely worst episode filmed for that original series. The singer has switched on the tube to this episode and the setup is that Spock’s brain has been removed from his head but still alive and used to power an alien computer. Dr. McCoy attempts to put his brain back in his head after he has been given the knowledge to do the operation. However the knowledge given him is only temporarily and while in the middle of the operation, he begins to lose the understanding of the process. He mumbles something like in the song “Seemed so simple at the time”. Hilarious!
I like this song simply because of the above reference but it still is an interesting relationship song. I am not sure how the Star Trek reference fits with the rest of the song except that perhaps the protagonist is thinking that putting his relationship back together is like putting Spock’s brain back. |
submissions
| The Kinks – Give The People What They Want Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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I have always viewed this song as a response from Ray Davies to music industry pressure to create another hit song. (So many artists pander to their fans and that is really evident with today’s music) My hat is off to Ray and the gang for their creative vision. Ray is a excellent song writer who seems to always do just what he wants. |
submissions
| Concrete Blonde – God Is a Bullet Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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Since no one has commented on this terrific song, I will chime in. I instantly became a fan of Concrete Blonde after hearing this song. I interpret this song as a diatribe against senseless violence, especially gun violence. The mention of Dr. King and John Lennon’s deaths still evoke too many sad memories.
This song is performed with an urgency and venom that sucks you in from beginning to end. |
submissions
| The Temptations – I Can't Get Next To You Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song is probably my favorite of all time. So much so that I became a member here to add comments about it. This song has all four of the elements necessary for a great song. For me, a truly great rock ‘n’ roll song must have the following:
1) The “shake your booty” factor.
2) A musical hook/grove that won’t let you go
3) A lyrical edge that makes it interesting at another level. This edge can be anything, love, drugs, lust, sexual, social-political, or just a great story.
4) Most importantly, it has to make you want to be the star. The song has to be fun to sing.
I first heard this song as a ninth grader and have loved it for nearly 40 years. My friend Steve and I grooved out this 45 on his portable record player listening in the photo darkroom of our Junior High School.
I have no idea if there is some other allegorical meaning to this song but for me, it will always be about unrequited love/lust (I ‘m sure someone will say this song is about drugs). The song tells the sad saga of someone who has infinite confidence and abilities but pales in comparison to the object of lust. The Temps sing with a passion and a frenzy that echoes my early crushes, knowing that I would never be able to approach the girl. Absolutely wonderful stuff. This is what rock ‘n’ roll is all about! |
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