This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
I served with Jack Kennedy
I knew Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine
Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy
I knew Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine
Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy
Lyrics submitted by Charlie the man
I Know Jack Lyrics as written by Dave Mustaine
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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Actually it's a quote. In 1988 Dan Quayle, George Bush Part 1's vice-president, compared himself to Jack Kennedy. Lloyd Bensen, who was running with Dukakis, said that about what Quayle had just said. It's one of the most famous political lines ever.
Has to be about Teddy Kennedy. Mustaine, ebing heavily into politics probably realizes that TK has done nothing to strengthen the Kennedy name, and thus the line "Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy "
i rekon the riff is cool
This is the only track on TSHF that I skip consistently. Its not like "Shadow of Deth", leading into the next song...it just feels out of place.
Thanks Sunny Day Believer, I found that out after watching a movie in which that part of Lloyd Bensons speech was used. I immiediately thought of what I'd written here with some embarrasment.
i wish it was longer the riff is cool