submissions

10,000 Maniacs – Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover) Lyrics

3 years ago

@[Susan_The_BassPlaye:44403] I agree with you. No disrespect to Natalie Merchant, but she's not Patti Smith. The same way that only Aretha Franklin's renditions of You Make Feel or Respect can't be improved upon or Billy Joel's Just the Way You Are is as good as it gets. Artists will always honor other artists covering their material with a new twist - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But except in rare instances, give me the original. Ain't nothing like the real thing baby.

submissions

10,000 Maniacs – Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover) Lyrics

3 years ago

Because The Night will forever link Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen and 10,000. Maniacs due to the roles they all played in giving the world the gift of this song. Springsteen collaborated with Patti Smith to write in the '70s and did contribute the bulk of the words and the music. But Patti Smith's powerful and soulful rendition defines and brings to life all that Springsteen created. And there is no denying that the 10,000 Maniacs version is what brought the song to millions who may have not been familiar with Patti Smith's genius. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is art: born of native creativity, breathe life through passionate championship, and ultimately the product of cooperation. This is what gives the human soul meaning; this is art. The song must be performed by a woman. How Bruce Springsteen could understand the heartfelt thoughts of so many women must be proof of Devine intervention. Yet it is through Patti Smith passionate performance that we don't hear the song, we feel it. A woman finds herself in the rapture of new love. The intro of the delicate unaccompanied piano/keyboard notes sets the tone of night, quiet, feminate describing a woman alone. She whimsical whispers "Take me now baby here as I am"; begging for relating she asks "hold me close and try to understand. She describes her the feeling within her "desire is hunger is the fire I breathe" finishing with "love is the banquet on which we feed". Passionate and intense it drives her to the telephone in the second verse. Let's not forget there were no cell phones, internet or social media when this was written. She's waiting for her man, for the one who lights her fire and drives her passion. She's shamelessly not afraid to admit what her normal mores would never express as she rationalizes to herself "Come on now try and understand, the way I feel under your command". This double entrendra not only eludes to the spell that love casts in the heat of passion but actually spells out the sexually explicit notion described as civilly as she can manage. She has fallen so head over heals in love she can't help herself from the expression of passion that like a drug she has to have. The Godmother of Punk Patti Smith electrifies us with a passion rousing rendition that moves everyone who can hear her - no doubt because Patti herself has felt this passion and relives it every time she sings this song. The chorus rings like an anthem, driving her across the natural boundaries of her passion. She has a reason that she'll shoutout. Why? "Because the Night, belongs to Lovers - Because the night belongs to us!" It builds to an amazing crescendo with "take me now! Take me now! TAKE ME NOW!". While not hard to understand the meaning, its impossible to deny the effect, importance or power. People who didn't listen, were afraid or brushed off punk rock missed a key point: those artists had something to say. While Because the Night is not shrouded in mystery, it is one of those gems that we must bow and thank 10,000 Maniacs for - as it was they who made this song popular in the early 1990s. Because then many people like me were drawn to explore and find Patti Smith as well as recognize Bruce Springsteen's role. But focusing again on Patti Smith - desire, love, wanting, passion, waiting - it's all very close to pain. This is what drives artists. This is what turns good into great. This is art.

submissions

Van Morrison – Moondance Lyrics

3 years ago

Van Morrison's 1973 hit "Moondance" touched a nerve in popular music. While Fusion would be described down the road here you have for the first time since Dave Brubeck's "Take 5" all the elements of Jazz in a rock pop veneer that never fails to delight. The driving beat established by the walking bass in a simple 12-bar blues progression could have been any '40-60's era jazz / swing big bands pop tune. But it deliously entices without complex components, creating the listener's curiosity. The powerful words grip the soul stoking the flames of desire: as we all know the "dance" between man and woman builds a subtle yet detectable crescendo in the heart. The allegory works universally. Van's unique vocal stylings are so perfectly suited to make us listen - teasing us with the new dictionary add "fantabulous night to make romance". All of a sudden, he's got us honed in on his whimsical yet planned path. How he uses the breezes that blow (it's got to be in the a 4-season climate) to create the fall air, colorful leaves, cool night with temperatures rising - is just magic. It's not about sex as much as it is about desire, painting the "chase" as a dance. It doesn't get anymore poetic than that. Even though he says "I want to make love to you tonight" he fills it exquisitely, fulfilling many women's vision of romance, and equally many mens' vision, without the specter of submission, but rather giving in to mutual desires. It's really a version of "you will be mine", but like an iron fist in a velvet glove you don't really mind; you just take it in stride. And through all this, ladies he is still still a gentleman asking "Can I just have this one Moondance with you?" I could go on about the simple but elegant piano juxtaposed to the walking bass. But the tenor sax solo let's it all hang out - brimming with passion, noting that the foreplay is over. I truly hope no one rerecords Moondance, because Van Morrison struck that hole in one. The ageless quality he imparts transcends generations. The very young will hear it and ponder "Is this what it's supposed to be like?". The mature will hear it and recall "Yes it was", No matter what becomes popular in Music, Van Morrison'w Moondance will be the standard that all other love/lust/desire ballads are judged by. *Note: Using Moondance for the "American Werewolf in London" soundtrack - especially while the werewolf is devoiring victims is just wrong,

submissions

Van Morrison – Moondance Lyrics	3 years ago
@[chobba111:43110] It's widely accorded (at least according to Billboard) magazine) that Van Morrison "created" the word "fantabulous" and added it to the English lexicon (much the same way President Warren G. Harding "created" the word "normalcy" - but to much greater effect). Read my interpretation of the song, and let me know your thoughts.

submissions

Steely Dan – Kings Lyrics	4 years ago
@[JoaniCo:39472] I have to admit, you're right about the album. I like your interpretation because if not for Steely Dan (who I loved as a pre-teen & teen kid because I was a sax player) I would have never read Borough's "Naked Lunch". It's true Fagan & Becker were what my parents would have called "Beatniks". Whatever you call it, I call it great.

submissions

Steely Dan – Kings Lyrics

4 years ago

Most definately the genius that has been pretty universally accorded Fagan & Becker is displayed in this early example of their work. Like all real artists they both reflect and embody the times in which they lived, crafting a unique popular/rock song with musical sophistication and emotional charge, whilst story telling in often allegory filled poetic verses that subtly bring there message. And bonus: its multi-generational, giving what I believe is testament to mankind - especially our flaws and challenges. Consider the reference to England's Richard the Lionhearted in juxtaposition to his successor King John who in one felt swoop through weakness was responsible for the Magna Carter (a cornerstone of democracy and human rights). This would be a great accomplishment if it ended right there. But it doesn't. Its easy to see the comparison to other "Kings" with adroit references that conjure up images of John F Kennedy,and settling in on Richard Nixon. Considering the album was released around / just before the 1972 election (which Nixon won in the largest presidential landslide until Regan was elected in 1984), it easily echoes Fagan & Beckers non-conservative leanings and disappointment with leaders like Nixon. Above and beyond, its a lesson / warning to future generations - perhaps even showing them what to watch for. While often described as sardonic, perhaps sarcastic, dark, laced with drug references and other taboo topics, you really have to marvel at their ability to take a message with multi-generational relevance and present it in a popular song. The icing on the cake is their incredible and fanatical execution, setting them apart from everyone else in the music industry. They set a standard few if any could attain. This is our Mozart, Beethoven and Bach. And should be taught and referenced and revered just like those masters.

submissions

George Benson – Give Me the Night Lyrics

4 years ago

@[bsinclair:38181] This is a terribly dark, overly religious and fatalistic interpretation of George Benson's work. You are definately entitled to your opinion but I just can't see it. By analogy not every guy who watches a girl is a stalker; some are just ordinary love struck souls who don't have the confidence or courage to speak up - whether for fear of striking out or speaking up. A guy looking at a girl he pines away for is not a crime (no matter what the victim police tell you). I don't want to ever believe that the world is a bad place filled with bad people who do bad things. Give me the night is a happy danceable tune. It's light hearted and not meant to offend. I could see dark interpretations for Marilyn Mason, NWA, and a host of 90s and beyond songs steeped in foul language, mysogynist labels, and truly evil themes (e.g. Cop Killer Rap, etc.). But not George Benson; not the same guy who wrote "Turn Your Love Around" and "The Greatest Love of All".

submissions

George Benson – Turn Your Love Around Lyrics

4 years ago

Wow George Benson - did you ever nail it! Sitting on the edge of unrequited love, the singer is a man in love with a woman. He uses the romantic artistry explicit in the comparison of girl and woman, wistfully teasing us with two complimentary notions about love. First how the "girl" represents young love where he implies the love we had 'when we were younger' as in a marriage where people are on the edge of growing apart or any relationship that has moved past the honeymoon phase into the struggle - be it apathy, indifference, or the grind that just wears away our affections. Secondly he reminds us how love rejuvenates and makes all things new again. I wonder if back in 1982 when George Benson released this song he saw how women were on the verge of new roles in our society and how that may have caused issues for some couples. Regardless he reinforces the timeless notions that men need women, women need to feel special/sought after/wanted, men have to fight for and sacrifice for women, and women need men to do so. In a way he's telling women (or at least this woman) that you can have both; the key is being in love. I wish I could talk to George Benson and see if he agrees. I have known a woman just like the one in the song. Picking my moment, I took her to a Karioke club (with several of her girlfriends, printed the words to this song, and unexpectedly came out on stage performing this song in a club full of people who all could see I was singing to her. We've never been happier since then. Thank you George Benson! You know what it's like and recorded it so exquisitely. I hope others benefit from the magic of your poetry.

submissions

The Clash – Rock the Casbah Lyrics

4 years ago

I Loved this song when I heard it as a kid. I didn't know what it meant (was a young teenager at the time), and I didn't even clearly understand all the words - or care to. Growing up in an Italian-Irish-Jewish suburb of New York City I was amused at "This is not Kosher!" because I knew what that meant. It was great dance music, had all the essential elements of rock and roll, made me a fan of New Wave (you know, what the American record companies retitled Punk Rock - so the parents would OK it), and showed I was "hip" - not just content with Billy Joel-Fleetwood Mac-Bruce Springsteen-Eagles-Lynerd Skynerd-Rolling Stones-Peter Frampton. It built on what I discovered in the Knack, Blondie, Billy Idol and the Ramones, I did like Classic Rock and Pop, but listening to radio station WLIR and their "Dare to Be Different" / "New Music" format, I became totally infected by Punk/New Wave and just wanted more - whether it was on a record or the area night clubs like "Spit", "Malibu", "CBGB", the "Lime Light", etc. As I got older and listened to the words, I thought there might be some reference to the conflict in Northern Ireland. Over time I came to understand how many strict Islamic cultures hated / banned Western music. I wish I could be transported back to the early '80's to re-live some of that culture with the better understanding I have now.

submissions

Prince – When Doves Cry Lyrics

5 years ago

Prince was gifted beyond the realm that most could imagine (IMHO). He was also twisted beyond the realm that most could imagine. In many of the comments threads of his meaning are picked up. Like all pure artists - and they don't much more pure than Prince - he sees what at least some people feel, and through his music, we feel what he feels. So the metaphors he chooses in "When Doves Cry" are a complex yet accurate reflection of the human condition particularly the timeless dynamic between men and women. Being a man, this song is written from a man's point of view. The song easily transcends time reprising the recent past (at the kiss) and racing to through to the present where they're screaming at each other, and ultimately realizing he's become his parents - the one thing he would have wanted to avoid. He and his woman are the Doves. He notes how just her presence makes him tremble because he does love her, but his own pride gets in the way. And despite the love they found, it's now gone, they're lost and he whimsically suggests he has become his parents - giving up as people seem to when confronted with the impossible. This dark interpretation of the human condition is reality for many people. It's more than a song; it's art. Oh if he were only here to hear what people say years later.

submissions

Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are Lyrics

5 years ago

@[HappyLeont:35571] Sadly, I believe your interpretation misses the mark. I was there when Billy Joel debuted Just the Way You Are live at CW Post University (on Long Island where he often played many small venues before reaching superstardom) before the single or the Stranger Album was released. He said "Here's a new song, you'd have to imagine with strings. It's for my beautiful wife Elizabeth and it's called Just the Way You Are". The concert was recorded live and broadcast by Long Island radio station WLIR (92.7) and copies of the entire concert exist - including Billy Joel's hiliarious calls for the university to turn on the air conditioning.

submissions

Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are Lyrics

5 years ago

@[Gary_L:35570] Those that grew up on Long Island followed BJ everywhere and analyzed every word he said. My gut tells me Elizabeth who was his manager (and I believe former girlfriend of another band mate), and his first wife broke his heart. There's no such thing as a musician who's not sensitive. The song was a present to his wife, who not stole his heart, but apparently was a dodgy manager who BJ felt stole his money too. So that would be a really good reasons to be soured on this song. Still, as his body of work speaks for itself, it remains a timeless classic love song. WRT to the comments suggesting Just The Way You Are is not / wasn't a good wedding song, given the prevalence of divorce in our society, is any song a safe bet?

submissions

Flesh for Lulu – I Go Crazy Lyrics

7 years ago

Flesh For Lulu's probably most remembered song has a great atmosphere due to it's catchy chorus, driving but not over-powering beat, not too serious message - coyly playing with the listeners, indirectly sending the message rather than sending it straight out. And of course, being part of the movie "Some Kind of Wonderful" sound track, John Hughes (director) etches it forever in 1980s culture. I find 2 messages in the song, one overt and one subtle: The singer is lamenting his or her obvious torch for their unobtainable, unavailable or simply lost love. In the movie, it's Waz (Mary Stuart Masterson) the Tomboyish drummer younger girl who pines for Keith (Eric Stolz) the artist senior - who is totally oblivious to her affections. But the song was written before the movie, and speaks to the condition of the soul when you can be near the one you love, but just can't capture all of their exclusive affection. This supports the "I go crazy when I'm without you" chorus, and the "What have I done today?" further expression of the resignation and lament that nothing really matters (Jets fly over, a car goes by, etc.). Almost unrequited love. But 2 references show a subtler meaning: TV shows and how much they affect our lives The Miami Vice and Dallas references come right out of the 80s. Maybe he's looking fun at how invested we are in these fantasy worlds.

submissions

Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are Lyrics

8 years ago

@[Levitator89:21604] God I hate showing my age. When it was released in the 70s people still listened to AM radio stations like WABC, WNBC, etc. in NY . There was an "AM radio" version that cut the song down to 3 to 3.5 minutes - the max you heard on those stations. That's the version you are referring to, The FM version was the whole song as recorded on Billy Joel's multi Platinum 1977 Album "The Stranger". In fact, they were called "album cuts". It was this song (which won a Grammy) and that Album that put Billy Joel over the top into super stardom.

submissions

Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are Lyrics

8 years ago

Young innocent first love, when you're just starting to figure it out. To his girlfriend he is saying "You only have to be yourself; that's enough for me. Please don't change, just believe in me and know that I love you". This song couldn't have been done any better; I hope no one ever re-records it. At the tender age of 17 I felt in love for the first time and this song was the perfect description of everything I was feeling and wanted to say. As a sax player and part time musician, the jazzy style and soulful Alto sax solo just made it even better. But the key was Billy Joel loved the woman he wrote this for (Elizabeth). 40 years later, the initial chords on the Fender Rhodes keyboard still evoke deep emotion in me and everyone who fell in love to this song.

submissions

Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are Lyrics

8 years ago

@[eaglesfan81:21603] Uptown girl was written for Christie Brinkley, but Just the Way You Are was written for his first wife (Elizabeth) who was also his manager. The way I heard the story (I grew up in the town next to his home town of Hicksville, NY), he formed a band upon returning to NY (Long Island) from San Francisco, just before his break through Piano Man album where the guitar players girlfriend was Elizabeth. Elizabeth talked the highly emotional Billy off the ledge several times, resulting in her break up with the guitar player and relationship with Billy - who made her his manager he thought to protect him. What's not clear to me is if she actually defrauded him or was just a bad manager. By the time Billy was 40 years old, he found his finances in shambles, and subsequently fired and divorced her. I never heard that she was the waitress in Piano Man before.

submissions

The Motels – Only the Lonely Lyrics

8 years ago

The song is about meeting up with an ex-lover that you know you belong with after some time when at least one of you is with someone else - most likely a chance meeting or an impromptu date. Punctuated by Martha Davis' soulful voice, reflecting her deep pain from her own relationship at the time, the song subtly reveals the unevenness of love as the singer is more deeply in love and thus hurt than her mate. Perhaps she's with no one, and he's having second thoughts about his current mate. Regardless she is alas resigned to her fate (i.e. She can't help but love him) which brings home the tittle "Only the lonely can play". With very few words she has painted a picture, the minor almost muted chord structure set on a slow simple but driving bass line / rhythm backbone, which builds as the perfect canvas for Martha's sultry yearning vocal. Like a great book, her description pulls you in, forcing you to see the picture through your own eyes. She does this ever so subtly with cues allegorically: "We walk the loneliest mile" - her time away from her lover "We kiss altogether wrong" - they lost it the first time "No intentions" - It wasn't anyone's fault; I don't blame you. And perhaps a whimsical note about how haphazard and random love is. "We lie about each other's drinks" - the meaningless small talk they need to break the ice "We live without each other, thinking what anyone one would do, without me and you" - Her we'll crafted attempt to be cool not giving all her feelings away, where between the lines she's asking "do you miss me?" "So hold on - here we go, hold on to nothing we know, I feel so lonely - way up here" - This is where she drops her facade for a moment, to let him know she's miserable without him "You mention the time we were together, so long ago, well I don't remember all I know is it makes me feel good now" - Part regaining her cool with a faux denial that she remembers, yet how can she not remember the deep love? And partly a reflection that she is glad she has those memories: perhaps even real world proof that there's nothing wrong with her as she did find love once. Its the subtle words cloaking heartfelt emotions that touch everyone who's ever been in love that make this a timeless song.

submissions

The Motels – Only the Lonely Lyrics	8 years ago
@[stevenaqc:21585] Thanks for sharing such a personal and deeply moving story. It took a lot of courage. I truly believe good music is a reflection of the soul; whether wonderful or painful it comes from a place that you can't hide or deny. Martha Davis achieved greatness by sharing her pain.

* This information can be up to 15 minutes delayed.