In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Son, I'm 30
I only went with your mother 'cause she's dirty
And I don't have a decent bone in me
What you get is just what you see yeah
I see it so I take it freely
And all the bad piss ugly things I feed me
I never help or give to the needy
Come on and see me
I had to crucify some brother today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
I said dad you're shabby
You run around and groove like a baggy
You're only here just out of habit
All that's mine you might as well have it
You take ten feet back and then stab it
Spray it on and 'tag it
So sack on me
I can't stand the needy
Get around here if you're asking you're feeling
I had to crucify somebody today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
So sack all the needy
I can't stand to leave it
You come around here and you put both your feet in
I had to crucify somebody today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So go on and say it
I had to crucify some brother today
And I don't hear what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
I only went with your mother 'cause she's dirty
And I don't have a decent bone in me
What you get is just what you see yeah
I see it so I take it freely
And all the bad piss ugly things I feed me
I never help or give to the needy
Come on and see me
I had to crucify some brother today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
I said dad you're shabby
You run around and groove like a baggy
You're only here just out of habit
All that's mine you might as well have it
You take ten feet back and then stab it
Spray it on and 'tag it
So sack on me
I can't stand the needy
Get around here if you're asking you're feeling
I had to crucify somebody today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
So sack all the needy
I can't stand to leave it
You come around here and you put both your feet in
I had to crucify somebody today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So go on and say it
I had to crucify some brother today
And I don't hear what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
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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,
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
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Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
One of the mondays greatest songs. a stream-of-consciousness from the father and son. my favourite opening line of all time.
Such a good song. :-) Tony Wilson says this is one of the greatest songs ever written about parenthood.
What a tune!! Bez dancing in the video cracks me up every time!!
Agree with everyone here . This was/ is a great song. How many babies are born each year with fathers that could say the line in all honesty, 'son I'm 30 I only went with ya mother cause she's dirty'. I've read Shaun Ryder's autobiography. He's dead honest. And hates liars, pretenders. And he's seen all the b.s in the music industry. His brother, former Happy Monday's band member, has mentioned he thought Shaun wrote this line as a dig at him cause he became a parent real young. But no it isn't true. Shaun suggests in his book it's more about himself. Even though he was 28 wen he became a dad. Also from reading about him I've finally discovered 'sack on me' is a Manchester expression for ' giving up'' or ending something. That's makes the lyrics of this song make perfect sense. Sack on me cause I'm a loser who doesn't care ??? Maybe.
Hey Shlep, you’re bang on with “sack on me”
Quality choon, love the opening verse :D
The best opening line ever. Shaun Ryder was/is a lyrical genius.
you take 10p back and then stab it spray it on and tag it TopClass#
@wtrussler Ten FEET. :)
Why the title? I don't get it (English is not my mother tongue)
Could anyone explain? Thaks in advance!
There may not be any particular significance to the title, it may just note the importance of Black (specifically African-American) culture to the world of popular music. Considering that this song "Borrows" some of its inspiration from "Lady Marmalade", I think my interpretation may be correct.
@locaxdave Originally they wanted to call the song " groovy afro " , but because "the farm" had just released " groovy train", the idea was scrapped. The song started out in a jamming session when after the bass player had been listening to " hot chocolate " greates hits, and took his bass line from that influence.
This matures with the best, getting more tasty each time I hear it. I was actually surprised when I saw Shaun Ryder on the British TV programme 'Im a celebrity get me out of here', I was surprised just how together he still is after his heady days in rock and roll
Anthony Wilson states that Shaun Ryder wrote this song about his father, who was part of the Happy Mondays' road crew. Supposedly, he enjoyed the lifestyle just like any member of the band, and was forthright that he was unprepared for fatherhood. Wilson likes to compare this style of writing to W.B. Yeats' "A Prayer For My Daughter". Source is the commentary Wilson recorded for the "24 Hour Party People" feature film DVD, which is highly recommended.
@FilthyMcNasty
@FilthyMcNasty Only part of the song is about his dad. The rest is about Shaun becoming a parent. He pretty much knew his shortcomings as a parent early in life. Though the mother of his first child, Trish, Shaun Ryder has a lot of respect for. As she was always a good mother. And has made a successful life for herself now in America. I only know cause I’ve read Shaun Ryder’s biographies, books. Shaun Ryder was not happy with his father hanging around constantly during The Happy Monday’s success. He wanted him to F - off.