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Following my "Which is the most technically accomplished band ever?" thread.
Q: Best lyricist (group or single person)?
Nothing to do with how good the accompanying music is, or how well performed it is, or how popular. Just how good the words are.
I used to have a regular argument with a friend who was a Smiths fan. I'd say it was drepressing shite, she'd say how great the lyrics were, so I'd tell her to sit down + read the sleeve notes, and not bother putting the awful noise on.
Q: Best lyricist (group or single person)?
Nothing to do with how good the accompanying music is, or how well performed it is, or how popular. Just how good the words are.
I used to have a regular argument with a friend who was a Smiths fan. I'd say it was drepressing shite, she'd say how great the lyrics were, so I'd tell her to sit down + read the sleeve notes, and not bother putting the awful noise on.
In reply to Chris Harris: billy bragg and half man, half biscuit.
In reply to Chris Harris: Ian Dury
In reply to Chris Harris:
Ian Dury, Billy Bragg, Shane McGowan, Leonard Cohen all top of my list but
Bruce Springsteen is my favourite lyricist.
Ian Dury, Billy Bragg, Shane McGowan, Leonard Cohen all top of my list but
Bruce Springsteen is my favourite lyricist.
In reply to Removed User: DD is indeed very good.
Lennon and McCartney have their moments.
I also have a major thing for WC Gilbert. Especially Pirates of Penzance/Mikado.
The WORST lyric I know of has to be "Christmas Comes This Time Each Year". That's by the Beach Boys, you know?
Lennon and McCartney have their moments.
I also have a major thing for WC Gilbert. Especially Pirates of Penzance/Mikado.
The WORST lyric I know of has to be "Christmas Comes This Time Each Year". That's by the Beach Boys, you know?
In reply to Chris Harris: Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Cole Porter, Van Dyke Parks, Lorenz Hart.
In reply to Chris Harris: Tony Bennett, Anthony Kedis mmmmm
In reply to Chris Harris: Maybe not as good as Dylan, but Elvis Costello wasn't bad either.
In reply to Chris Harris:
I like Shane McGowan. Thom Yorke's pulled out some corkers, as did John Lennon. Kris Kristofferson too, he did a few good bits. And Townes Van Zandt did some stuff worth considering. David Byrne, Paul Simon and Chuck D all said some things people should hear.
But really, there's no point to this thread. If you think that the Smiths are depressing I suspect you don't understand enough about the use of the English language to be able to have a reasoned discussion about words.
I like Shane McGowan. Thom Yorke's pulled out some corkers, as did John Lennon. Kris Kristofferson too, he did a few good bits. And Townes Van Zandt did some stuff worth considering. David Byrne, Paul Simon and Chuck D all said some things people should hear.
But really, there's no point to this thread. If you think that the Smiths are depressing I suspect you don't understand enough about the use of the English language to be able to have a reasoned discussion about words.
In reply to Chris Harris: Dicky Wagner
In reply to alanw:
Ah, you got there first. I was just about to suggest EC. Tracy Chapman is probably one of my favourites as well. More recently I've been very impressed with the lyrics of Willy Mason.
> Maybe not as good as Dylan, but Elvis Costello wasn't bad either.
Ah, you got there first. I was just about to suggest EC. Tracy Chapman is probably one of my favourites as well. More recently I've been very impressed with the lyrics of Willy Mason.
In reply to Chris Harris: frank zappa
In reply to brothersoulshine:
Succinctly put.
I wasn't going to post anything; because if the OP discounts Morrisey they won't appreciate any of my other suggestions.
> If you think that the Smiths are depressing I suspect you don't understand enough about the use of the English language to be able to have a reasoned discussion about words.
Succinctly put.
I wasn't going to post anything; because if the OP discounts Morrisey they won't appreciate any of my other suggestions.
In reply to Chris Harris:
Best Song: Guy that wrote "Castles in the sand" performed by Thunder. Really upsetting but explains all the pain in life so well.
Best Collections/General: Sarah MacLachlan definately.
> Best lyricist
Best Song: Guy that wrote "Castles in the sand" performed by Thunder. Really upsetting but explains all the pain in life so well.
Best Collections/General: Sarah MacLachlan definately.
In reply to KeithW:
Have to agree about Morrisey. Definately up there with the greats.
Richard Thompson would get my vote though (behind Bob Dylan obviously)
David Byrne, Joni Mitchell and Gillian Welch also wrote/write great lyrics
Have to agree about Morrisey. Definately up there with the greats.
Richard Thompson would get my vote though (behind Bob Dylan obviously)
David Byrne, Joni Mitchell and Gillian Welch also wrote/write great lyrics
In reply to Chris Harris: the bee gees wrote pretty much everything thats been in the charts over the last 20 yrs , Its just they got other people to sing the songs.......they are not my vote though..
Mc Cartney for me
Dave
Mc Cartney for me
Dave
In reply to Chris Harris:
I'm really surprised no early hip-hop lyricists have been mentioned so far, some of A Tribe Called Quests lyrics are brilliant and the way they are delivered by Fife and Q-Tip with their greatly differing styles adds another dimension.
Also, Lauryn Hill's rapping on some of the tracks on the Fugees 'The Score' album is amazing:
"While you're fuming I'm consuming mango juice under polaris,
you're just embarassed as its your last tango in paris,
And even after all my logic and my theory,
I add a motherf*cker so you ignorant niggers hear me.
It may not be a deep and depressing as some of the previously mentioned posts but it certainly does the business for me.
I'm really surprised no early hip-hop lyricists have been mentioned so far, some of A Tribe Called Quests lyrics are brilliant and the way they are delivered by Fife and Q-Tip with their greatly differing styles adds another dimension.
Also, Lauryn Hill's rapping on some of the tracks on the Fugees 'The Score' album is amazing:
"While you're fuming I'm consuming mango juice under polaris,
you're just embarassed as its your last tango in paris,
And even after all my logic and my theory,
I add a motherf*cker so you ignorant niggers hear me.
It may not be a deep and depressing as some of the previously mentioned posts but it certainly does the business for me.
In reply to Eagle River:
No hip-hop please/ Pink Floyd, Wish you were here-
"Were just two lost soules swiming in a fishbowl, year after year. Running over the same old ground and how we found the same of fish, Wish you were here!"
Best guitar as well
No hip-hop please/ Pink Floyd, Wish you were here-
"Were just two lost soules swiming in a fishbowl, year after year. Running over the same old ground and how we found the same of fish, Wish you were here!"
Best guitar as well
In reply to Laubie:
God! I always thought that lyric read "same old fears". well well, ya learn something new everyday!
Agree on the guitar, whole albums worth!
God! I always thought that lyric read "same old fears". well well, ya learn something new everyday!
Agree on the guitar, whole albums worth!
In reply to Removed User: How good yet how simple is this
"I will give you my finest hour,
the one I spent watching you shower!"
Of course Debbies delivery didnt do it any harm either!
"I will give you my finest hour,
the one I spent watching you shower!"
Of course Debbies delivery didnt do it any harm either!
In reply to Removed User: Most Squeeze songs were composed by Chris Difford (lyrics), Glen Tilbrook (music). Think Jools Holland left fairly early on.
In reply to Al Evans:
Corr Debbie Harry, now she was (IMHO still is,) hot!
Corr Debbie Harry, now she was (IMHO still is,) hot!
In reply to Chris Harris:
I think Don Henley and Glenn Frey deserve a mention if only for 'Desperado'
I think Don Henley and Glenn Frey deserve a mention if only for 'Desperado'
In reply to Chris Harris:
Also, are we talking about one off, amazing lyrics or consistently long term and deep?
Also, are we talking about one off, amazing lyrics or consistently long term and deep?
In reply to Laubie:
Why not? Granted there are fewer opportunities for guitar solos but the majority of the older hip hop like tribe called quest was all produced with real instruments (before the time of horrific Usher and 50cent productions) and unlike more recent Hip Hop they have much more to talk about than Bitches, Hoes, cars and money....
> (In reply to Eagle River)
>
> No hip-hop please/
>
> No hip-hop please/
Why not? Granted there are fewer opportunities for guitar solos but the majority of the older hip hop like tribe called quest was all produced with real instruments (before the time of horrific Usher and 50cent productions) and unlike more recent Hip Hop they have much more to talk about than Bitches, Hoes, cars and money....
In reply to Beesley: I speeka da Eeenglieesh prittee gud,
And I f*cking HATE Morrissey, and The Smiths, and I find them boring and depressing. An utter lack of any redeeming features is the nicest thing I can find to say about them.
OK?
TTG
And I f*cking HATE Morrissey, and The Smiths, and I find them boring and depressing. An utter lack of any redeeming features is the nicest thing I can find to say about them.
OK?
TTG
In reply to Eagle River:
Cos no matter how good the lyrics in Hip Hop I just don't like being shouted at.
Cos no matter how good the lyrics in Hip Hop I just don't like being shouted at.
In reply to Chris Harris: Tom Waits, Ivor Cutler('I,m not your larder you silly old custard, I'm Alaphie your garden'),Frank Zappa, Lee Hazelwood, Robert Zimmerman, oh so many, so little memory left!
In reply to Jimmy D: "The things that are pleasin' you are hurtin' you somehow"
In reply to Removed User:
They don't all shout, I think your knowledge is limited to DMX or Nelly who should be avoided at all costs, Given the previous posts I shall put down my flogging stick and leave that dead horse alone, but a little eclectisism never hurt anyone so if you'd like to know what i'm talking about I'd like to refer you to Ugly Duckling, Tribe Called Quest, The Fugees, The Pharcyde etc..... I promise they won't shout at you.
They don't all shout, I think your knowledge is limited to DMX or Nelly who should be avoided at all costs, Given the previous posts I shall put down my flogging stick and leave that dead horse alone, but a little eclectisism never hurt anyone so if you'd like to know what i'm talking about I'd like to refer you to Ugly Duckling, Tribe Called Quest, The Fugees, The Pharcyde etc..... I promise they won't shout at you.
In reply to O Mighty Tim:
> (In reply to Jimmy D) Hotel California, please!
>
OK that's got great words but I don't actually like the song half as much!
>
In reply to Eagle River:
I's just joshin'. I quite like the 'Dust junkies' and 'Fun lovin criminals'. Do they count as Hip Hop?
I's just joshin'. I quite like the 'Dust junkies' and 'Fun lovin criminals'. Do they count as Hip Hop?
In reply to Marc C:
Great, isn't it? So insightful and poignant for something so simply and economically expressed
> (In reply to Jimmy D) "The things that are pleasin' you are hurtin' you somehow"
Great, isn't it? So insightful and poignant for something so simply and economically expressed
In reply to brothersoulshine:
>If you think that the Smiths are depressing I suspect you don't understand enough about the use of the English language to be able to have a reasoned discussion about words.
My dislike of the Smiths is more a comment on what they sound like, not what they are saying.
>If you think that the Smiths are depressing I suspect you don't understand enough about the use of the English language to be able to have a reasoned discussion about words.
My dislike of the Smiths is more a comment on what they sound like, not what they are saying.
In reply to Chris Harris: the lyrics to Hurt by Johnny Cash i personally think are excellent - even not taking into account listening to the song perfomed...
...although it is rather a depressing song !
...although it is rather a depressing song !
In reply to Chris Harris: Kurt Cobain
In reply to Removed User:
Another vote for Squeeze, great lyrics from a British perspective, not wannabe Yanks.
Another vote for Squeeze, great lyrics from a British perspective, not wannabe Yanks.
In reply to O Mighty Tim:
I say again: If you think they're depressing then I really don't think you've given them a listen. You might not like them, and of course that's up to you whether you listen to them or not.
But do be careful about ranting about something that you clearly don't know about.
John Peel seemed to know what he was on about - here he is talking about the Smiths
youtube.com/watch?v=iHPX6yEZ368&
>
> And I f*cking HATE Morrissey, and The Smiths, and I find them boring and depressing. An utter lack of any redeeming features is the nicest thing I can find to say about them.
>
> OK?
>
> OK?
I say again: If you think they're depressing then I really don't think you've given them a listen. You might not like them, and of course that's up to you whether you listen to them or not.
But do be careful about ranting about something that you clearly don't know about.
John Peel seemed to know what he was on about - here he is talking about the Smiths
youtube.com/watch?v=iHPX6yEZ368&
In reply to brothersoulshine: Gotta back you on The Smiths n' Morrissey, excellent...Jonny Marr what a fantastic guitarist.....
In reply to Mark N:
...written by Trent Raznor of the Nine Inch Nails.
(But edited by Cash to remove the coprolexia.)
> (In reply to Chris Harris) the lyrics to Hurt by Johnny Cash i personally think are excellent - even not taking into account listening to the song perfomed...
...written by Trent Raznor of the Nine Inch Nails.
(But edited by Cash to remove the coprolexia.)
In reply to Chris Harris:
Has no-one mentioned Howard Devoto?
'Permafrost' positioned within a culture, within a band, within an album?
Has no-one mentioned Howard Devoto?
'Permafrost' positioned within a culture, within a band, within an album?
In reply to Chris Harris:
Roger Waters. Songs that come to mind are.
Breathe
Wish you Were Here
Time
Hey You
Us and Them
It doesn't get any better lyrically speaking. The music isn't half bad either...
Andy
Roger Waters. Songs that come to mind are.
Breathe
Wish you Were Here
Time
Hey You
Us and Them
It doesn't get any better lyrically speaking. The music isn't half bad either...
Andy
In reply to Chris Harris:
jello biafra
jello biafra
In reply to Chris Harris:
Probably Dylan. Not Morrisey, although he could be quite funny. Some of the most powerful are by Ian Curtis - Shadowplay for example.
Probably Dylan. Not Morrisey, although he could be quite funny. Some of the most powerful are by Ian Curtis - Shadowplay for example.
In reply to winhill: permafrost is a killer of a tune! i use it to flush out the anodyne crap that pollutes my ears
In reply to Chris Harris: Obviously Dylan, and about a thousand miles behind Lennon and Mc Cartney, otherwise its one offs,
In reply to Removed User: You are taking the piss I hope, nobody's judgement can be that bad!
In reply to Al Evans: Not that I dont rate Springsteen.
In reply to Chris Harris:
Danbert Nobacon. Check out "The Unfairy Tale" - pure class!
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Basement/8448/dnlunft.html
Seriously though, Tom Waits.
Danbert Nobacon. Check out "The Unfairy Tale" - pure class!
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Basement/8448/dnlunft.html
Seriously though, Tom Waits.
In reply to timinoz:
But Danbert Nobacon wrote Studmarks On The Summits inspired by the Bll Smith book! Respect for that.
http://www.ixlyrics.com/Chumbawamba/Studmarks-On-The-Summits.html
PS Did you know his real name was Nigel?
But Danbert Nobacon wrote Studmarks On The Summits inspired by the Bll Smith book! Respect for that.
http://www.ixlyrics.com/Chumbawamba/Studmarks-On-The-Summits.html
PS Did you know his real name was Nigel?
In reply to winhill: Yep, I gotta give a vote to Magowan, hey you even get the chords here.
One[D] summer evening drunk to hell I[Em] sat there nearly[G] lifeless,
An[D] old man in the corner sang where the[G] water lilies[Em] grow,
And[D] on the juke box Johnny sang[Em] about a thing called[G] love,
And it's[D] how are you[Em] kid,[G]whats your[D] name,
And[G] how would you bloody[Em] know.
[2]
In[D] blood and death 'neath the screaming sky,
I[Em] lay down on the[G] ground,
And the[D] arms and legs of other men,
Were[G] scattered all a[Em]round,
Some[D] cursed some prayed some[G] prayed then [D]cursed,
Then[G] prayed and bled some[Em] more,
And the[D] only thing that[Em] I could[G] see,
Was a[D] pair of brown[Em] eyes that were[G] looking at [D]me,
But when we got[Em] back labelled[G] parts one to[D] three,
There was no[Em] pair of brown eyes[G] lookin at[D] me.
And a rovin'a[Em] rovin'a[G] rovin'I'll[D] go,
For a[G] pair of brown[Em] eyes.
I looked at him he looked at me,all I could do was hate him,
While Ray and Philomena sang of my elusive dreams,
I saw the streams the rolling hils,where his brown eyes were waiting,
And I thought about a pair of brown eyes that waited once for me.
So drunk to hell I left the place sometimes crawling sometimes walking,
A hungry sound came across the breeze so I gave the walls a talking.
And I heard the sound of long ago,from the old canal,
And the birds were whistling in the trees,
Where the wind was gently laughing.
And[D] a rovin,a[Em] rovin a[G] rovin I'll[D] go for a[G] pair of brown[D] eyes,
For a[G] pair of brown[D] eyes.
One[D] summer evening drunk to hell I[Em] sat there nearly[G] lifeless,
An[D] old man in the corner sang where the[G] water lilies[Em] grow,
And[D] on the juke box Johnny sang[Em] about a thing called[G] love,
And it's[D] how are you[Em] kid,[G]whats your[D] name,
And[G] how would you bloody[Em] know.
[2]
In[D] blood and death 'neath the screaming sky,
I[Em] lay down on the[G] ground,
And the[D] arms and legs of other men,
Were[G] scattered all a[Em]round,
Some[D] cursed some prayed some[G] prayed then [D]cursed,
Then[G] prayed and bled some[Em] more,
And the[D] only thing that[Em] I could[G] see,
Was a[D] pair of brown[Em] eyes that were[G] looking at [D]me,
But when we got[Em] back labelled[G] parts one to[D] three,
There was no[Em] pair of brown eyes[G] lookin at[D] me.
And a rovin'a[Em] rovin'a[G] rovin'I'll[D] go,
For a[G] pair of brown[Em] eyes.
I looked at him he looked at me,all I could do was hate him,
While Ray and Philomena sang of my elusive dreams,
I saw the streams the rolling hils,where his brown eyes were waiting,
And I thought about a pair of brown eyes that waited once for me.
So drunk to hell I left the place sometimes crawling sometimes walking,
A hungry sound came across the breeze so I gave the walls a talking.
And I heard the sound of long ago,from the old canal,
And the birds were whistling in the trees,
Where the wind was gently laughing.
And[D] a rovin,a[Em] rovin a[G] rovin I'll[D] go for a[G] pair of brown[D] eyes,
For a[G] pair of brown[D] eyes.
In reply to Chris Harris: Matt Johnson of The The fame.
In reply to Chris Harris:
Zappa
Jello Biafra
Tom Waits
Leonard Cohen
Robin Williamson
Ian Dury
Shane MacGowan
Jaques Brel
Zappa
Jello Biafra
Tom Waits
Leonard Cohen
Robin Williamson
Ian Dury
Shane MacGowan
Jaques Brel
In reply to Removed User: A good list, but you missed the master, Bob Dylan.
In reply to winhill:
Nice song - quite apt for here.
Yes I did know he's a Nigel - Danbert is better though
Nice song - quite apt for here.
Yes I did know he's a Nigel - Danbert is better though
In reply to Laubie:
If those actually were the lyrics I would have to say they would be the worst lyrcis I had ever heard...
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground. What have we found?
The same old fears,
Wish you were here.
Andy
> "Were just two lost soules swiming in a fishbowl, year after year. Running over the same old ground and how we found the same of fish, Wish you were here!"
If those actually were the lyrics I would have to say they would be the worst lyrcis I had ever heard...
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground. What have we found?
The same old fears,
Wish you were here.
Andy
In reply to Chris Harris:
Ok a fairly definitive list for me would be:
Roger Waters
Paul Simon
Bob Dylan
Shane McGowan
David Byrne
Thom Yorke
Andy
Ok a fairly definitive list for me would be:
Roger Waters
Paul Simon
Bob Dylan
Shane McGowan
David Byrne
Thom Yorke
Andy
In reply to Mac Ghille Aindrais:
I thought 'and how we found the same of fish' was a masterful improvement.
> If those actually were the lyrics I would have to say they would be the worst lyrcis I had ever heard...
I thought 'and how we found the same of fish' was a masterful improvement.
In reply to Chris Harris: Dave Matthews writes great lyrics (especially the earlier stuff) if you excuse all the songs about screwing.
Ants Marching
Warehouse
What Would You Say
Jimi Thing
Ants Marching
Warehouse
What Would You Say
Jimi Thing
In reply to Chris Harris: Is Richard Thompson in the list yet, Not only an excellent songwriter, he's also interested in songwriting in the historical context - did a performance of something like 1000 years of songwriting, starting with folk ballads and finishing with Brittany Spears
In reply to toadwork:
When was this? I'd love to have seen that. RT is a fantastic songwriter and performer.
I am not sure about 'best lyrics ever' (or whether anyone's already mentioned her) but Tori Amos writes some very interesting and thought provoking stuff...
> .... did a performance of something like 1000 years of songwriting, starting with folk ballads and finishing with Brittany Spears
When was this? I'd love to have seen that. RT is a fantastic songwriter and performer.
I am not sure about 'best lyrics ever' (or whether anyone's already mentioned her) but Tori Amos writes some very interesting and thought provoking stuff...
In reply to TN: have a look at this
http://www.richardthompson-music.com/catch_of_the_day.asp?id=305
http://www.richardthompson-music.com/catch_of_the_day.asp?id=305
In reply to Chris Harris:
How can anyone put Dylan in a 'list' with others!
How can anyone put Dylan in a 'list' with others!
In reply to Al Evans:
A challenge then Al. Springsteen vs Dylan in 'top trumps' style. I'll go first.
'there's a hot sun beating on a black top, she keeps talking she'll be walking that last block, and she can take the subway back to the gheto tonight.
> (In reply to Bobt) You are taking the piss I hope, nobody's judgement can be that bad!
A challenge then Al. Springsteen vs Dylan in 'top trumps' style. I'll go first.
'there's a hot sun beating on a black top, she keeps talking she'll be walking that last block, and she can take the subway back to the gheto tonight.
In reply to toadwork:
Also very adept at songwriting as story-telling (eg: Beeswing, Vincent Black Lightning 1952) which I've always liked.
Will give an honourable mention for 'Bang on The Ear' by the Waterboys on the same grounds.
> Not only an excellent songwriter, he's also interested in songwriting in the historical context
Also very adept at songwriting as story-telling (eg: Beeswing, Vincent Black Lightning 1952) which I've always liked.
Will give an honourable mention for 'Bang on The Ear' by the Waterboys on the same grounds.
In reply to Enoch Root:
Vincent Black Lightning is one of my favourite RT songs. Gives me goosebumps without fail every time I listen to it...
Vincent Black Lightning is one of my favourite RT songs. Gives me goosebumps without fail every time I listen to it...
Presumably, as no one has mentioned him yet, the question was supposed to read: 'Best lyricist other than Warren Zevon'. This sardonic king of rock noir, the progenitor of the sublimely daft 'Werewolves of London', is also believed to be the only person ever to use the word 'brucellosis' in a rock song. Sadly he's now dead. But not from brucellosis, I hasten to add.
In reply to Chris Harris: thom yorke, kurt cobain, roger waters.
Oh and of course, if the question truly is: 'The greatest lyricist other than Warren Zevon' the answer - how could anyone argue - is undoubtedly Richard Thompson. Yes TN, the lyrics to 52 Vincent Black Lightning are great - and what about that unbelievable guitar playing?
In reply to The Great Valerio:
Hmmm, whilst I have a very soft spot for RT and his amazing writing skills, I wouldn't say he's an outstanding guitarist. He's good, but not unbelievable. Sorry...
Hmmm, whilst I have a very soft spot for RT and his amazing writing skills, I wouldn't say he's an outstanding guitarist. He's good, but not unbelievable. Sorry...
In reply to The Great Valerio: take it your username is a reference to RT?
PS I've always liked Play it all night long and Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner
PS I've always liked Play it all night long and Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner
In reply to The Great Valerio: Billy Bragg, Shane McGowan,Leonard Cohen, Morrisey, Marshall Mathers.
In reply to The Pylon King: Define BEST?
How do you measure the greatness of one lyric with another?
Btw, its me, im the best. end of story.
thanks, goodnight.
How do you measure the greatness of one lyric with another?
Btw, its me, im the best. end of story.
thanks, goodnight.
In reply to Chris Harris:
Would agree with Dylan, Waits and McGowan and would add Blake Schwarzenbach (Jawbreaker) and Adam Stephens (Two Gallants). Sure there are more but can't think of them right now.
Would agree with Dylan, Waits and McGowan and would add Blake Schwarzenbach (Jawbreaker) and Adam Stephens (Two Gallants). Sure there are more but can't think of them right now.
In reply to Mac Ghille Aindrais: I like your list.
In reply to Removed User:
> (In reply to Removed UserAl Evans)
> [...]
>
>
> A challenge then Al. Springsteen vs Dylan in 'top trumps' style. I'll go first.
>
> 'there's a hot sun beating on a black top, she keeps talking she'll be walking that last block, and she can take the subway back to the gheto tonight.
Its not even worthy of an answer. 2 million lines from Dylan could piss on it,
> [...]
>
>
> A challenge then Al. Springsteen vs Dylan in 'top trumps' style. I'll go first.
>
> 'there's a hot sun beating on a black top, she keeps talking she'll be walking that last block, and she can take the subway back to the gheto tonight.
In reply to Al Evans: Incidently, this is one that Springsteen rates so highly that he has featured it in his own work
Far between sundown's finish an' midnight's broken toll
We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing
As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds
Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing
Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
An' for each an' ev'ry underdog soldier in the night
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
In the city's melted furnace, unexpectedly we watched
With faces hidden while the walls were tightening
As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin' rain
Dissolved into the bells of the lightning
Tolling for the rebel, tolling for the rake
Tolling for the luckless, the abandoned an' forsaked
Tolling for the outcast, burnin' constantly at stake
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail
The sky cracked its poems in naked wonder
That the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze
Leaving only bells of lightning and its thunder
Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind
Striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind
An' the unpawned painter behind beyond his rightful time
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Through the wild cathedral evening the rain unraveled tales
For the disrobed faceless forms of no position
Tolling for the tongues with no place to bring their thoughts
All down in taken-for-granted situations
Tolling for the deaf an' blind, tolling for the mute
Tolling for the mistreated, mateless mother, the mistitled prostitute
For the misdemeanor outlaw, chased an' cheated by pursuit
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Even though a cloud's white curtain in a far-off corner flashed
An' the hypnotic splattered mist was slowly lifting
Electric light still struck like arrows, fired but for the ones
Condemned to drift or else be kept from drifting
Tolling for the searching ones, on their speechless, seeking trail
For the lonesome-hearted lovers with too personal a tale
An' for each unharmful, gentle soul misplaced inside a jail
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Starry-eyed an' laughing as I recall when we were caught
Trapped by no track of hours for they hanged suspended
As we listened one last time an' we watched with one last look
Spellbound an' swallowed 'til the tolling ended
Tolling for the aching ones whose wounds cannot be nursed
For the countless confused, accused, misused, strung-out ones an' worse
An' for every hung-up person in the whole wide universe
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Far between sundown's finish an' midnight's broken toll
We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing
As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds
Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing
Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
An' for each an' ev'ry underdog soldier in the night
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
In the city's melted furnace, unexpectedly we watched
With faces hidden while the walls were tightening
As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin' rain
Dissolved into the bells of the lightning
Tolling for the rebel, tolling for the rake
Tolling for the luckless, the abandoned an' forsaked
Tolling for the outcast, burnin' constantly at stake
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail
The sky cracked its poems in naked wonder
That the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze
Leaving only bells of lightning and its thunder
Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind
Striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind
An' the unpawned painter behind beyond his rightful time
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Through the wild cathedral evening the rain unraveled tales
For the disrobed faceless forms of no position
Tolling for the tongues with no place to bring their thoughts
All down in taken-for-granted situations
Tolling for the deaf an' blind, tolling for the mute
Tolling for the mistreated, mateless mother, the mistitled prostitute
For the misdemeanor outlaw, chased an' cheated by pursuit
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Even though a cloud's white curtain in a far-off corner flashed
An' the hypnotic splattered mist was slowly lifting
Electric light still struck like arrows, fired but for the ones
Condemned to drift or else be kept from drifting
Tolling for the searching ones, on their speechless, seeking trail
For the lonesome-hearted lovers with too personal a tale
An' for each unharmful, gentle soul misplaced inside a jail
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Starry-eyed an' laughing as I recall when we were caught
Trapped by no track of hours for they hanged suspended
As we listened one last time an' we watched with one last look
Spellbound an' swallowed 'til the tolling ended
Tolling for the aching ones whose wounds cannot be nursed
For the countless confused, accused, misused, strung-out ones an' worse
An' for every hung-up person in the whole wide universe
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
In reply to Chris Harris: Matt Johnson. Beneath the old iron bridges, across the Victorian parks
And all the frightened people running home before dark
Past the Saturday morning cinema
That lies crumbling to the ground
And the piss stinking shopping centre in the new side of town
I've come to smell the seasons change and watch the city
As the sun goes down again
Here comes another winter
Of long shadows and high hopes
Here comes another winter
Waitin' for utopia
Waitin' for hell to freeze over
This is the land where nothing changes
The land of red buses and blue blooded babies
This is the place where pensioners are raped
And the hearts are being cut from the welfare state
Let the poor drink the milk while the rich eat the honey
Let the bums count their blessings while they count the money
So many people can't express what's on their minds
Nobody knows them, nobody ever will
Until their backs are broken, their dreams are stolen
And they can't get what they want, then they're gonna get angry!
Well it ain't written in the papers but its written on the walls
The way this country is divided to fall
So the cranes are moving on the skyline
Trying to knock down this town
But the stains on the heartland can never be removed
from this country that's sick, sad and confused
Here comes another winter
Of long shadows and high hopes
Here comes another winter
Waitin' for utopia
Waitin' for hell to freeze over
The ammunition's being passed and the Lord's been praised
But the wars on the televisions will never be explained
All the bankers gettin' sweaty beneath their white collars
As the pound in our pocket turns into a dollar
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S. of A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state
State
State
State
State
State
And all the frightened people running home before dark
Past the Saturday morning cinema
That lies crumbling to the ground
And the piss stinking shopping centre in the new side of town
I've come to smell the seasons change and watch the city
As the sun goes down again
Here comes another winter
Of long shadows and high hopes
Here comes another winter
Waitin' for utopia
Waitin' for hell to freeze over
This is the land where nothing changes
The land of red buses and blue blooded babies
This is the place where pensioners are raped
And the hearts are being cut from the welfare state
Let the poor drink the milk while the rich eat the honey
Let the bums count their blessings while they count the money
So many people can't express what's on their minds
Nobody knows them, nobody ever will
Until their backs are broken, their dreams are stolen
And they can't get what they want, then they're gonna get angry!
Well it ain't written in the papers but its written on the walls
The way this country is divided to fall
So the cranes are moving on the skyline
Trying to knock down this town
But the stains on the heartland can never be removed
from this country that's sick, sad and confused
Here comes another winter
Of long shadows and high hopes
Here comes another winter
Waitin' for utopia
Waitin' for hell to freeze over
The ammunition's being passed and the Lord's been praised
But the wars on the televisions will never be explained
All the bankers gettin' sweaty beneath their white collars
As the pound in our pocket turns into a dollar
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S. of A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state - of the U.S.A.
This is the 51st state
State
State
State
State
State
In reply to Al Evans:
You've not played top trumps before? You don't play your top card early in the game.
> (In reply to Bobt)
> [...]
> Its not even worthy of an answer. 2 million lines from Dylan could piss on it,
> [...]
> Its not even worthy of an answer. 2 million lines from Dylan could piss on it,
You've not played top trumps before? You don't play your top card early in the game.
In reply to Removed User: No, not played before, but who says thats my top card?
In reply to toad:
Ahah,so you spotted the RT link in my username! And you got the brucellosis reference as well. Nice to know there's such discernment on this forum. Morissey indeed! Pah! Self pitying whinger.
'Play it all night long' is one of my favourite WZ tracks as well. Saw him a couple of years ago at the Shepherds Bush Empire and he performed 'Play it all night long', a great piss take of country rock: 'Sweet Home Alabama/ Play that dead band's song/ Turn the music up full blast/ Play it all night long.' A nice reference to the Neil Young/Lynryd Skynryd feud.
Cheers Toad!
Ahah,so you spotted the RT link in my username! And you got the brucellosis reference as well. Nice to know there's such discernment on this forum. Morissey indeed! Pah! Self pitying whinger.
'Play it all night long' is one of my favourite WZ tracks as well. Saw him a couple of years ago at the Shepherds Bush Empire and he performed 'Play it all night long', a great piss take of country rock: 'Sweet Home Alabama/ Play that dead band's song/ Turn the music up full blast/ Play it all night long.' A nice reference to the Neil Young/Lynryd Skynryd feud.
Cheers Toad!
In reply to TN:
Oh but he is! Get the 'Richard Thompson Live at Providence DVD' if you don't believe me.
> (In reply to The Great Valerio)
>
> Hmmm, whilst I have a very soft spot for RT and his amazing writing skills, I wouldn't say he's an outstanding guitarist. He's good, but not unbelievable. Sorry...
>
> Hmmm, whilst I have a very soft spot for RT and his amazing writing skills, I wouldn't say he's an outstanding guitarist. He's good, but not unbelievable. Sorry...
Oh but he is! Get the 'Richard Thompson Live at Providence DVD' if you don't believe me.
In reply to Removed User: Why?
My second card
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
"Rip down all hate," I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Girls' faces formed the forward path
From phony jealousy
To memorizing politics
Of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists
Unthought of, though, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
A self-ordained professor's tongue
Too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty
Is just equality in school
"Equality," I spoke the word
As if a wedding vow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My pathway led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
My second card
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
"Rip down all hate," I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Girls' faces formed the forward path
From phony jealousy
To memorizing politics
Of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists
Unthought of, though, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
A self-ordained professor's tongue
Too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty
Is just equality in school
"Equality," I spoke the word
As if a wedding vow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My pathway led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
In reply to Al Evans:
So we don't hi-jack this one. And you can't play your second card yet and you don't get to put up whole songs.
> (In reply to Bobt) Why?
So we don't hi-jack this one. And you can't play your second card yet and you don't get to put up whole songs.
In reply to Removed User: I dont understand?
In reply to Removed User: From Bob's second album, was it '63 or '64 Al? As a mere youngster he can come up with this:
Down the street the dogs are barkin'
And the day is a-gettin' dark.
As the night comes in a-fallin',
The dogs 'll lose their bark.
An' the silent night will shatter
From the sounds inside my mind,
For I'm one too many mornings
And a thousand miles behind.
From the crossroads of my doorstep,
My eyes they start to fade,
As I turn my head back to the room
Where my love and I have laid.
An' I gaze back to the street,
The sidewalk and the sign,
And I'm one too many mornings
An' a thousand miles behind.
It's a restless hungry feeling
That don't mean no one no good,
When ev'rything I'm a-sayin'
You can say it just as good.
You're right from your side,
I'm right from mine.
We're both just too many mornings
An' a thousand miles behind.
Down the street the dogs are barkin'
And the day is a-gettin' dark.
As the night comes in a-fallin',
The dogs 'll lose their bark.
An' the silent night will shatter
From the sounds inside my mind,
For I'm one too many mornings
And a thousand miles behind.
From the crossroads of my doorstep,
My eyes they start to fade,
As I turn my head back to the room
Where my love and I have laid.
An' I gaze back to the street,
The sidewalk and the sign,
And I'm one too many mornings
An' a thousand miles behind.
It's a restless hungry feeling
That don't mean no one no good,
When ev'rything I'm a-sayin'
You can say it just as good.
You're right from your side,
I'm right from mine.
We're both just too many mornings
An' a thousand miles behind.
In reply to Removed User: Its interesting to see so many of the ol dinosaurs quoted in this thread, old classics are fine, but theres more to good words than Dylan or Springsteen and all those guys..
There are some damn fine lyricists around at the moment, lurking in the shadows of the mainstream.
Most of which will never see the light of day because we live in a country where 90% of the public are satisfied by buying musically and lyrically retarded works by careerist 'popstars'.
Its not good, the future is dim.Its brave new world style factory churned demographed to f*ck souless vile sh*t.
Dont talk to me about X factor, especially when I have an ice axe in my hand..
Did I mention I got shafted by a major record label?
me? Im not bitter, no, honest guv!
btw.I would never say anything derogatory about Dylan and Springsteen.
They are up there with my all time great songwriters.
Just think there are younger dudes doing just as good stuff but will never be noticed because of the current musical climate
maybe myspace and the internet will change things for the better.
rant over.
There are some damn fine lyricists around at the moment, lurking in the shadows of the mainstream.
Most of which will never see the light of day because we live in a country where 90% of the public are satisfied by buying musically and lyrically retarded works by careerist 'popstars'.
Its not good, the future is dim.Its brave new world style factory churned demographed to f*ck souless vile sh*t.
Dont talk to me about X factor, especially when I have an ice axe in my hand..
Did I mention I got shafted by a major record label?
me? Im not bitter, no, honest guv!
btw.I would never say anything derogatory about Dylan and Springsteen.
They are up there with my all time great songwriters.
Just think there are younger dudes doing just as good stuff but will never be noticed because of the current musical climate
maybe myspace and the internet will change things for the better.
rant over.
In reply to Chris Harris:
Mark E Smith
Hank Starrs out of Animals That Swim
Honorary mentions: Bill Callaghan and Mozzer
Mark E Smith
Hank Starrs out of Animals That Swim
Honorary mentions: Bill Callaghan and Mozzer
In reply to The Great Valerio:
I've seen him a few times and he's bloody marvellous, but I stand by my opinion that he's not unbelievable as a guitarist.
I've seen him a few times and he's bloody marvellous, but I stand by my opinion that he's not unbelievable as a guitarist.
In reply to Chris Harris:
Here's a MODERN sugestion guaranteed to get me flamed-
Artic Monkeys.
Davie
PS I do like Dylan and the Smiths too.
Here's a MODERN sugestion guaranteed to get me flamed-
Artic Monkeys.
Davie
PS I do like Dylan and the Smiths too.
In reply to TN:
Who would you have up there on your Greatest Guitarist pedestal? (or is that another thread?)
> (In reply to The Great Valerio)
>
> I've seen him a few times and he's bloody marvellous, but I stand by my opinion that he's not unbelievable as a guitarist.
>
> I've seen him a few times and he's bloody marvellous, but I stand by my opinion that he's not unbelievable as a guitarist.
Who would you have up there on your Greatest Guitarist pedestal? (or is that another thread?)
In reply to The Great Valerio:
Dunno, let me think about it...
(Don't get me wrong, I am not saying he isn't good or impressive etc - any man who can break a string, restring and continue singing unaccompanied at the same time, without 'breaking step' has to be pretty good at his job!!)
(I think there HAS been a 'Greatest guitarist' thread fairly recently, actually.)
Dunno, let me think about it...
(Don't get me wrong, I am not saying he isn't good or impressive etc - any man who can break a string, restring and continue singing unaccompanied at the same time, without 'breaking step' has to be pretty good at his job!!)
(I think there HAS been a 'Greatest guitarist' thread fairly recently, actually.)
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