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Vonnie (vonnie)
5-Doyen
Username: vonnie
Post Number: 250
Registered: 3-2004
Posted From: 205.188.116.139
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 11:41 am: �� |   ��� |
SDF, came up with a great idea for this thread. We all have different understanding of certain songs, and what is the intent the writer is trying to convey. I will start with a few that I can think of at this moment. Please give your take on what you think the writer is trying to convey.
Papa Was A Rolling Stone
Still Water Runs Deep
You Never Miss The Water Till The Well Runs Dry
HandyMan
Rock & Roll Baby
YMCA
(Message edited by Vonnie on August 11, 2004) |
SDF (handsome)
5-Doyen
Username: handsome
Post Number: 409
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 170.118.158.14
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 12:13 pm: �� | ��� |
My take on:
Papa Was A Rolling Stone:
Papa was a ho and had kids all over the place (excuse my vernacular).
You'll Never miss The Water:You never miss and appreciate a good thing or person until it's gone.
Here's a song to add to Vonnie's list:
What is "Theme from the Valley of Dolls" all about?
Handsome |
Soul Sister (soul_sister)
6-Zenith
Username: soul_sister
Post Number: 1200
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 65.43.165.74
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 12:15 pm: �� | ��� |
Hey Girlfiend!
Here's my take, the "short" version (ya know I'm busy) :
"Papa"-Meaning he was a man about town, ladies man, & negligent of his family just like Jimmy's daddy was!
"Still Waters"-meaning depth in heart, soul, & mind, a deep thinker and a deep feeler!
"You'll Never Miss"-Until you lose your good thing! You don't know how much you'll miss the one you love until it's too late and they are gone. How sad...
"Handy Man"- Lover who fixes broken hearts!
"Rock & Roll Baby"-Hmmmm...that's what Jimmy teasingly calls me, though I keep tlling him it's R&B/Soul Music I dig, it's still all the same to his Jazz ears, lol!
Someone who loves that music, or, could be the baby that R&B gave birth to!!
YMCA-Freedom of choice & lifestyle.
Catch ya' later,
SoulSis J. |
Soul Sister (soul_sister)
6-Zenith
Username: soul_sister
Post Number: 1201
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 65.43.165.74
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 12:25 pm: �� | ��� |
HERE'S A VERY DEEP SONG THAT CAN BE INTERPETED MANY WAYS: "Motherless Child".
Here's my short take on it:
1. Like Jimmy, who's mother died when he was a young boy and thrown in a detention home with both his heart & world shattered, I can only imagine the misery he felt as a motherless child!
2. Being out in the cold cruel world of rude awaking as I was in the 1960's through pain, heartache, & struggle sometimes it felt like I was a whole lifetime away from my roots & upbringing, knowing with my head so full of stuff I could never really go home again, hense at many times I felt like a motherless child, lost & alone where no one could ever understand me because I truly lived between two worlds.
WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON THAT HAUNTING TRADITIONAL SPIRITUAL?
S.S. |
roger (roger)
4-Laureate
Username: roger
Post Number: 164
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.35.87.17
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 12:36 pm: �� | ��� |
Vonnie.
I think that Soul Sister's explainations are quite correct.
Are you familiar with the expression "A Rolling Stone gathers no moss" in the States .. meaning that someone who moves around all the time will never manage to aquire money or possessions? I remember that when THE ROLLING STONES were huge in England in the mid 60's they were frequently described as the people who proved that Rolling Stones DO gather moss!!
Incidentally, there is a line in "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", that goes "And when he left, all he left us was alone" ( i.e. they were on their own ), Or could it have been "When he left, all he left us was a loan" ( i.e. he left them with all his debts to pay off!! ).
I've wondered about that for years!!
Here's another one in a similar vein to add to your list :- "I'm a Roadrunner", I don't think JUNIOR WALKER thought he was a bird when he sang that!!
Roger |
SDF (handsome)
5-Doyen
Username: handsome
Post Number: 410
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 170.118.158.14
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 12:55 pm: �� | ��� |
Roger, I didn't consider that take on "Papa".
Thanks for the insight.
Handsome |
Gary (gary)
4-Laureate
Username: gary
Post Number: 116
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 172.200.209.125
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 1:12 pm: �� | ��� |
Roger...Papa left us alone, and that's all he left us. At least, that's the way I always interpreted that lyric.
Junior "Don't want no woman to tie me down, got to be free, baby, like the road-runnah". He wants to be free to come and go as he pleases. The opening line of the song says it all:
"Money? Who needs it?
Let me live my life free and easy
Put a toothbrush in my hand
And let me be a travelin' man"
He goes on to talk about not staying in one place too long and warns the women that they can love him if they want to, but he's likely to be gone at a moment's notice. Junior, Junior, Junior that's sho nuff cold, bruh. |
Chi Drummer (chidrummer)
4-Laureate
Username: chidrummer
Post Number: 90
Registered: 5-2004
Posted From: 24.15.230.119
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 3:01 pm: �� | ��� |
Papa was a Rolling Stone is about Brian Jones...
Seriously, Papa is about a boy confronting his mother about the reputation his father has on the streets. The boy never knew his dad because his dad never lived with him. On the street his father was known as a drifter and a scam artist.
The boy finds out all this stuff because people are talking about his father just after his death. The boy asks his mother to tell him if what he's been hearing is true. His mother confirms the word on the street while adding that now that he's died, "all he left us was alone." Cool arrangement, great tech/sound, haunting lyrics, a classic. Wish I could write something this good. |
Kdubya (paladin)
5-Doyen
Username: paladin
Post Number: 175
Registered: 5-2004
Posted From: 206.185.64.23
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 4:13 pm: �� | ��� |
Heres one for ya'll : what the hell did Elton John mean by his classic :
Bennie & The Jets......?????? you folks in the UK are welcome to explain this one !!!!!!!!!! |
Phil (phil)
4-Laureate
Username: phil
Post Number: 132
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 213.36.162.134
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 5:35 pm: �� | ��� |
Roger, I didn't know that we had exactly the same expression : "A rolling stone gathers no moss", in french "Pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse". But which coutry did create it ??? :o) |
Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20
Post Number: 1828
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 24.46.184.162
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 6:16 pm: �� | ��� |
This is a good thread. Vonnie, I'll tackle "Still Water (Love).
This song is very similar to me in meaning as "Not On The Outside" by The Moments. I can relate to Still Waters on a very personal level.
I'm usually a laid back person. I usually have certain emotions in check. For example, if I'm paid a compliment, I have the habit of deflecting it a bit. That's my way of not letting things go to my head.
I've found that when people do things for you, they expect you to respond in a set way. If you don't respond in the manner that they expect, they feel that you don't care. I used to encounter that with my wife from time to time. Here's an example:
Now, I knew her since we were 19 & I've always been pretty much the same way...laid back & not overly excitable. Anyway, one year, she got me something for my birthday. I smiled, said thank you, gave her a hug & a kiss & told her that the gift was really nice. She looked at me & said "You're so laid back." I asked her what that was supposed to mean & she replied that I didn't act excited. I asked what was I supposed to do, turn a cartwheel? I've never really been the type to jump up & down & scream "Whoopie". However, SHE was that was & I guess that it puzzled her that I wasn't the same way.
I can especially understand the lines: "If I don't brag, if I don't brag or boast. Click a glass & say a toast. About my love for you. How it runs so deep & true. And yet it's so. Cause don't you know? Still Waters Run Deep". Those are very true & profound words.
How many times have you seen or heard or people that are always running around bragging about how wonderful their life is, or, run around lavishing their partner with gifts & things like that. Yet, later it comes to light that nothing was really as wonderful as it seemed to be? How about the man who professes his undying love to his woman, while beating her brains out 5 minutes later?
I'm the kind of person who shows love, I'm a kisser, I'm a hugger & Lord knows what else. However, my personality is not that of a person who's going to rave on about some things. I believe that actions speak louder than words. For me, there's more to love than just saying I love you. I feel that love is to be revealed in many ways, jumping up & down & acting excited all of the time is simply not an accurate gauge of love. For me, the overall picture is what counts.
Basically, that's what Levi seems to be saying. I interpret his words to mean: "Listen sweetheart, I'm with you. I do what I'm supposed to do & I'm where I'm supposed to be. Just because I am a little quiet & I may be a little reserved & calm, it doesn't mean that I don't love you. You know that I love you with all of my heart, so why are you buggin'?"
Too often, we expect people to behave as we might, or, we try to anticipate their response. If they don't respond as we expected them to, we begin to doubt & question. Even if that's the way that the person has always been, it's as though we expect them to change to fit our perception of how they should act & respond to things.
What many forget is that love reveals itself in many ways. I think that it's wise to recognize love for what it truly is, not for what we'd like for it to be. Everyone has different ways of expressing their love. Some people simply are not the type of people who will propose on a billboard in Times Square, or on the Rikki Lake Show.
I'll put it like this: Every "I love you" is not said in sincerity & every flower given is not given out of love. Sometimes, there are ulterior motives lurking close by. |
Eli (phillysoulman)
6-Zenith
Username: phillysoulman
Post Number: 1246
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.236.25.216
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 6:19 pm: �� | ��� |
I believe that it was some sort of mythical group,ie "mohair suits, electric boots, I read it in a magazine" poetic license at its best according to Bernie Taupin. |
johneflat (johneflat)
4-Laureate
Username: johneflat
Post Number: 115
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 205.188.116.139
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 6:29 pm: �� | ��� |
"DOLLS" were a reference to a type of pills taken to achieve alternative states of consciousness. |
SDF (handsome)
6-Zenith
Username: handsome
Post Number: 417
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 170.118.158.14
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 7:37 pm: �� | ��� |
Thanks johneflat.
Handsome |
SDF (handsome)
6-Zenith
Username: handsome
Post Number: 418
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 170.118.158.14
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 7:38 pm: �� | ��� |
Hey Juice!
Are you getting my emails? We have unfinished business!
Handsome |
Mark Speck (mark_speck)
4-Laureate
Username: mark_speck
Post Number: 118
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 4.159.137.239
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 9:04 pm: �� | ��� |
I'll second what Eli said about "Bennie and the Jets"...just a rock and roll tribute in the guise of a song about a mythical band.
Best,
Mark |
Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20
Post Number: 1847
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 24.46.184.162
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 9:17 pm: �� | ��� |
Handsome,
Yes, I got some this morning. I'll be checking it out in a few moments. Oh, yes, I hope to be getting Zoom by next week. Imagine $5.99 + shipping. Man, I'm getting hooked on ebay!! I've won 42 bids since my birthday. I just got my 25th positive feedback note.
THEY LOVE ME, THEY REALLY LOVE ME
(Message edited by juicefree20 on August 11, 2004) |
Nosey (nosey)
5-Doyen
Username: nosey
Post Number: 205
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 152.163.252.200
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 9:27 pm: �� | ��� |
If You Let Me Make Love to You, Then Why Can't I touch You by Ronnie Dyson. Does it mean that they can have sex but she will never let him have her heart? S'plain please. |
Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20
Post Number: 1852
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 24.46.184.162
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 9:41 pm: �� | ��� |
Nosey,
I'd have to check those lyrics again. All I knew is that as a 10 year old, I loved the sound of the record. My little mind absolutely rejected the title. I thought that it was stupid at the time. I have a hunch that you're right though!! |
Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don
Post Number: 600
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.78.24.162
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 10:11 pm: �� | ��� |
JuiceFree 20, "Valley Of The Dolls" is one of those kinds of interspectrum type of songs. It's a
type of a thinking song, you know from the outside
looking in. I took theory in music appreciation. I assume this to be true? Anyone can correct me if I'm wrong.
Don |
Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20
Post Number: 1861
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 24.46.184.162
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 10:26 pm: �� | ��� |
Don,
I think that you are correct. I remember seeing that movie as a child. Poor Neely O'Hara (played by Patty Duke) had some serious issues going on. |
Kdubya (paladin)
5-Doyen
Username: paladin
Post Number: 176
Registered: 5-2004
Posted From: 206.185.64.23
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 9:17 am: �� | ��� |
Thanks, Mr. Eli and Mark....I guess that makes some sense, it was certainly a mystery to me ???? Loved the piano though...... |
SDF (handsome)
6-Zenith
Username: handsome
Post Number: 421
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 170.118.158.14
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 10:31 am: �� | ��� |
Thanks Juice!
Handsome |
Nosey (nosey)
5-Doyen
Username: nosey
Post Number: 247
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 66.153.113.238
| | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 3:28 pm: �� | ��� |
I'm posting this for a friend. She wants to know what does the lyrics mean to the song, "How did I let you get Away by the Spinners. It goes: Like basketball, 5,000 that was all,.............(I don't know the lyrics but I do remember them being convoluted.) |
Kdubya (paladin)
5-Doyen
Username: paladin
Post Number: 216
Registered: 5-2004
Posted From: 206.185.64.23
| | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 3:33 pm: �� | ��� |
He was lamenting the fact that he let his beautiful African Queen get away from him because he was too busy playing games. (great song)
Kdubya |
Eli (phillysoulman)
6-Zenith
Username: phillysoulman
Post Number: 1400
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.163.47.37
| | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 7:11 pm: �� | ��� |
Nosey,
I do remember correctly, Thom Bell loved How Could You....for the very reason that it would make people think and come to their own conclusions as to what the meaning of the song was.
Most of Kind of like Macarthur Park's "someone left the cake out in the rain" section of the song.
Sometimes songs have no particular meaning and are written for "face value" and meant to keep people guessing and having endless debates over their meanings.
Bob Dylans works come to mind.
The Beatles were also notorious for this kind of songwriting and I am certain that musicologists al over the world have tried to decipher the meanings of some of those songs when in reality they were just simple everyday thoughts "For the benefit of Mr Kite" was something they saw on a poster regarding a benefit for a Mr Kite.
Simple, but clever at the same time.
Thats what seperates the song craftsmen from the
"one shots" |
Nosey (nosey)
5-Doyen
Username: nosey
Post Number: 248
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 205.188.116.138
| | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 7:24 pm: �� | ��� |
Thanks Eli, I guess. I knew it was about how someone "got away" but the lyrics just didn't make sense to me. Now I know they weren't supposed to? |
Eli (phillysoulman)
6-Zenith
Username: phillysoulman
Post Number: 1402
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.163.47.37
| | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 7:31 pm: �� | ��� |
Nosey,
If you listen close to the second verse of "Just dont want to be lonely", it is also a bit abstract.
Thom Bell always loved songs that were just a bit different, so Im really surprised that he passed on Sideshow when we presented it for the Stylistics first.
Ill bet that they dont even know that I showed it to Thom first.
(Message edited by phillysoulman on August 23, 2004) |