Musicians who write some deep shitz

Discussion in 'Entertainment' started by Autumn Hazel Rain, Aug 20, 2014.

  1. rainbowt

    rainbowt New Member

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    I wholeheartedly agree with you on Jeff Buckley, but...
    How is it that only one person has mentioned Morrissey of The Smiths?!
    He is an absolute genius!
    Here is an excerpt from one of his many masterpieces, the song Cemetry Gates.

    Here is a rather rough recording of the song!

    A dreaded sunny day
    So I meet you at the cemetry gates
    Keats and Yeats are on your side
    A dreaded sunny day
    So I meet you at the cemetry gates
    Keats and Yeats are on your side
    While Wilde is on mine

    So we go inside and we gravely read the stones
    All those people, all those lives
    Where are they now?
    With loves, and hates
    And passions just like mine
    They were born
    And then they lived
    And then they died
    It seems so unfair
    I want to cry

    You say : "'Ere thrice the sun done salutation to the dawn"
    And you claim these words as your own
    But I've read well, and I've heard them said
    A hundred times (maybe less, maybe more)
    If you must write prose/poems
    The words you use should be your own
    Don't plagiarise or take "on loan"
    'Cause there's always someone, somewhere
    With a big nose, who knows
    And who trips you up and laughs
    When you fall
    Who'll trip you up and laugh
    When you fall

    You say : "'Ere long done do does did"
    Words which could only be your own
    And then produce the text
    From whence was ripped
    (Some dizzy whore, 1804)

    A dreaded sunny day
    So let's go where we're happy
    And I meet you at the cemetry gates
    Oh, Keats and Yeats are on your side
    A dreaded sunny day
    So let's go where we're wanted
    And I meet you at the cemetry gates
    Keats and Yeats are on your side
    But you lose
    'Cause weird lover Wilde is on mine

    Sure!
     
  2. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

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    I'll mention a few rappers as well: Nas, Rakim, KRS-One, Eminem, Biggie, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. Most of these guys were really good back in the 90s.

    Other than that, I have to agree with Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan.
     
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  3. Lemex

    Lemex That's Lord Lemex to you. Contributor

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    Dylan! How could I forget that guy. :O
     
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  4. daemon

    daemon Contributor Contributor

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    Some of Bob Dylan's lyrics are so... shall we say "special" that I have a hard time telling if they are deep shitz or just stylish nonsense. Probably both at the same time. My mortal mind cannot process it.

    But he is the one who gave us this:

    "Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
    They’re drinkin’, thinkin’ that they got it made
    Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts and things
    But you’d better lift your diamond ring, you’d better pawn it babe
    You used to be so amused
    At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
    Go to him now, he calls you, you can’t refuse
    When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose
    You’re invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal

    How does it feel
    How does it feel
    To be on your own
    With no direction home
    Like a complete unknown
    Like a rolling stone?"
    - Like a Rolling Stone

    He also gave us the tearjerking and thought-provoking I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine.
     
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  5. FrodoKreuger

    FrodoKreuger Member

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    Hmmm... Now, does "profound" mean philosophical, dark or social commentary? Can it be any one of them or does it have to have elements of all three? Any of them can make you think, but which would you count as "profound." I'll offer a few here:

    Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats frequently did songs that were social commentary. One of their more famous, outside the USA, concerns a school shooting in the USA many years ago. The shooting was by a young girl who, when asked why she did it, answered with the words BTR took fort he title of their song: "I Don't Like Mondays." Needless to say, this did not get much airplay in the USA.

    The silicon chip inside her head
    Gets switched to overload.
    And nobody's gonna go to school today,
    She's going to make them stay at home.
    And daddy doesn't understand it,
    He always said she was as good as gold.
    And he can see no reasons
    'Cause there are no reasons
    What reason do you need to be shown?

    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    I want to shoot
    The whole day down.

    The telex machine is kept so clean
    As it types to a waiting world.
    And mother feels so shocked,
    Father's world is rocked,
    And their thoughts turn to
    Their own little girl.
    Sweet 16 ain't so peachy keen,
    No, it ain't so neat to admit defeat.
    They can see no reasons
    'Cause there are no reasons
    What reason do you need?

    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    I want to shoot
    The whole day down, down, down.
    Shoot it all down

    All the playing's stopped in the playground now
    She wants to play with her toys a while.
    And school's out early and soon we'll be learning
    And the lesson today is how to die.
    And then the bullhorn crackles,
    And the captain crackles,
    With the problems and the how's and why's.
    And he can see no reasons
    'Cause there are no reasons
    What reason do you need to die?

    The silicon chip inside her head
    Gets switched to overload.
    And nobody's gonna go to school today,
    She's going to make them stay at home.
    And daddy doesn't understand it,
    He always said she was as good as gold.
    And he can see no reasons
    'Cause there are no reasons
    What reason do you need to be shown?

    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    Tell me why?
    I don't like, I don't like
    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    Tell me why?
    I don't like, I don't like
    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    Tell me why?
    I don't like Mondays.
    I wanna shoot,
    The whole day down.


    Alice Cooper is best known for makeup and horror rock and glam rock, but his lyrics are incredibly versatile, covering so many topics from the merely fun to the deep. One that I've seen cause a lot of misunderstanding and even anger is his ANTI-child abuse song, "Dead Babies." It is sung from the point of view of the abusive, neglectful parents and if you don't get that the attitudes that are being displayed are critical of people who can do such things then you'll likely be angry at Alice. In truth, you need to be angry at the abusers.

    Little Betty ate a pound of aspirin
    She got them from the shelf upon the wall
    Betty's mommy wasn't there to save her
    She didn't hear her little baby call

    Dead babies can't take care of themselves
    Dead babies can't take things off the shelf
    Well, we didn't want you anyway
    La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

    Daddy is an agrophile in Texas
    Mommy's on the bar 'most every night
    Little Betty's sleeping in the graveyard
    Living there in burgundy and white

    Dead babies can't take care of themselves
    Dead babies can't take things off the shelf
    Well, we didn't love you anyway
    La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

    Goodbye, little Betty
    Goodbye, little Betty
    So long, little Betty
    So long, little Betty
    Betty, so long

    Dead babies can't take care of themselves
    Dead babies can't take things off the shelf
    Well, we didn't need you anyway
    La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

    Goodbye, little Betty

    {Order in the court
    Order in this court room
    Order, outside the court
    Order in the court, sitback}


    Momus is an artiste who sings a lot of sexual and violent songs, mostly to challenge the listener. He has a good wit and a strong ability to critique the status quo, taboos and so on. One of his songs deals with assumptions and how they can bite you in the arse - specifically, the assumption that an "effiminite" man is gay and worthy of scorn. Note that the last choruses of "The Homosexual" are overlayed with the sounds of a woman having an orgasm. This is more of a fun song than the others here, but still makes an excellent point.

    I love women but I'm thinking of giving in
    I love women but what's the point of arguing
    With the men from boarding schools and building sites
    Who've told me I'm a homosexual all my life

    One stop past Embankment and the coughs begin
    Hell hath no fury like an insecure Englishman
    You don't need psychoanalysts to translate this
    'There is an open homosexual in our midst'

    'The Homosexual' they call me
    It's all the same to me
    That spectre they projected I will now pretend to be
    Since their neurosis is what passes for normality
    It's okay with me if I'm queer
    Since their tone-deafness is called the love of music
    I won't disabuse them
    I'll make love with their women
    I'll make them sing notes of pleasure
    Their husbands will never hear

    I love women but I take them by surprise
    Pretending absolute indifference to their breasts and thighs
    Like their hairdressers and dressmakers I hear confessionals
    Reserved for homosexual professionals

    As I put their feet in stirrups with my limp wrist
    (A trick I learned from a homosexual gynaecologist)
    I recall the words my first girlfriend ended our first date with
    "I feel privileged you chose me to go straight with"

    'The Homosexual' they call me
    It's all the same to me
    That spectre they projected I will now pretend to be
    Since their neurosis is what passes for normality
    It's okay with me if I'm queer
    Since their tone-deafness is called the love of music
    I won't disabuse them
    I'll make love with their women
    I'll make them sing notes of pleasure
    Their husbands will never hear

    You who called me shirt-lifter in Chemistry class
    You who sniggered "look out for your arse"
    Now your women wash your shirts, now your kids are born, baby, look out for your horns

    You who called me teapot, who plagued me with your bile
    Guess who I've got coming to the boil
    Why not grab the nettle I'll settle for being the kettle if you're the pot
    I take my tea like my revenge: sweet and hot

    'The Homosexual' they call me
    It's all the same to me
    That spectre they projected I will now pretend to be
    Since their neurosis is what passes for normality
    It's okay with me if I'm queer
    Since their tone-deafness is called the love of music
    I won't disabuse them
    I'll make love with their women
    I'll make them sing notes of pleasure
    Their husbands will never hear

    'The Homosexual' you call me
    It's all the same to me
    That spectre you projected I will now pretend to be
    Since your neurosis is what passes for normality
    It's okay with me if I'm queer
    Since your tone-deafness is called the love of music
    I won't disabuse you
    I'll make love with your women
    I'll make them sing notes of pleasure
    That you will never hear
    Never in a million years
    No fucking fear


    Madness are another British group, noted mostly for light-hearted commentary on the daily life of an average man. From "Driving In My Car" to "Our House" and many others, their so-called nutty sound is a Reggae/Ska derived sound you can tap your feet to. However, not everything in their description of daily life is so upbeat. Take, for example, "Cardiac Arrest." Makes a great point about stress in our daily lives.

    Papers in the morning
    Bowler hat on head
    Walking to the bus stop
    He's longing for his bed,
    Waiting with his neighbours
    In the rush hour queue
    Got to get the first bus
    So much for him to do.
    He's got to hurry
    Got to get his seat
    Can't miss his place
    Got to rest his feet.

    Ten more minutes till he gets there
    The crossword's nearly done.
    It's been so hard these days
    Not nearly so much fun.
    His mind wanders to the office
    His telephone, desk and chair
    He's been happy with the company
    They've treated him real fair.
    Think of seven letters
    Begin and end in 'C'
    Like a big American car
    But misspelt with a 'D'.
    I wish this bus'd get a move on,
    Driver's taking his time.
    I just don't know, I'll be late
    Oh dear what will the boss say?
    Pull yourself together now
    Don't get in a state

    Don't you worry
    There's no hurry
    It's a lovely day
    Could all be going your way
    Take the doc's advice
    Let up enjoy your life
    Listen to what they say
    It's not a game they play.

    He'll never get there at this rate
    He's caught up in a jam.
    There's a meeting this morning
    It's just his luck oh damn!
    His hand dives in his pocket
    For his handkerchief.
    Pearls of sweat on his collar
    His pulse-beat seems so brief.
    Eyes fall on his wristwatch
    The seconds pass real slow
    Gasping for the hot air
    But the chest pain it won't go.
    Tried to ask for help
    But can't seem to speak a word,
    Words are whispered frantically
    But don't seem to be heard.
    What about the wife and kids?
    They all depend on me!

    We're so sorry
    We told you not to hurry.
    Now it's just too late
    You've got a certain date
    We thought we made it clear
    We all voiced our inner fears
    We left it up to you
    There's nothing we can do.

    And I'll leave you with Hazel O'Connor, a punk/new wave singer who had a starring role in the movie Breaking Glass which was itself a great comment on the music business, losing track of your dream/goal/self, and selling out. She's had other thoughtful songs though and the one I offer here, "Runaway", is from a different album than the movie's soundtrack. It is something I think anyone who has spent time trying to be someone they're not can understand:

    You hate yourself, so you hate everybody else
    People can make you feel small
    Small is a size when age just won't rise fast enough
    So you wait for the day, to be up get away
    Run run as fast as you can
    Over and Over and Over the hill far away

    [CHORUS:]
    Runaway
    Is there something you're trying to say
    Runaway
    Please come home one day
    Runaway
    Is there something you're trying to say
    Over and over and over and over again

    I remember the day in a grey misty way
    When we boarded the boat to the hook
    I was sick to the sea that was beckoning me to it's end
    In the light of the dawn, feeling ragged and worn
    I pointed my thumb to the sky
    Over and over and over that road again

    [CHORUS]

    Now in the light of experience
    There's something I want to say
    Now in the light of experience
    There's nowhere to run to
    If from yourself you're really running away

    [CHORUS 2x]

    Runaway!



    These are not the only "profound" songs from these artistes, and some would say they're not the MOST "profound" ones they've had either. However, they are ones that have made me stop and think about things.
     
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  6. Mike Hill

    Mike Hill Natural born citizen of republic of Finland.

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    There are of course some country songs. Brooks and Dunn have some. Also Charlie Daniels and Alan Jackson to name a few.
     
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  7. Autumn Hazel Rain

    Autumn Hazel Rain New Member

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    too funny guys!!! and thanks for all of the responses :p
     
  8. Lae

    Lae Contributor Contributor

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    oh forgot, check out k'naan
     
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  9. T.Trian

    T.Trian Overly Pompous Bastard Supporter Contributor

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    Among many other bands and artists, one of my favorites is Primus. Many of their songs are just plain fun, but quite a few have some good ideas as well, like Welcome to This World.
     
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  10. Mike Hill

    Mike Hill Natural born citizen of republic of Finland.

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    k'naan, I can't believe how I forgot ted him.
    Rising rap star Lil Boosie actually has very meaningful songs about society and values. Often he hides them in to "regular" songs but many times whole song is about it
    Some Boosie songs.
    Dirty World
    Crasy (Lot of repeat but still)
    Back in the Day
    Betrayed
    Crazy
     
  11. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

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    Lil Boosie? Who the hell comes up with these names? :rofl:
     
  12. minstrel

    minstrel Leader of the Insquirrelgency Supporter Contributor

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    Pete Townshend. Lou Reed. Neil Young.
     
  13. Mike Hill

    Mike Hill Natural born citizen of republic of Finland.

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    @thirdwind They are creative down there in the great state of Louisiana.
    He has been one of my favorites for years but I understood just why "haters" write his name Bussie:mad:
     
  14. AndyC

    AndyC Member

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    Nobody Home - The Wall - Pink Floyd
    I've got a little black book with my poems in
    Got a bag with a toothbrush and a comb in
    When I'm a good dog, they sometimes throw me the bone in

    I got elastic bands keepin' my shoes on
    Got those swollen hand blues
    I got thirteen channels of shit on the TV to choose from

    I've got electric light
    And I've got second sight
    I got amazing powers of observation

    And that is how I know, when I try to get through
    On the telephone to you, there'll be nobody home

    I've got the obligatory Hendrix perm and the inevitable pinhole burns
    Now all down the front of my favorite satin shirt

    I've got nicotine stains on my fingers, I've got a silver spoon on a chain
    Got a grand piano to prop up my mortal remains

    I've got wild staring eyes
    And I've got a strong urge to fly, but I got nowhere to fly to

    Ooh, babe when I pick up the phone there is still nobody home

    I've got a pair of Gohills boots and I got fading roots

    The entire album is fantastic, but this song is simply beautiful.
     
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  15. outsider

    outsider Contributor Contributor

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    Right man, please don't ever utter Bob Geldof's name in the same thread as Bob Dylan again. ;)
    The sheer scale of the man's body of work is breathtaking. Such tremendous imagery and evocative storytelling over the years. The greatest songwriter of the last century, in my opinion.

    Neil Young and John Lennon also merit a mention and I see someone's beaten me to it by suggesting Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and the conceptual work he explored.

    Edit to clarify: I'm talking about Dylan by the way.:agreed:
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2014
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  16. obsidian_cicatrix

    obsidian_cicatrix I ink, therefore I am. Contributor

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    As I've aged, I've noticed that I tend to listen more to music without words than I used to, or that uses words that I don't understand. I get my enjoyment from how it makes me feel on a visceral level, rather than in relating to what is said.

    I agree with @Lemex. Of all the songs I regularly listen to that do have comprehensible lyrics, most of them are the work of Maynard James Keenan. Honestly though, that man could sing a till receipt and I'd buy it.
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2014
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  17. FrodoKreuger

    FrodoKreuger Member

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    Oh, my apologies. I had not realised you were the final word on good music and lyrics. You are of course perfectly correct that Geldof's rather weak "I Don't Like Mondays" cannot possibly compare to such a masterpiece as Dylan's "It Must Be Santa." Likewise, the whining political refrains of "Elephant's Graveyard" are simply put to shame by such a majestic work as "Ugliest Girl In The World." I can only hope you accept this apology for mentioning Geldof in the same thread as the man who came out with "Wiggle Wiggle." Please, forgive me. ;)
     
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  18. outsider

    outsider Contributor Contributor

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    Apology accepted. Glad we got that sorted out.
     
  19. daemon

    daemon Contributor Contributor

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    Damn. As much as I like some of Dylan's work, this is pretty compelling.
     
  20. outsider

    outsider Contributor Contributor

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    He's picked a couple of shit songs from hundreds. Don't take much convincing, do you?
     
  21. daemon

    daemon Contributor Contributor

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    Don't take much subtlety to miss the point, do you?
     
  22. outsider

    outsider Contributor Contributor

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    Don't particularly give a toss either way.
     
  23. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

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    Have to bring some older stuff in here for the younger crowd.

    Signed DC; Love


    Ohio; Neil Young


    Imagine; John Lennon


    Sounds of Silence; Simon and Garfunkel
     
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  24. outsider

    outsider Contributor Contributor

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    @GingerCoffee, Art Garfunkel appears to have Paul Simon's face grafted onto his shoulder in the still from the last video.
     
  25. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

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    I can't stand John Lennon's "Imagine." The lyrics make him sound like an idealistic teenage dreamer who hasn't given much thought about the state of the world. I'll say no more, however. In some circles, saying bad things about Lennon is akin to blasphemy.
     

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