Well, this song is just great lunacy, perfect for singing around the campfire or in the bar whilst downing several pints of quality ale or lager. It’s a cute, funny and amusing song, and I’m glad to have heard it many years ago.
Oh yeah, the guys from Love and Rockets (not Los Bros Hernandez, but the band) did some backup vocals on this one.
And of course, the lyrics:
Chorus:
The Devil is my friend
The Devil is my friend
Wherever I go, the Devil goes
The Devil is my friend
I went out one spring morning
To find myself a friend
Someone I could believe in
Until the very end
I found myself the Devil
He was sitting in a bar
He bought me fifteen Rum and Cokes
And then he went too far
Now
Chorus
And now it’s Easter
I’m feeling mighty low
That dirty rotten Devil
He said he had to go
Dirty stinking Devil
I’ll shoot him with my gun
The Devil’s bad, he made me mad
The Devil is a bum
But
Chorus
And Godzilla is my friend
Godzilla is my friend
Wherever I go, Godzilla goes
Godzilla is my friend
And Frank Sinatra is my friend
Frank Sinatra is my friend
Wherever I go Sinatra goes
Frankie is my friend
Chenenko was my friend
And Brezhnev was my friend
And Andropov he just dropped off
Now Gorbachev is my friend
And Love And Rockets are my friends
Love and Rockets are my friend
David, Kevin, Daniel
Everyone of them round the bend
And the Queen is my friend
Harvey Dean is my friend
And Idi Amin know what I mean? -
Was someone they met at a party
Chorus
yee hah.
F-Hole isn’t going to be to everybody’s taste, but if you listen to it a few times, it definitely grows on you. It’s a story of a young man’s night out and his peculiar meeting with a woman that perhaps he likes and perhaps not–it’s hard to tell, really.
Personally, the grating sound of the song has grown on me over the years, and I just think it’s a lot of fun.
And of course, the lyrics:
I wrote her name on a bar mat
She had a peculiar bonnet,
But a youngish damsel figure
With her tongue tied to a trigger,
She seemed a total killer
Her face all filled with filler,
Her face a painting palette
I stomached all her habits,
Sipped her snow balls poshly like a judge
But left her lipstick traces on her mug.
We watched each other closely
She looks like Bela Lugosi,
She asked me for a ride home
I felt around for my comb,
And in the bar room mirror
I combed right through her figure,
She wiggled through the car park
Into the pit of my heart,
Sat herself beside me in my van
A ring on every finger of her hand.
She lived down by the river
A flat the council give her,
Wallpaper very scenic
Her outlook very beatnik,
We watched the close and weather
Then through the door he entered,
Short sleeves and arms of iron
And me with just my tie on,
She said the lodger’s used to this by now
I’d handled all the bull but not the cow.
Behind her velvet sofa
I found myself back sober,
She kept an old acoustic
She never ever used it,
A gift for me with a capo
A six string with an f-hole,
We made the strangest couple
A Laurel and Hardy double,
I learnt to play her favorite country songs
With one or two chords always going wrong
If you looked up the definition of the word “funky” on Wikipedia, I think these guys–specifically this song–should be listed there. This is just one of those songs that each time you hear it, you just want to dance. It’s just tremendously fun.
And of course, the lyrics:
the moves strike in two stripes its movin’
like turnpikes nothin’ happens like the master assassin
we bring it with too much passion
first chapter first page book of life
i got yall s*** to write lookin for your first aid
i burn outa sight the master commander that be us
make it hot people got to understand that…
CHORUS x2
we give you what you want we give ya what you like say we allright
dub pistols official chemical visual missles
official chemical visual missles
dead is your script son sift through your issues
rip your skin tissue so fast that the wind whistles
what you think your man missed you there really
searching for a gem crystal so dark
its mostly invisible
so close to your physical
i hid a cup too just like vitamins and minerals
follow that sacred ritual hip hoply commited tunes
trailed up on side why? stay tuned workin up the energy to condition you
rock your own s*** now a days so many heads are tryin to clone this
they lack the genetic components
CHORUS x12
This is such a cool sounding song, especially if you ever hear it live. The band did a fabulous job at turning this into the angriest, noisiest song out there. It’s a also a funny, bittersweet reaction to being dumped.
There’s a number of comments on SongMeanings
Here’s a link to the video, although I wish I could have found a decent sounding live version.
And of course, the lyrics:
So you wanted
to take a break
Slow it down some and
have some space
Well fuck you too
Give me my money back
Give me my money back
you bitch
I want my money back
(And don’t forget to give
me back my black T-Shirt)
Wish I hadn’t bought you dinner
Right before you dumped me
on your front porch
Give me my money back
Give me my money back
You bitch
I want my money back
and don’t forget
And don’t forget.
This song is pretty much just the Beastie Boys dropping rhymes old school, which ain’t a bad thing. I love the flute sample, and it’s just a fun song.
And of course, the lyrics:
You Can’t, You Won’t And You Don’t Stop
Mike D Come On And Rock The Sure Shot
I’ve Got The Brand New Doo-Doo Guaranteed
Like Yoo Hoo
I’m On Like Dr John, Yea Mr Zu Zu
I’m A Newlywed, Not A Divorcee
And Everything I Do Is Funky Like Lee Dorsey
Well, It’s The Taking of Pelham, One, Two, Three
If You Want A Doodoo Rhyme Then Come See Me
I’ve Got The Savior Faire With The Unique Rhyme
And
I Keep It On And On, It’s Never Quitting Time And
Strictly Hand Held Is The Style I Go
Never Rock The Mice With The Panty Hose
I Strap On My Ear Goggles And I’m Ready To Go
‘Cause At The Boards Is The Man They Call The
Mario
Pull Up At The Function And You Know I Kojak
To All The Party People That Are On My Bozak
I’ve Got More Action Than My Man John Woo
And I’ve Got Mad Hits Like I Was Rod Crew
You Can’t, You Won’t And You Don’t Stop
Ad Rock Come And Rock The Sure Shot
Hurricane Will Cross Fade On Your Ass And
Bust Your Ear Drums
Listen Everybody ‘Couse I’m Shifting Gears I’m
Fresh Like Dougie When I Set My Specs And
On The Microphone I Come Correct
Timing Like A Clock When I’Rock The Hip Hop
Top Notch Is My Stock On The Soap Box
I’ve Got More Rhymes Than I’ve Got Grey Hairs
And That’s Alot Because I’ve Got My Share
I’ve Got A Hole In My Head And There’s No One
To Fix It
Got To Straighten My Thoughts, I’m Thinking Too
Much Sick Shit
Everyone Just Takes and Takes, Takes, Takes,
Takes
I’ve Got To Step Back, I’ve Got To Contemplate
I’m Like Lee Perry, I’m Very
On Rock The Microphone And Then I’m Gone
I’m Like Vaughn bode, I’m a Cheech Wizard
Never Quitting, So Won’t You Listen
Oh Yes Indeed, It’s Fun Time
‘Cause You Can’t, You Won’t And You Don’t Stop
MCA Come And Rock The Sure Shot
I Want To Say a Little Something That’s Long
Overdue
The Disrespect To Women Has Got To Be Through
To All The Mothers And Sisters A And Ahe
Wives And Friends
I Want To Offer My Love And Respect To The
End
Well You Say I’m Twenty Something And Should
Be Slacking
But I’m Working Harder Than Ever And You Could
Call It Macking
So I’m Supposed To Sit Upon My Couch Watching My
T.V.
I’m Still Iistening To Wax, I’m Not Using The CD
I’m That Kid In The Corner
All Fucked Up And I Wanna So I’m Gonna
Take A Piece Of The Pie, Why Not, I’m Not Quitting
Think I’m Gonna Change Up My Style Just To Fit In
I Keep My Underwear Up With A Piece Of Elastic
I Use A Bullshit Mic That’s Made Out Of Plastic
To Send My Rhymes Out To All Nations
Like Ma Bell, I’ve Got The Ill Communications
(Chorus)
Can’t Wait One Minute More is a cool song about seizing the day and living your life the way you want, not the way anyone else wants you to. It’s a cool song with a great drum beat.
And of course, the lyrics:
Been passed by so many times fed up so long and I’m sick
Sense of pride, got by my side I’ve got to trust in myself
(chorus - I can’t wait one minute more
Wait one minute more x2
I can’t wait……one minute more)
Don’t try to take me there Cause I won’t go back
The world passes by as I sit
Count the days till your ship comes in
Your ship left…you missed it
(chorus )
And I’m still…I’m still waiting….
Been let down so many times I got the runaround and I’m pissed
Can’t keep me down, I’ll take another swing
It’s the last chance, that I’ll miss
Saving up for a rainy day As the sun went by and I slept
Passes me by, I don’t wonder why
That it all make such sense to me
I need room to breathe I work for the goals that I set
Wasted time weighs on my mind….You can bet
I can’t wait one minute more
Wait one minute more
I can’t wait one minute more
I can’t wait one minute Wait one minute…….
This song took a while to grow on me, but ultimately it did grow on me in a big way. I love the vocals (great fun for karaoke if your voice holds out).
I got this quote from SongFacts:
Lead singer Raine Maida: “It’s just about how hard it is for kids to grow up today. They’re inundated with the media and images and cliques they try to have to fit into. Two images that are really strong for me lyrically are “Ordinary’s just not good enough today” and when I think of kids today, I would never think of a group of eight year olds going out to a baseball park and throwing the ball around. It doesn’t happen anymore. I have a nine year old brother; he’s either inside playing Nintendo or staying up late on a school night to watch Beavis And Butthead. And you juxtapose that against the old Superman, on the black and white series. He was also a real hero, good values, strong willed, a gentleman, but I think Beavis And Butthead wins today.”
There’s speculation and discussion at SongMeanings. Make of it what you will.
And of course, the lyrics:
do you worry that you’re not liked
how long till you break
you’re happy cause you smile
but how much can you fake
an ordinary boy an ordinary name
but ordinary’s just not good enough today
Chorus:
alone I’m thinking
why is superman dead
is it in my head
we’ll just laugh instead
you worry about the weather and
whether or not you should hate
are you worried about your faith
kneel down and obey
you’re happy you’re in love
you need someone to hate
an ordinary girl an ordinary waist
but ordinary’s just not good enough today
Chorus
doesn’t anybody ever know
that the world’s a subway…
I’ll admit it: I was a fan of Wham!, and I was a fan of George Michael’s early solo career. This song is particularly nice. It’s a nice, jazzy ballad that tells a story. According to Wikipedia:
A ballad with minimal instrumentation and a jazz feel, the song was written about George’s insecurities as a soulmate and partner because of the baggage and reputation with which he came.
And of course, the lyrics:
You are far,
When I could have been your star,
You listened to people,
Who scared you to death, and from my heart,
Strange that you were strong enough,
To even make a start,
But you’ll never find
Peace of mind,
Till you listen to your heart,
People,
You can never change the way they feel,
Better let them do just what they will,
For they will,
If you let them,
Steal your heart from you,
People,
Will always make a lover feel a fool,
But you knew I loved you,
We could have shown them all,
We should have seen love through,
Fooled me with the tears in your eyes,
Covered me with kisses and lies,
So goodbye,
But please don’t take my heart,
You are far,
I’m never gonna be your star,
I’ll pick up the pieces
And mend my heart,
Maybe I’ll be strong enough,
I don’t know where to start,
But I’ll never find
Peace of mind,
While I listen to my heart,
People,
You can never change the way they feel,
Better let them do just what they will,
For they will,
If you let them,
Steal your heart,
And people,
Will always make a lover feel a fool,
But you knew I loved you,
We could have shown them all,
But remember this,
Every other kiss,
That you ever give
Long as we both live
When you need the hand of another man,
One you really can surrender with,
I will wait for you,
Like I always do,
There’s something there,
That can’t compare with any other,
You are far,
When I could have been your star,
You listened to people,
Who scared you to death, and from my heart,
Strange that I was wrong enough,
To think you’d love me too.
I guess you were kissing a fool,
You must have been kissing a fool.
Valerie Loves Me is a downright jaunty tale of a boy in love with a girl that seemingly doesn’t notice him, a story that pretty much everyone can relate to. It’s got great hooks, and it’s an extremely well-crafted pop song.
Over at SongMeanings, someone suggests that Valerie is a real person. I don’t know, so I can’t vouch for that.
And of course, the lyrics:
Valerie’s dancing, in the room above my bed you know
for all of the world below to see
Valerie’s leaving, in a car outside my house you know
its such a shame she’s not with me and all the pretty things
and all the love my heart would bring
I would give my whole life to her
Valerie loves me
Valerie’s riding, in a car around my neighboorhood
she’s thinking of all the men she’ll meet
I could only hope for a stolen moment of her thoughts
between the walk to the club and all the drinks she’ll have
in a crowded room where everybody leaves too soon
I only hope that she remembers me
Valerie loves me
Valerie loves me
Valerie’s lonely, in an apartment down the street you know
and her hair has turned so grey
but she’s so happy, for the memories she has you know
she can believe in the day when love was on a string
and she could have that anything she ever wanted
but she cant have me
Valerie loves me
Most people know Soft Cell from their big hit song Tainted Love, but the rest of Non-Stop Erotic Caberet is pretty good too, including this opening song. Frustration starts out the album, that of a man frustrated with his own life and wanting to do anything to make a change. Marc Almond’s vocals give a good feeling of someone at the end of his rope, and the beat also gives a feeling of fractured self.
And of course, the lyrics:
r..fr…fr…frustration!
Frustration
Frustration
I have life
Ordinary wife
I have car
A favourite bar
I have job
A moderate wage
I get the pains
That come with age
I am so ordinary
I have child
She goes wild
I have home
A mortgage of my own
I have hobby
But it’s nothing very special
I do the garden
I watch girls
I am so ordinary
I have life
I have cage
I’m going bald
I want to tell the world
I’ve done nothing
I’ve achieved nothing
I work for a firm
But I want to burn it down, down
I am so ordinary
I am so ordinary
I was born
One day I’ll die
There was something in between
I, I don’t know what
Or why
I’m a man
I want to break a rule
I am a no, no, no, no, no, no, nobody
Everybody’s fool
I am so ordinary
Frustration (x4)
I’m so tired of endless art
Love stories
I’m beginning to not give a damn
I wish I could reach right out for the untouchable
Film starring Bruce, John Wayne, Elvis Presley
Experiment with cocaine, LSD and set a bad bad example
Live a little, run a harem, be a tiger
Meet Bo Derek and be her Tarzan
Reach, reach out out
Live, live, live
Die, die, die
I, I, I, I wanna die…
Frustration, oh
Frustration (x3)
I wanna die
I wanna die, die, die, die
die, die, d..d..d..die, die, die
Frustration
I wanna die