Gentlemen is one of those songs that make you a little uncomfortable if you’re a guy. The protagonist–a sex addict–shows little to no compassion for his current paramour. In fact, it’s more disdain for her and for himself as well.
I love the guitars on this song, I think it has a great beat too, and the lyrics are pretty good as well. Most importantly, however, is Greg Dulli’s vocal delivery, sort of sung and spoken at the same time. The video is great too: I love the use of three different people to portray the singer.
And of course, the lyrics:
Now
Your attention, please
Now turn off the light
Your infection, please
I haven’t got all night
Understand, do you understand?
Understand, I’m a gentleman
I stayed in too long
But she was the perfect fit
And we dragged it out so long this time
Started to make each other sick
But now I’ve got time for you
For you, you, you and me too
Well, come and get it, come and get it
‘Cause I’m done
Understand, do you understand?
Understand, I’m a gentleman
I waited for the joke, it never did arrive
And words I thought I’d smoke
Let me in I’m cold
All messed up but nowhere to go
You got indecision, and indecision is my enemy
Unlock the cabinet, hey hey hey
I’ll take whatever you got
Now I’m on it, now I’m on it
And you’re done
I waited for the joke
It never did arrive
And words I thought I’d choke
I hardly recognize
