Thanks again for all the suggestions for 'murder songs'. Id just like to mention some points on this theme. Beware of taking the phrase 'hit me' to mean violence. I think there are many uses of this phrase and when I hear it I see Tom Waits in a bar saying hit me again to the barman. Other metaphorical uses are at work everywhere, as with Neil Young's 'taking me for a ride'. I see 'Down by the River' as being about a woman, not a car, but that's just my take.
I don't want to get into criticising black rap bands, for many reasons. My whole point is that these types of songs have been around as long as folk songs have existed and are not exclusive to young (mostly) black bands. Further to that last point, it is important that these songs claim or seek male fellowship in order to minimise/excuse the violence, and the songs I've selected have infiltrated their way into popular culture so well that the people don't even think of the meaning any more. Those of you who have been in a working class bar in Britain will no doubt have seen the old ladies arm in arm, swaying and singing 'Delilah', oblivious to the (hardly subtle) lyrics. Same goes for 'Hey Joe', especially the lines 'ain't no hangman gonna put no noose around me, just because, just because I shot her down'. That word 'just' puts a chill down my spine every time I hear it. I'm not concerned at this time in other violence, as in 'Luka' or 'Earl had to Die' but thanks for the info anyway. I may be able to use it in the printed version. Two songs which interest me are The Tori Amos version of '97 Bonnie and Clyde' and 'The Water Song' by Ute Lemper. I have lots of stuff by Ute but I can't find this track here, although there are still some more record shops to check out. Finally, can someone explain to me what 'gaslighting' means in Steely Dan's song 'Gaslighting Abby'? Thanks again to everyone. Mike in Barcelona. Still waiting for the REAL story behind 'Not to Blame', which ties in with the male solidarity thing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: Click Here
