Greg Brown — Who Woulda Thunk It
Album: In The Dark With YouAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1058
Length: 4:27
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We used to say I could walk all night, and we could and we did
Down that gravel road, to that tiny town, and the door always opened
Now we say I could walk all night. It's not true
We can't walk all night, no, because we don't want to
We want a bed and a blanket, some light breakfast, sometime tomorrow
We want a bed and a blanket, some light breakfast, sometime tomorrow
And I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
We used to say I could eat a horse, and we could and we did
In fast food joints in the middle of someplace on the way to someplace else
Now we say I could eat a horse. It's not true
We can't eat a horse, no, because we don't want to
We want somethin from the cookbook, that new one with the great graphics
Somethin from the cookbook, that new one with the great graphics
Oh and I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
We used to say I don't care if I never have any money
As long as I have my sweet honey and a shack in the woodland
Now we say I don't care if I don't have money, but it's not true
We can't live without money, no, because we don't want to
We want one of those and two of those, and oh that one looks neat, wrap it up
Put it on my MasterCard. Put it on my Visa
And I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey
Hey hey, hey hey now, who woulda thunk it
We used to say I don't care if I never grow old
I'm gonna flame, gonna burn, take one quick turn and be gone like James Dean
Now we don't say that. It's too late to die young
So we sit at the table long after supper and a good wine
Here's what we sing, we go, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Down that gravel road, to that tiny town, and the door always opened
Now we say I could walk all night. It's not true
We can't walk all night, no, because we don't want to
We want a bed and a blanket, some light breakfast, sometime tomorrow
We want a bed and a blanket, some light breakfast, sometime tomorrow
And I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
We used to say I could eat a horse, and we could and we did
In fast food joints in the middle of someplace on the way to someplace else
Now we say I could eat a horse. It's not true
We can't eat a horse, no, because we don't want to
We want somethin from the cookbook, that new one with the great graphics
Somethin from the cookbook, that new one with the great graphics
Oh and I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
We used to say I don't care if I never have any money
As long as I have my sweet honey and a shack in the woodland
Now we say I don't care if I don't have money, but it's not true
We can't live without money, no, because we don't want to
We want one of those and two of those, and oh that one looks neat, wrap it up
Put it on my MasterCard. Put it on my Visa
And I sing it now, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey
Hey hey, hey hey now, who woulda thunk it
We used to say I don't care if I never grow old
I'm gonna flame, gonna burn, take one quick turn and be gone like James Dean
Now we don't say that. It's too late to die young
So we sit at the table long after supper and a good wine
Here's what we sing, we go, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it
Comments (222)add comment
Wow, I haven’t heard this in a while. My non-auditory introduction to Greg Brown was a Peter Egan column in Road & Track magazine, probably in the late 80s, in which he mentioned that he and his wife Barb were big fans of Greg Brown and of this song in particular, having seen him several times. It would have been the early 2000s before I finally heard the song, here on RP. I’ve grown to love his music.
See...that house resembles the house in the famous American painting, American Gothic, by Grant Wood.
That house still stands and is located in Eldon, Iowa. Which is near Greg's hometown.
That house still stands and is located in Eldon, Iowa. Which is near Greg's hometown.
Follwoing the discussion about the lyrics, I think that they nicely capture in simple words how we have changed by growing older. The young and idealistic people we used to be have not turned out to be cruel, cold, or insensitive. It’s just that the things that used to matter most to us, like friendship, love and changing the world, have moved to the background. Growing older has led to having more money and being less comfortable in our physical bodies. So we welcome things that we used to snub, like nice food, warmth, a good night’s sleep. And while most of us have followed a similar path and can enjoy conversations about the new bakery that makes a good focaccia or the next Ottolenghi cookbook, we occasionally feel slightly embarrassed about ourselves when we meet some old friend that hasn’t quite managed to make it in life to be able to afford frequent IKEA refurnishing or fancy Waitrose condiments.
I liked the first 20 times I heard it on RP, but it's getting old and feels sanctimonious now. Maybe I'm getting old.
Cynaera wrote:
Right on Cynaera.
I've probably commented on this before, but here's where I am now: I love everything RP is playing, because I feel absolutely isolated otherwise. I dunked my toe in the water of the local radio stations, and it was like acid to me. I came scurrying back to RP to regain my musical balance.
Say what you will about this song, or any song - I'm just glad I can hear it without censorship. I hope that if things go south, Bill and Rebecca have a plan to broadcast from an obscure, mobile location (a la "Pump Up the Volume.") I don't know what I'd do without this daily fix of MUSIC (not the crap being played on a typical FM radio station.)
Thank you, RP - thank you, Rebecca and Bill, for this true paradise of music. There'll probably come a day when we won't have this anymore, and we'll wish we'd been more grateful and attentive... Until/unless that day comes, I'm hanging here, and loving everything you play. Hugs to you both.
Say what you will about this song, or any song - I'm just glad I can hear it without censorship. I hope that if things go south, Bill and Rebecca have a plan to broadcast from an obscure, mobile location (a la "Pump Up the Volume.") I don't know what I'd do without this daily fix of MUSIC (not the crap being played on a typical FM radio station.)
Thank you, RP - thank you, Rebecca and Bill, for this true paradise of music. There'll probably come a day when we won't have this anymore, and we'll wish we'd been more grateful and attentive... Until/unless that day comes, I'm hanging here, and loving everything you play. Hugs to you both.
Right on Cynaera.
This feels like he sat down and tried to write a song one day and was suffereing from a HUGE case of writers block. So he just started writing down inane things and played some music around it.
The tune itself isn't too bad, but I just can't get around the lyrics.
The tune itself isn't too bad, but I just can't get around the lyrics.
Washington Hogwallop: I slaughtered this horse last Tuesday. I think it's startin' to turn.
"Who Woulda Thunk" this song would be so good! Definately a toe tapper. An 8 from me.
Cynaera wrote:
Ditto that.
(This song still sucks, though)
I've probably commented on this before, but here's where I am now: I love everything RP is playing, because I feel absolutely isolated otherwise. I dunked my toe in the water of the local radio stations, and it was like acid to me. I came scurrying back to RP to regain my musical balance.
Say what you will about this song, or any song - I'm just glad I can hear it without censorship. I hope that if things go south, Bill and Rebecca have a plan to broadcast from an obscure, mobile location (a la "Pump Up the Volume.") I don't know what I'd do without this daily fix of MUSIC (not the crap being played on a typical FM radio station.)
Thank you, RP - thank you, Rebecca and Bill, for this true paradise of music. There'll probably come a day when we won't have this anymore, and we'll wish we'd been more grateful and attentive... Until/unless that day comes, I'm hanging here, and loving everything you play. Hugs to you both.
Say what you will about this song, or any song - I'm just glad I can hear it without censorship. I hope that if things go south, Bill and Rebecca have a plan to broadcast from an obscure, mobile location (a la "Pump Up the Volume.") I don't know what I'd do without this daily fix of MUSIC (not the crap being played on a typical FM radio station.)
Thank you, RP - thank you, Rebecca and Bill, for this true paradise of music. There'll probably come a day when we won't have this anymore, and we'll wish we'd been more grateful and attentive... Until/unless that day comes, I'm hanging here, and loving everything you play. Hugs to you both.
Ditto that.
(This song still sucks, though)
WTF? The lyrics are atrocious, good tune though
This song is proper cool though to be fair there are definitely parts of France where when they say they could eat a horse its best to make sure your stable doors are locked
Greg-O
O where o where did you go...
Tough to see a great musician peak and fade. Hope he's well wherever he's fishing.
O where o where did you go...
Tough to see a great musician peak and fade. Hope he's well wherever he's fishing.
Cynaera wrote:
Ain't it the truth!!
Thanks, Cynaera, for putting into words what I feel every day about this station.
I've probably commented on this before, but here's where I am now: I love everything RP is playing, because I feel absolutely isolated otherwise. I dunked my toe in the water of the local radio stations, and it was like acid to me. I came scurrying back to RP to regain my musical balance.
Say what you will about this song, or any song - I'm just glad I can hear it without censorship. I hope that if things go south, Bill and Rebecca have a plan to broadcast from an obscure, mobile location (a la "Pump Up the Volume.") I don't know what I'd do without this daily fix of MUSIC (not the crap being played on a typical FM radio station.)
Thank you, RP - thank you, Rebecca and Bill, for this true paradise of music. There'll probably come a day when we won't have this anymore, and we'll wish we'd been more grateful and attentive... Until/unless that day comes, I'm hanging here, and loving everything you play. Hugs to you both.
Say what you will about this song, or any song - I'm just glad I can hear it without censorship. I hope that if things go south, Bill and Rebecca have a plan to broadcast from an obscure, mobile location (a la "Pump Up the Volume.") I don't know what I'd do without this daily fix of MUSIC (not the crap being played on a typical FM radio station.)
Thank you, RP - thank you, Rebecca and Bill, for this true paradise of music. There'll probably come a day when we won't have this anymore, and we'll wish we'd been more grateful and attentive... Until/unless that day comes, I'm hanging here, and loving everything you play. Hugs to you both.
Ain't it the truth!! Thanks, Cynaera, for putting into words what I feel every day about this station.
shayde in Berlin, MA wrote:
Du bist ein Berliner! And maybe a leetle verrucht.
I am i bonkers? I thought this was a dire straits song?
Du bist ein Berliner! And maybe a leetle verrucht.
Greg Brown - thanks RP!!!!!
I've probably commented on this before, but here's where I am now: I love everything RP is playing, because I feel absolutely isolated otherwise. I dunked my toe in the water of the local radio stations, and it was like acid to me. I came scurrying back to RP to regain my musical balance.
Say what you will about this song, or any song - I'm just glad I can hear it without censorship. I hope that if things go south, Bill and Rebecca have a plan to broadcast from an obscure, mobile location (a la "Pump Up the Volume.") I don't know what I'd do without this daily fix of MUSIC (not the crap being played on a typical FM radio station.)
Thank you, RP - thank you, Rebecca and Bill, for this true paradise of music. There'll probably come a day when we won't have this anymore, and we'll wish we'd been more grateful and attentive... Until/unless that day comes, I'm hanging here, and loving everything you play. Hugs to you both.
Say what you will about this song, or any song - I'm just glad I can hear it without censorship. I hope that if things go south, Bill and Rebecca have a plan to broadcast from an obscure, mobile location (a la "Pump Up the Volume.") I don't know what I'd do without this daily fix of MUSIC (not the crap being played on a typical FM radio station.)
Thank you, RP - thank you, Rebecca and Bill, for this true paradise of music. There'll probably come a day when we won't have this anymore, and we'll wish we'd been more grateful and attentive... Until/unless that day comes, I'm hanging here, and loving everything you play. Hugs to you both.
Washington Hogwallop: I slaughtered this horse last Tuesday. I think it's startin' to turn.
RedGuitar wrote:
We visited Wall Drug a couple summer ago. Went through the Badlands and since it was nightfall, decided to
spend the night in Wall. Interesting place - the Drugstore. My wife got a picture of me on the jackalope.
The only reason I stop in Wall is to get gas on the way to or from the Black Hills. Wall Drug - yawn.
We visited Wall Drug a couple summer ago. Went through the Badlands and since it was nightfall, decided to
spend the night in Wall. Interesting place - the Drugstore. My wife got a picture of me on the jackalope.
The only reason I stop in Wall is to get gas on the way to or from the Black Hills. Wall Drug - yawn.
Wow a Greg Brown experience that doesn't put me to sleep!!
I am i bonkers? I thought this was a dire straits song?
See on hea.
RedGuitar wrote:
We visited Wall Drug a couple summer ago. Went through the Badlands and since it was nightfall, decided to
spend the night in Wall. Interesting place - the Drugstore. My wife got a picture of me on the jackalope.
Wall Drug-180 miles
Wall Drug-120 miles
Wall Drug-100 miles
Wall Drug-80 miles
so forth and so on.....
We visited Wall Drug a couple summer ago. Went through the Badlands and since it was nightfall, decided to
spend the night in Wall. Interesting place - the Drugstore. My wife got a picture of me on the jackalope.
Wall Drug-120 miles
Wall Drug-100 miles
Wall Drug-80 miles
so forth and so on.....
À la recherche du temps perdu in different clothes. Nice.
michaelc wrote:
that's how I got here, after KPIG started the must have the audio plug in I moved on
I think I heard about RP from KPIG, though I don't remember the exact circumstances. I do pay my $5/month to listen to KPIG still. It's good stuff, even though I only listen for an hour or two a day.
that's how I got here, after KPIG started the must have the audio plug in I moved on
I think I heard about RP from KPIG, though I don't remember the exact circumstances. I do pay my $5/month to listen to KPIG still. It's good stuff, even though I only listen for an hour or two a day.
Dave_Mack wrote:
Remember Bill used to be on KPIG (and KFAT too, I think). His roots are showing, and I dig 'em.
that's how I got here, after KPIG started the must have the audio plug in I moved on
Remember Bill used to be on KPIG (and KFAT too, I think). His roots are showing, and I dig 'em.
that's how I got here, after KPIG started the must have the audio plug in I moved on
michaelc wrote:
Remember Bill used to be on KPIG (and KFAT too, I think). His roots are showing, and I dig 'em.
greg is allways good.
sort of amazed to hear him here.
but then again why not
who wudda thunk it
sort of amazed to hear him here.
but then again why not
who wudda thunk it
Remember Bill used to be on KPIG (and KFAT too, I think). His roots are showing, and I dig 'em.
Some of the most vacuous lyrics this side of Lenny Kravitz.
greg is allways good.
sort of amazed to hear him here.
but then again why not
who wudda thunk it
sort of amazed to hear him here.
but then again why not
who wudda thunk it
beelzebubba wrote:
We visited Wall Drug a couple summer ago. Went through the Badlands and since it was nightfall, decided to
spend the night in Wall. Interesting place - the Drugstore. My wife got a picture of me on the jackalope.
grangrened jebus on a 2x6, there sure are a lot of whiny complainers here....
take it for what it is, and kick back.
I'm tempted to give a 10 just to balance out the whiners.
take it for what it is, and kick back.
I'm tempted to give a 10 just to balance out the whiners.
We visited Wall Drug a couple summer ago. Went through the Badlands and since it was nightfall, decided to
spend the night in Wall. Interesting place - the Drugstore. My wife got a picture of me on the jackalope.
I'm kinda diggin' this...not too sure why. Maybe it's because my wife thinks I'm "corky". That could be it. 
grangrened jebus on a 2x6, there sure are a lot of whiny complainers here....
take it for what it is, and kick back.
I'm tempted to give a 10 just to balance out the whiners.
take it for what it is, and kick back.
I'm tempted to give a 10 just to balance out the whiners.
Huey wrote:
I disagree. Who would have ever thought that we could have already grown old. Very timely piece for me as I recently turned the corner on 40. Words make sense. Still going but losing steps.
I like Greg Browns music, but I've got to agree that the lyrics in this suck.
I disagree. Who would have ever thought that we could have already grown old. Very timely piece for me as I recently turned the corner on 40. Words make sense. Still going but losing steps.
I like it because it has a great instrumentation... and this song's sound doesn't copy anyone Yuuuummmm.
yecchhh.
crockydile wrote:
I wasn't being clear. My impression that a song sucks isn't a rational response. It doesn't matter how much anyone attempts to try to appeal to my rational mind. I was simply saying that I'm okay that I think a lot of songs suck...and that I expect everyone else deal...with my being a snob.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even me. <—-an affirmation
I love RP!!
I actually send money when I can...like this month. Bill is amazing. I have been introduced to so many artists that I am truly humbled. That being said, Bill's tastes and mine are not always the same. RE: Basement Jaxx 
One hidden stat is that I don't rate every song I hear. I tend to rate songs that grate on my nerves, which explains the larger representation.
...and Mr. Bond, I like you. You are a very positive individual. Namaste!
Thank you crockydile! You're OK man!
I wasn't being clear. My impression that a song sucks isn't a rational response. It doesn't matter how much anyone attempts to try to appeal to my rational mind. I was simply saying that I'm okay that I think a lot of songs suck...and that I expect everyone else deal...with my being a snob.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even me. <—-an affirmation
I love RP!!
I actually send money when I can...like this month. Bill is amazing. I have been introduced to so many artists that I am truly humbled. That being said, Bill's tastes and mine are not always the same. RE: Basement Jaxx One hidden stat is that I don't rate every song I hear. I tend to rate songs that grate on my nerves, which explains the larger representation.
...and Mr. Bond, I like you. You are a very positive individual. Namaste!
Thank you crockydile! You're OK man!
Anybody else getting a Mark Knopfler vibe?
peter_james_bond wrote:
That's sad crocky.
But, it's never too late to change. I hope RP helps you become more open minded about music. The reality is that just because you don't like it doesn't mean it sucks, it just means that you don't like it. Think about it. 
I wasn't being clear. My impression that a song sucks isn't a rational response. It doesn't matter how much anyone attempts to try to appeal to my rational mind. I was simply saying that I'm okay that I think a lot of songs suck...and that I expect everyone else deal...with my being a snob.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even me. <—-an affirmation
I love RP!! I actually send money when I can...like this month. Bill is amazing. I have been introduced to so many artists that I am truly humbled. That being said, Bill's tastes and mine are not always the same. RE: Basement Jaxx
One hidden stat is that I don't rate every song I hear. I tend to rate songs that grate on my nerves, which explains the larger representation.
...and Mr. Bond, I like you. You are a very positive individual. Namaste!
That's sad crocky.
But, it's never too late to change. I hope RP helps you become more open minded about music. The reality is that just because you don't like it doesn't mean it sucks, it just means that you don't like it. Think about it. I wasn't being clear. My impression that a song sucks isn't a rational response. It doesn't matter how much anyone attempts to try to appeal to my rational mind. I was simply saying that I'm okay that I think a lot of songs suck...and that I expect everyone else deal...with my being a snob.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even me. <—-an affirmation
I love RP!!
I actually send money when I can...like this month. Bill is amazing. I have been introduced to so many artists that I am truly humbled. That being said, Bill's tastes and mine are not always the same. RE: Basement Jaxx One hidden stat is that I don't rate every song I hear. I tend to rate songs that grate on my nerves, which explains the larger representation.
...and Mr. Bond, I like you. You are a very positive individual. Namaste!
crockydile wrote:
Okay, I just did some stats on myself. I've rated a total of 1129 songs on RP.
Approximately half of my ratings are 3 or below, but at least a quarter are 7 or 8. 9 is limited to 8% and 10 is a mere 2%. Seems about right to me.
Yes, music is an obsession with me AND I'm a snob. If I don't like it, it sucks. Deal.
If you took the population of all the music out there then I'd agree that most of it sucks. At least half of it would certainly rate 3 or below. Even artists that we all like have a lot of not so great songs as well as the gems.
But RP isn't a random sampling of all the music in the world. Bill acts as our agent and pre-screens the music before we hear it here. I've never met the man, but he and I share a taste in music. Not 100%, he still pays some dreck, but those songs are infrequent enough (and usually at least interesting) that I just let them pass. Occassionally something really hits me the wrong way and I rate it a 1, 2 or 3, but generally I just let them pass.
Okay, I just did some stats on myself. I've rated a total of 1129 songs on RP.
Approximately half of my ratings are 3 or below, but at least a quarter are 7 or 8. 9 is limited to 8% and 10 is a mere 2%. Seems about right to me.
Yes, music is an obsession with me AND I'm a snob. If I don't like it, it sucks. Deal.
If you took the population of all the music out there then I'd agree that most of it sucks. At least half of it would certainly rate 3 or below. Even artists that we all like have a lot of not so great songs as well as the gems.
But RP isn't a random sampling of all the music in the world. Bill acts as our agent and pre-screens the music before we hear it here. I've never met the man, but he and I share a taste in music. Not 100%, he still pays some dreck, but those songs are infrequent enough (and usually at least interesting) that I just let them pass. Occassionally something really hits me the wrong way and I rate it a 1, 2 or 3, but generally I just let them pass.
peter_james_bond wrote:
That's sad crocky. But, it's never too late to change. I hope RP helps you become more open minded about music. The reality is that just because you don't like it doesn't mean it sucks, it just means that you don't like it. Think about it.
That this song sucks like a collapsar on crack is objective fact.
That's sad crocky.
But, it's never too late to change. I hope RP helps you become more open minded about music. The reality is that just because you don't like it doesn't mean it sucks, it just means that you don't like it. Think about it. That this song sucks like a collapsar on crack is objective fact.
I like Greg Browns music, but I've got to agree that the lyrics in this suck.
Delboy77 wrote:
Totally agree - I thought It was Knopfler, too! I like the song. Might have to give Greg Brown's other music a listen.
i was quite sure this is mark knopfler....hm....:)
always some nice surpises on rp...
always some nice surpises on rp...
Totally agree - I thought It was Knopfler, too! I like the song. Might have to give Greg Brown's other music a listen.
crockydile wrote:
Okay, I just did some stats on myself. I've rated a total of 1129 songs on RP.
Approximately half of my ratings are 3 or below, but at least a quarter are 7 or 8. 9 is limited to 8% and 10 is a mere 2%. Seems about right to me.
Yes, music is an obsession with me AND I'm a snob. If I don't like it, it sucks. Deal.
some people have way too much time on their hands
Okay, I just did some stats on myself. I've rated a total of 1129 songs on RP.
Approximately half of my ratings are 3 or below, but at least a quarter are 7 or 8. 9 is limited to 8% and 10 is a mere 2%. Seems about right to me.
Yes, music is an obsession with me AND I'm a snob. If I don't like it, it sucks. Deal.
some people have way too much time on their hands
crockydile wrote:
That's sad crocky. But, it's never too late to change. I hope RP helps you become more open minded about music. The reality is that just because you don't like it doesn't mean it sucks, it just means that you don't like it. Think about it.
Okay, I just did some stats on myself. I've rated a total of 1129 songs on RP.
Approximately half of my ratings are 3 or below, but at least a quarter are 7 or 8. 9 is limited to 8% and 10 is a mere 2%. Seems about right to me.
Yes, music is an obsession with me AND I'm a snob. If I don't like it, it sucks. Deal.
Approximately half of my ratings are 3 or below, but at least a quarter are 7 or 8. 9 is limited to 8% and 10 is a mere 2%. Seems about right to me.
Yes, music is an obsession with me AND I'm a snob. If I don't like it, it sucks. Deal.
That's sad crocky.
But, it's never too late to change. I hope RP helps you become more open minded about music. The reality is that just because you don't like it doesn't mean it sucks, it just means that you don't like it. Think about it. I think this all the time...
RadioDoc wrote:
Here's another I don't understand. 75% of your song ratings are '3' or below with 37% being '1'. Why do you continue to (evidently) torture yourself by listening to RP? Is it some kind obsession?
Okay, I just did some stats on myself. I've rated a total of 1129 songs on RP.
Approximately half of my ratings are 3 or below, but at least a quarter are 7 or 8. 9 is limited to 8% and 10 is a mere 2%. Seems about right to me.
Yes, music is an obsession with me AND I'm a snob. If I don't like it, it sucks. Deal.
Here's another I don't understand. 75% of your song ratings are '3' or below with 37% being '1'. Why do you continue to (evidently) torture yourself by listening to RP? Is it some kind obsession?
Okay, I just did some stats on myself. I've rated a total of 1129 songs on RP.
Approximately half of my ratings are 3 or below, but at least a quarter are 7 or 8. 9 is limited to 8% and 10 is a mere 2%. Seems about right to me.
Yes, music is an obsession with me AND I'm a snob. If I don't like it, it sucks. Deal.
Delboy77 wrote:
The similarity is stronger than just the voice: lyrics are about as crap as a Knopfler song too.
i was quite sure this is mark knopfler....hm....:)
always some nice surpises on rp...
always some nice surpises on rp...
The similarity is stronger than just the voice: lyrics are about as crap as a Knopfler song too.
take it outside you two!
dmax wrote:
Well, dmax, you're a better person than I. Though actually, I'm constantly impressed by how much restraint we as a community generally manage to show in light of the nasty ad hominem attacks against artists or songs that some posters feel compelled to make.
peter_james_bond has said it better on another board - To paraphrase, personal attacks on music and artists that we love can hit close, very like an attack on a friend. I say that, to expect a reasoned "defense" of an artist or song (like they are required to be defended?) in the face of unreasoned vitriol seems a little, uh, ambitious.
It's not fair to attack the critic personally. If the song merits a defense, then defend the song.
Well, dmax, you're a better person than I. Though actually, I'm constantly impressed by how much restraint we as a community generally manage to show in light of the nasty ad hominem attacks against artists or songs that some posters feel compelled to make.
peter_james_bond has said it better on another board - To paraphrase, personal attacks on music and artists that we love can hit close, very like an attack on a friend. I say that, to expect a reasoned "defense" of an artist or song (like they are required to be defended?) in the face of unreasoned vitriol seems a little, uh, ambitious.
The lyrics are really amusing, but the constant HEY! HEY! gets slightly irritating after a while.
Kinda' nasty, no?
aelfheld wrote:
aelfheld wrote:
I'm gonna flunk it, 'cause God knows he stunk it
I'm gonna turn off RP for about 10 minutes until the stench of this clears from the room.
I'm gonna turn off RP for about 10 minutes until the stench of this clears from the room.
i was quite sure this is mark knopfler....hm....:)
always some nice surpises on rp...
always some nice surpises on rp...
top20 wrote:
Nah! Being over 40 doesn't help. Only a 2 from me.
Bah. I'm not even 30 and it's an easy 8 for me.
Nah! Being over 40 doesn't help. Only a 2 from me.
Bah. I'm not even 30 and it's an easy 8 for me.
Weird lyrics
RadioDoc wrote:
Here's another I don't understand. 75% of your song ratings are '3' or below with 37% being '1'. Why do you continue to (evidently) torture yourself by listening to RP? Is it some kind obsession?
As for this tune...you may have to be over 40 to "get it". 7
Nah! Being over 40 doesn't help. Only a 2 from me.
Here's another I don't understand. 75% of your song ratings are '3' or below with 37% being '1'. Why do you continue to (evidently) torture yourself by listening to RP? Is it some kind obsession?
As for this tune...you may have to be over 40 to "get it". 7
Nah! Being over 40 doesn't help. Only a 2 from me.
aelfheld wrote:
Here's another I don't understand. 75% of your song ratings are '3' or below with 37% being '1'. Why do you continue to (evidently) torture yourself by listening to RP? Is it some kind obsession?
As for this tune...you may have to be over 40 to "get it". 7
Flush out the crap Friday? First New Moosiah and now this. I'm gonna have to replace my speakers & flush my ears with a disinfectant.
Here's another I don't understand. 75% of your song ratings are '3' or below with 37% being '1'. Why do you continue to (evidently) torture yourself by listening to RP? Is it some kind obsession?
As for this tune...you may have to be over 40 to "get it". 7
bpkengor wrote:
I've seen him live 5-6 times. in about half of those shows, he does indeed "really shine". but in the other half, it seemed like he was aggravated about his job and just went through the motions. In one show, i counted the number of times that he made eye contact with the audience and/or said anything beyond singing his songs. In that show, the only time he looked up or said anything was when someone shouted out a request. He looked up, said "no", looked back down, and went back to his set list. No "hello" at the beginning, no "goodbye" at the end. no "great to be in xxxx", no anecdotes about any song, no anecdotes about his life or his travels. just one single word, "no", in the middle of the set. Impressive on it's own for his complete lack of connection to the audience.
He was solo at this concert so he didn't even any band members to connect with. I saw him a couple of times with his sidekick Bo Ramsey. those were good. at one point, he was talking about recording and how much he appreciated Bo's help. he told a story about recording a song in one take and thinking he was done. He said such to Bo and Bo responded, "Well Greg, maybe we should listen to it once before decide if we're done...."
He likes to hunt and fish in my neck of the woods, so I've seen him perform a few times when he is up visiting. I guess if his is really into the venue you get more out of him. Or it depends on how many drinks he's had the night before or just before the show. But every time I've seen him, it's always been a very energetic crowd and maybe he just feeds off that type of connection.
I've seen him live 5-6 times. in about half of those shows, he does indeed "really shine". but in the other half, it seemed like he was aggravated about his job and just went through the motions. In one show, i counted the number of times that he made eye contact with the audience and/or said anything beyond singing his songs. In that show, the only time he looked up or said anything was when someone shouted out a request. He looked up, said "no", looked back down, and went back to his set list. No "hello" at the beginning, no "goodbye" at the end. no "great to be in xxxx", no anecdotes about any song, no anecdotes about his life or his travels. just one single word, "no", in the middle of the set. Impressive on it's own for his complete lack of connection to the audience.
He was solo at this concert so he didn't even any band members to connect with. I saw him a couple of times with his sidekick Bo Ramsey. those were good. at one point, he was talking about recording and how much he appreciated Bo's help. he told a story about recording a song in one take and thinking he was done. He said such to Bo and Bo responded, "Well Greg, maybe we should listen to it once before decide if we're done...."
He likes to hunt and fish in my neck of the woods, so I've seen him perform a few times when he is up visiting. I guess if his is really into the venue you get more out of him. Or it depends on how many drinks he's had the night before or just before the show. But every time I've seen him, it's always been a very energetic crowd and maybe he just feeds off that type of connection.
Helps take the sting outta gettin older, a little.
It makes me laugh. Who woulda thunk it?
Flush out the crap Friday? First New Moosiah and now this. I'm gonna have to replace my speakers & flush my ears with a disinfectant.
HarrO wrote:
I've seen him live 5-6 times. in about half of those shows, he does indeed "really shine". but in the other half, it seemed like he was aggravated about his job and just went through the motions. In one show, i counted the number of times that he made eye contact with the audience and/or said anything beyond singing his songs. In that show, the only time he looked up or said anything was when someone shouted out a request. He looked up, said "no", looked back down, and went back to his set list. No "hello" at the beginning, no "goodbye" at the end. no "great to be in xxxx", no anecdotes about any song, no anecdotes about his life or his travels. just one single word, "no", in the middle of the set. Impressive on it's own for his complete lack of connection to the audience.
He was solo at this concert so he didn't even any band members to connect with. I saw him a couple of times with his sidekick Bo Ramsey. those were good. at one point, he was talking about recording and how much he appreciated Bo's help. he told a story about recording a song in one take and thinking he was done. He said such to Bo and Bo responded, "Well Greg, maybe we should listen to it once before decide if we're done...."
One of the great American Folk - Poet - Comedian talents of today. This guy really shines Live, so see him if you get a chance.
I've seen him live 5-6 times. in about half of those shows, he does indeed "really shine". but in the other half, it seemed like he was aggravated about his job and just went through the motions. In one show, i counted the number of times that he made eye contact with the audience and/or said anything beyond singing his songs. In that show, the only time he looked up or said anything was when someone shouted out a request. He looked up, said "no", looked back down, and went back to his set list. No "hello" at the beginning, no "goodbye" at the end. no "great to be in xxxx", no anecdotes about any song, no anecdotes about his life or his travels. just one single word, "no", in the middle of the set. Impressive on it's own for his complete lack of connection to the audience.
He was solo at this concert so he didn't even any band members to connect with. I saw him a couple of times with his sidekick Bo Ramsey. those were good. at one point, he was talking about recording and how much he appreciated Bo's help. he told a story about recording a song in one take and thinking he was done. He said such to Bo and Bo responded, "Well Greg, maybe we should listen to it once before decide if we're done...."
this song is terrible and for some reason i feel like i hear it all the time. maybe because it is so awful the awfullness just sticks in my mind.
who da thunk it...................................................................................EYE LIKE!!!
guy down a loop is doped should be a fruit and not cute,don't know music from q....zak..WHAT A SAD STORY!!LOSER SUCKS!!
aelfheld wrote:
Wow! so harsh..................
I'm gonna flunk it, 'cause God knows he stunk it
I'm gonna turn off RP for about 10 minutes until the stench of this clears from the room.
I'm gonna turn off RP for about 10 minutes until the stench of this clears from the room.
Wow! so harsh..................
I'm gonna flunk it, 'cause God knows he stunk it
I'm gonna turn off RP for about 10 minutes until the stench of this clears from the room.
I'm gonna turn off RP for about 10 minutes until the stench of this clears from the room.
HarrO wrote:
absolutely true, true, true.
One of the great American Folk - Poet - Comedian talents of today. This guy really shines Live, so see him if you get a chance.
absolutely true, true, true.
It's not bad, he didn't slam dunk it
But I'm not gonna flunk it.
But I'm not gonna flunk it.
Honey in the Lion's Head! A great album of his.
Excelsior wrote:
Your comments are ridiculously tedious, though 10 out of 10 for consistency.
This song is ridiculously bad.
Your comments are ridiculously tedious, though 10 out of 10 for consistency.
If this guy is the American treasure you are all blib-blabbing about, why not give him to the automakers?
I really can't stand this song. They lyrics are just phenomenally stupid.
chirpie wrote:
Dude, that's exactly what i was gonna say! The production, melody... all of that, just fine. But what the hell with all the eating horse lyrics? ^_^;
Have you ever heard the expression, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse?"
Dude, that's exactly what i was gonna say! The production, melody... all of that, just fine. But what the hell with all the eating horse lyrics? ^_^;
Have you ever heard the expression, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse?"
Who'd a thunk that this would last beyond one playing.
One of the great American Folk - Poet - Comedian talents of today. This guy really shines Live, so see him if you get a chance.
He is a lot of fun to see in a live performance, very entertaining, and to comment on some of the other comments here...he didn't seem drunk.
audiolizard wrote:
Dude, that's exactly what i was gonna say! The production, melody... all of that, just fine. But what the hell with all the eating horse lyrics? ^_^;
As much as I want to like this song, the absurd lyrics ruin it for me. Every time.
Dude, that's exactly what i was gonna say! The production, melody... all of that, just fine. But what the hell with all the eating horse lyrics? ^_^;
As much as I want to like this song, the absurd lyrics ruin it for me. Every time.
This song is ridiculously bad. 
Good stuff! For any of us who have grown through the years of life's experiences, to hear the words of someone who has succumbed to life's experiences is a good wake up.
QueenLucia wrote:
AAAAAARGH! I turned my volume off, but I can still hear it from the rest of the office.
Wow! You're in a workplace that's wall-to-wall RP listeners?
AAAAAARGH! I turned my volume off, but I can still hear it from the rest of the office. Wow! You're in a workplace that's wall-to-wall RP listeners?
I don't like that I can't like something because it reminds me of my ex, and this is surely an odd song to make that happen, but hey, that's life.
Reminds me of mid-1970s Bob Dylan, except Brown can actually sing. Don't get me wrong; love Bob, and am diggin' this.
Can't stand this..but I'll take "Cows with Guns" anyday!!
A band I was in used to play a reggae version of this tune --- listen for the implicit "one drop" in this version --- because the singer was a total Greg Brown fanatic.
The singer went to see Brown perform a couple of years ago and said that Brown clearly has an alcohol problem.
Now I know why I relate so strongly to this tune --- the excess of youth collides with the physical reality of middle age.
I'm right there with ya, Greg.
dharmanavy wrote:
Reminds me of early solo Mark Knopfler... 
Yeah, all this time, I've been thinking that this WAS Mark Knopfler! I just happened to hear Bill say "Greg Brown" and I had to come see what was going on!
nicolaluna wrote:
hmmm, yeah, it?s that last verse that does it. i like the first two. but how does wanting a bed and a blanket at the end of the night in your later days equate to wanting to charge everything on your master card just cuz you want to, cuz your old and you can?
As a young person, he would walk through the night to get to the next tiny town. As he gets older, he still wants to say that he would do that, but upon reflection, realizes that he wants the comfort of a bed & breakfast instead.
As a young person, he didn't care about money as long as he could have his girl and a shack in the woods. As he ages, he wants to say that he doesn't care about money, but upon reflection, he realizes that he's a willing participant of a consumer society that maxes out credit cards.
It's just a song that traces the idealism of youth as it morphs over time.
You mean we don't hold fast to all of our ideals? Who Woulda Thunk It?
This song refuses to leave my mind, I find myself sampling it at odd times throughout my wakeful hours.
'Who would have thunk it?'
As such, a nice follow up to JTs' master suite.
Thank you RP.
What a great song about growing old.
Sad to say, it really rings true.
Reminds me of early solo Mark Knopfler...
Oh go on, eat it - they taste good! Wooooo Neady! 
QueenLucia wrote: AAAAAARGH! I turned my volume off, but I can still hear it from the rest of the office.
HAHA, same in our office! We think this song is so dopey!
AAAAAARGH! I turned my volume off, but I can still hear it from the rest of the office. I like this guy and for those of you who are so critical sit down and write one, I'll listen to it and let you know what I think. And as for old-boring and materialistic, wait till you get there is oh so appropriate. good luck mate
Greg Brown is a genius. Too bad this song barely hints at it. I'm NOT a fan of singer-songwriters - it takes a lot for one person to command a stage for a headlining show for me, and Greg Brown left me blown away the couple times I've seen him.
hmmm, yeah, it?s that last verse that does it. i like the first two. but how does wanting a bed and a blanket at the end of the night in your later days equate to wanting to charge everything on your master card just cuz you want to, cuz your old and you can?
ginniet wrote:
Just wait 'til you get there, and see what you think!
rvhall wrote:
A song about getting old, boring and materialistic. Blech.
Just wait 'til you get there, and see what you think!
rKokon wrote:
Sounds like one of the "Sugar Hill Singer-Songwriters"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pervading and insidious Texas-type cowboy country-influenced folk-influenced brilliant-electronic-instrumented rock with sinister lyrics more sophisticated than the language used . . . Is this guy a friend of Jim White's? Now I am glad I did not turn the station off after the previous song!
Listen closer, dude. Greg Brown's from Iowa, not Texas. Freak folk, not country. Big difference. And the guy can write a song like who woulda thunk it.
Sounds like one of the "Sugar Hill Singer-Songwriters"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pervading and insidious Texas-type cowboy country-influenced folk-influenced brilliant-electronic-instrumented rock with sinister lyrics more sophisticated than the language used . . . Is this guy a friend of Jim White's? Now I am glad I did not turn the station off after the previous song!
YA_MAN wrote:
I really like this guy but he does have some stuff thats not up to par , but isnt that what being an artist is about? creating and then letting the public decide if they like it or not, I would prefer that you played-"Just A BUM"
I totally disagree. That was the musical equal of valium. The majority of his work is poor. The record company should sue him for putting out this garbage.
I really like this guy but he does have some stuff thats not up to par , but isnt that what being an artist is about? creating and then letting the public decide if they like it or not, I would prefer that you played-"Just A BUM"
When I first heard this song, I thought he was singing 'Hey, Hey, do the funky'. I like the song, the admission of growing smug is kind of refreshing.
I used to listen to this song.
But now I can't listen to this song, no.
Because I don't want to.
Who woulda thunk it?
FeydBaron wrote:
Every time I hear the intro to this song, I get ready for a rousing rendition of "Cows with Guns."
I wonder which of the two is more popular...
Edit: Hmm, seems Cows with Guns is more popular. I'm really not shocked by this.
Hmmmmm....cows well hung......
Every time I hear the intro to this song, I get ready for a rousing rendition of "Cows with Guns."
I wonder which of the two is more popular...
AAAAAARGH! I turned my volume off, but I can still hear it from the rest of the office. I oughta thunk you over the head for that one.
rococodeco wrote:
NO NO NO not this song again! the refrain comes in way too often. I wouldn't mind it if less than 3/4 of the song were the refrain.
bokey wrote:
This guy quit Cake in 1998.I wonder how many lottery tickets he's thrown away.
B'lieve that's the *other* Greg Brown, dear.
This guy quit Cake in 1998. I weonder how many lottery tickets he's thrown away.
fenway wrote:
Nothing special, but WAY overplayed on RP.
I pity those that don't have true appreciation for Greg Brown.
Nothing special, but WAY overplayed on RP.
This is Ho-Hum material. One might think of Bob Dylan when you hear this voice but can you image Dylan singing such an inane lyric over and over again as "Who woulda thunk it?" - the cuteness wears out by the second refrain.
lily34 wrote:
nope. doesn't do it for me. 
It?
A song about getting old, boring and materialistic. Blech.
I enjoy the comments on this song almost as much as the song itself.
lord_love_rocket wrote:
I know an old lady who swallowed a horse, she's dead of course
Means you're dead too friend. I knew........
Mindscrape wrote:
Mark Knopfler sound, without the Mark Knopfler lyrics. What's that about eating a horse?
Hungry
nope. doesn't do it for me.
Bill,
I love your station and I love Greg Brown, however, really, this song?