Nobody pays attention to lyrics of songs anymore. More people should pay attention to lyrics of songs, methinks. I'm a writer. I'm also a musician. A good song can't have one without the other, if it's a GOOD song. I naturally pay attention to both.
I've posted this song before, albeit a much differently played (and lyrically augmented) "Not Guilty."
This is the earlier version of Harrison's "Not Guilty," which was recorded with The Beatles during the "White Album" sessions in 1968, and was included on the "Anthology," which George Harrison smoothed out a bit when it finally appeared on his eponymous solo album in 1979. I like both versions equally, but this one is edgier, and I prefer the lyric "I'm really sorry that you're "OVERFED" than how he changed it to "UNDERFED" on the '79 record. Though it depends on who I'm sending the song to--which version I ultimately choose. The last person I gave this song to was really, quite honestly, essentially just a bitch, who could stand to lose a few pounds, which was purely coincidental. Why don't you all listen to it and see if it strikes a chord and makes you think "Ouch, Annie, NOW who are you discontented with?"
Not guilty
For getting in your way
While you're trying to steal the day
Not guilty
And I'm not here for the rest
I'm not trying to steal your vest.
I am not trying to be smart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry for your aging head
But like you heard me said
Not guilty.
Not guilty
For being on your street
Getting underneath your feet
Not guilty
No use handing me a writ
While I'm trying to do my bit.
I don't expect to take your heart . . .
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that you're underfed . . .
But like you heard me said . . .
Not guilty.
Not guilty
For looking like a freak
Making friends with every Sikh
Not guilty
For leading you astray
On the road to Mandalay.
I won't upset the apple cart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that you've been misled . . .
But like you heard me said . . .
Not guilty.
For getting in your way
While you're trying to steal the day
Not guilty
And I'm not here for the rest
I'm not trying to steal your vest.
I am not trying to be smart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry for your aging head
But like you heard me said
Not guilty.
Not guilty
For being on your street
Getting underneath your feet
Not guilty
No use handing me a writ
While I'm trying to do my bit.
I don't expect to take your heart . . .
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that you're underfed . . .
But like you heard me said . . .
Not guilty.
Not guilty
For looking like a freak
Making friends with every Sikh
Not guilty
For leading you astray
On the road to Mandalay.
I won't upset the apple cart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that you've been misled . . .
But like you heard me said . . .
Not guilty.
"Live your life the way you’d like to see the waves build. Initiate movement. Lead the flow. Shake the system. Challenge the status quo. Make a ripple. Make a ruckus. It’s up to you now." -Raam Dev
5 comments:
Aw. I never knew you thought I "could stand to lose a few pounds." Lost over 20, actually, but never thought I needed to. I'm comfortable in my skin either way.
I did realize you decided at some point that I was "essentially a bitch." It still makes me a little sad that you chose to see me that way, but I accept that you get to decide how you feel about people.
You're certainly right that those are some penetrating lyrics.
Congrats on the weight loss. It hurts just as much when people see me and tell me I could "use a chocolate cake" upon greeting, as I recall. But I'm getting really used to people snidely commenting on my thinness, over which I have little to no control.
I give you snaps for at least understanding the lyrics, unlike others I've directed the song towards in the 20+ years I've known it.
Actually, "congratulations" for the weight loss is just buying into the same thinness-as-virtue mindset behind the comments about needing a chocolate cake that offend you. Though, in my case, you are misremembering.
I'm not misremembering exactly what you said upon seeing me the last time we saw one another in person. You told me I could use a chocolate cake, implying I was too thin. If being 20 lbs thinner is better for your overall health, that is why I would wish you congratulations.
I remember offering to bake you a cake awhile ago, having been excited about a new recipe and in response to you commenting about having trouble gaining/maintaining weight.
I really don't recall making any comment about cake last time I saw you. If I did, I am sorry that my words were poorly chosen. I certainly wouldn't say something like that with any intention of insulting your body or hurting your feelings. Knowing myself, I can imagine saying something like that as a clumsy way of expressing concern.
I'm really surprised that you thought I was at an unhealthy or unattractive weight. At 5'8", 150 genuinely is quite reasonable.
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