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WOMEN’S MUSIC IS MOSTLY ABOUT MEN
Music, in one form or another, like most everything else, is about sex. So women in music, most of the time, are singing about sex. Candlelight and soft music has one destination in mind and it isn’t a night of scintillating talk about the meaning of life. It’s headed towards the nearest Sealy Posturepedic, tabletop, backseat, floor or wherever the more adventurous choose to have at each other. It’s all about sex baby.
I have always wished that women in music would give us more than that. More than whimpering about the guy that done ya wrong. More about who and what you are than who you want to get “Physical” with ala Olivia Newton-John back in 1982. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spaw8bCZMHc
I confess I’m not much of a romantic. I would like to see more empowering of my gender from artists of my gender. Not some poor little “betrayed” weenie weeping her eyes out.
Long ago, way back in the dark ages of 1964 an 18-year-old Lesley Gore sang “You don’t own me” and it’s still the definitive woman’s song, in my opinion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmOrWG2FTbg. So much so that 32 years later it was sung by Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton in the 1996 movie The First Wives Club. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flzPWWjsyPU
This is the new millennium and women are supposedly so much more liberated that their Mothers and Grandmothers. So we should be seeing some of that showing up in the music by women.
There may be some in Madonna’s music. I wouldn’t know. I have a visceral dislike for the woman that I’ve never understood. Because of that I am not familiar with her music.
But let’s take someone like Beyonce’, young, beautiful, talented and singing about a man who is not irreplaceable. That at least is better than whining and crying about the man that gone and left you broken. Still it is more about the man than about her. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRhZl-hVyDA
I came across a video by a female artist who calls herself “Lady GaGa”. I youtubed to listen to her music. Sorry ladies. Wanting to “take a ride on his disco stick” may be cool, but it sure isn’t’ liberated.
Somewhere along the way women, in and out of music seem to have decided that giving men unfettered use of their body is somehow liberating. I just don't see it that way.
To me, Lady GaGa is a perfect example of the objectification and demeaning of woman, by women for men. But make up your own mind; this song is called “Love Games”. I’d call it sex games but then that’s just me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocwZU89NPi4
Tina Turner said it and sang it better 25 years ago in 1984; two years before Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta aka Lady GaGa was born. Better legs too. “What's Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFQlZht2DU4
I loved Pat Benatar’s Hit Me With Your Best Shot back in 1979. I especially liked the lyrics that said:
You come on with a come on, you dont fight fair
But thats o.k., see if I care!
Knock me down, its all in vain
Ill get right back on my feet again!
But thats o.k., see if I care!
Knock me down, its all in vain
Ill get right back on my feet again!
At least that lyric isn’t wimpy.
By now you may be seeing a pattern in my complaining. I like strong and independent women. I am a strong and independent woman and I would like some songs by and about strong and independent women. I would like my Granddaughters to listen to music that makes them like and respect themselves. Not some asshat’s “disco stick”.
Many of these women artists may well be both strong and independent in their private lives, but damn it they aren’t singing like it!
The Spice Girls with their song “Wannabe” back in 1997 aren’t begging for some man’s attention. I like that about them. Not much more but I like that.
“What A Girl Wants” byChristina Aguilera in 2000?
Evidently what she wants is a man that gives her time to breath and waits patiently. I believe that you “take” time to breathe if you need it. No one “gives” it to you.
I am not talking about talent or lack thereof. I am talking about women that empower and inspire women, women who have made it. Women who have reached a success that most of us will never know. That gives them power to help empower other women. Too bad all that power is wasted.
I loved Bonnie Tyler’s song “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” in 1983.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=840B27zYfOk I may like the music and still feel empty because there isn’t much of a message. Aside from a great beat and Tyler’s gravelly voice, it’s just another he done me wrong song, just one more woman crying in her white wine and listening to the sound of her own tears. Ho-hum.
“Flashdance...What A Feeling” in1983 at least had a great line in the song about “taking your passion and making it happen”. I’m assuming it’s about her passion for the dance not some dude. So you might guess that I like that.
Irene Cara http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIG-R96GSpk
Aside from Lesley Gore back in the dark ages I adore Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” back in 1972. When I hear these words:
I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again
CHORUS
Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
That is a song; those are words, to make a woman feel strong and proud. And any man worth having would prefer that kind of woman. Or so it seems to me.
I wish the women in the entertainment business would give us more of that. I wish they would raise us up rather than whine us down about some damn man.
I want to hear a woman sing “If I have to, I can do anything”. Because I believe I can. I believe we all can. If only we would stop obsessing about what “he” thinks or wants or needs and started caring about who and what we are. Not what we look like, but who we are.
We may have come a long way baby, but we ain’t come nearly far enough. Or if we have, we aren't singing about it. We're still singing about him.
Other women's music I liked:
Gloria Gaynor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBR2G-iI3-I
Dark Lady 1974
At least in this song she shot the cheating bastard instead of whining about how bad he treated her.
You're No Good 1975
Linda Ronstadt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr9vKWLgZzo
These Boots Are Made For Walkin' 1966
Nancy Sinatra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRkovnss7sg
Respect 1967
Aretha Franklin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrV0c9ETnWo
The lyrics say “I’m about to give you all my money and all I’m asking for is a little respect. Seems like a bad trade to me.
- kenoshaMarge's blog
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And yes, there are great artists among us.
Civil Discourse - ERA - A Mother President - Women's Rights - Primary Reform
There's some mighty fine songs out there, Kenosha---Not just about servicing the boys. Just got to be open to seeing them. Check out The Lillith Fair when tickets go on sale next year.
hopwe thats ok. the other was not embedible
Civil Discourse - ERA - A Mother President - Women's Rights - Primary Reform
Ya gotta see the visual to really appreciate the song!
Independence Day
GONE FISHING
that got FLOTUS in trouble.
"I think that for the first time I know what it feels like to be an American"
Civil Discourse - ERA - A Mother President - Women's Rights - Primary Reform
that FLOTUS said "for the first time I am proud to be an American."
The difference is clear...dishonor on the one hand versus innocence on the other.
Pea Yes...Thank you for the embed, boss.
GONE FISHING
slap me upside the head I should have remembered that.
thanks for settin' me straight creep
Civil Discourse - ERA - A Mother President - Women's Rights - Primary Reform
I know what you mean about Lady GaGa, Marge. That "disco stick" song makes me glad I don't have daughters listening to that crap. I love all those females artists and those songs. Pat Benatar and Linda Ronstadt are special favorites.
I love this song, and it ain't about some woman obsessing about a man. It is a song by Lee Ann Womack...."I Hope You Dance." I thought I'd send it out to everyone.
"Sisters are Doin' It for Themselves"
"Right wing sledge hammers never, ever help us." Pacific John
and "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves"? Shame on me. Another point for Independent Women! Yay!
A Dishonest/Biased Media Is A Crime Against Democracy!
Keep em coming.
I can only talk about what I know. And if I missed any then I am grateful that you did not and can tell me about them. I thank you for that. I wanted to start a conversation about something that has bothered me for a long time.
Who knew I would get the added bonus of some great new "women's" music? I should have known I could count on you folks.
I reminded myself of a lot of music that I loved while writing this. I was surprised by this one though you would think you would find a woman capable of standing on her own with Joplin and her music right? Not so much. I must not have been paying close enough attention back when this song was one of my favorites.
To be holding Bobby's body next to mine.”
A Dishonest/Biased Media Is A Crime Against Democracy!
Music is always good for bringing people together and starting a conversation, Marge. I just thought of that song by Bette Midler..."Wind Beneath My Wings" from that fantastic movie "Beaches."
I know the name of the group bothers many of you here. They deserve credit, though, for standing firm against the cavemen who would have stifled them.
Here they are...introduced by Joan Baez at the 2007 Grammy Awards.
GONE FISHING
I play their CD often. Especially the "Not Ready To Make Nice" song. I also love the song Lullaby which I thought was just another love song the first time I heard it and didn't know the title and then I realized that it was a love song, one written by one of the women to her baby.
A Dishonest/Biased Media Is A Crime Against Democracy!
Creeper, I love that song they sing, "Goodbye Earl."
GONE FISHING
I worked a couple of years as a Gal Friday at a local 1,000-watt radio station. Boy, does this diary bring back memories of those days.
Some more, the first from Natalie Merchant
Mary Chapin Carpenter had it right
Amazingly, I couldn't find a thing by k.d. lang or Melissa Etheridge that qualifies for inclusion here.
This one's such a female chauvinist song I had to throw it in. Linda Eder at her best, with dancers for distraction
But no matter how many of these we post they're all undone by crap like this. What did I ever see in Dusty Springfield, anyway? I'm sorry I couldn't find a video. No matter. You'll be outraged enough by just the lyrics...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMdp8nwkWM4&feature=PlayList&p=5F93B7305D...
GONE FISHING
Women's music as I said, is all too often about men.
There are many women with marvelous talents and wonderful voices that I never listen too, Whitney Houston comes to mind, because they are either "so" in love or they are "so" victimized.
And often songs that I had thought were "women's songs" turned out, once I read the lyrics instead of just singing along with them, songs about women obsessing about men.
A Dishonest/Biased Media Is A Crime Against Democracy!
Sometimes I wonder about him, but he has a point with this one.
GONE FISHING
I have always loved the line "And they were sure surprised when Mrs. Johnson wore her mini-skirt into the room."
So many of the "cool" folks like to make fun of country music as being for rubes. But where is a pop song or a rock song that takes on hypocrisy better than, or as well as this oldie but goodie?
A Dishonest/Biased Media Is A Crime Against Democracy!
at how much of the "good" women's music came from the country side. Country has a reputation for being nothing but "somebody done somebody wrong" songs. The truth is, some of our strongest women have been country singers.
Martina McBride has been an incredible spokeswoman for abused women and children. She's a beautiful woman, inside and out. I have yet to listen to this one without dissolving into tears.
GONE FISHING
and further makes your point creeper.
"The Long Way Around"
My friends from high school
Married their high school boyfriends
Moved into houses in the same ZIP codes
Where their parents live
But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow
I hit the highway in a pink RV with stars on the ceiling
Lived like a gypsy
Six strong hands on the steering wheel
I've been a long time gone now
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
But I've always found my way somehow
By taking the long way
Taking the long way around
Taking the long way
Taking the long way around
I met the queen of whatever
Drank with the Irish and smoked with the hippies
Moved with the shakers
Wouldn't kiss all the asses that they told me to
No I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow
It's been two long years now
Since the top of the world came crashing down
And I'm getting' it back on the road now
But I'm taking the long way
Taking the long way around
I'm taking the long way
Taking the long way around
The long
The long way around
Well, I fought with a stranger and I met myself
I opened my mouth and I heard myself
It can get pretty lonely when you show yourself
Guess I could have made it easier on myself
But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow
Well, I never seem to do it like anybody else
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
If you ever want to find me I can still be found
Taking the long way
Taking the long way around
Taking the long way
Taking the long way around
A Dishonest/Biased Media Is A Crime Against Democracy!
Recently, Cal posted a Billie Holliday video, so she has been on my mind. She was fabulous and died way too young. Her rendition of Strange Fruit is said to have destroyed her career (along with drugs and bad men), but it also helped turn her into a legend. She first sang this song in NY in 1939; it shocked the nation and her recording of it was banned on radio.
Strange Fruit
Southern trees bear strange fruit
Blood on the leaves
Blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees
Pastoral scene of the gallant south
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth
The scent of magnolia sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh
Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck
for the rain to gather
for the wind to suck
for the sun to rot
for the tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop
Composed by Abel Meeropol (aka Lewis Allan)
Originally sung by: Billie Holiday
The song speaks for itself. Here, she sings it near the end of her career:
to tell the truth. Can't get more real than that.
A Dishonest/Biased Media Is A Crime Against Democracy!
What a powerful song! I have never heard this one before, BJ. Thank you so much for posting it.
GONE FISHING
Civil Discourse - ERA - A Mother President - Women's Rights - Primary Reform
Loved the Sphinx and the sheep. But the best part was the last frame. I think even Michelangelo would've gotten a laugh out of that one.
I hadn't seen Lion's earlier post. Thanks for moving this, Hamp.
GONE FISHING
but Olbermann and Matthews as cheerleaders completely cracked me up! ROFLMAO!
A Dishonest/Biased Media Is A Crime Against Democracy!
from the Chris Matthews leg site. The site started when Matthews made his tingly leg comment in regards to his reaction to an Obama speech. You might think it is a one-joke-wonder, but it is much more.
Today, the site is sharing the leg's reaction to Matthews inane dribbles: http://chrismatthewsleg.wordpress.com/