JumboXL Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 The Genesis song I can't dance was written to defame Michael Jackson, so I read in an interview with Phil Collins. The band really hated Michael at the time, the early nineties. I can't dance, I can't talk. Only thing about me is the way I walk. I can't dance, I can't sing Im just standing here selling everything. I like the genre of defamatory songs, and I am interested in more examples of songs, written to expose or underline some persons nasty characteristics, behaviour, image or whatever. You're so vain by Carly Simon is another example, although is is not entirely clear whom she wrote it for (my guess would be: Warren Beatty). Does anybody know some more examples? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farin Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 I didn't know that about "I can't dance"... interesting - and I just noticed that the song isn't in the database yet! Foo Fighter's "I'll stick around" is about Courtney Love and her role in Kurt Cobain's suicide I thought I knew all it took to bother you Every word I said was true, that you'll see How could it be I'm the only one who sees your rehearsed insanity? I still refuse all the methods you've abused It's all right if you're confused let me be I've been around all the pawns You've gagged and bound They'll come back and knock you down and I'll be free I don't owe you anything I don't owe you anything Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Laurie_ Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 My Favorite Mistake ~ Sheryl Crow I woke up and called this morning The tone of your voice was a warning That you don't care for me anymore I made up the bed we sleep in I looked at the clock when you creep in It's 6 a.m. and I'm alone Did you know when you go It's the perfect ending To the bad day I was just beginning When you go all I know Is you're my favourite mistake Your friends act sorry for me They watch you pretend to adore me But I'm no fool to this game Now here comes your secret lover She'll be unlike any other Until your guilt goes up in flames Did you know when you go It's the perfect ending To the bad day I'd gotten used to spending When you go all I know Is you're my favourite mistake You're my favourite mistake Well, maybe nothing lasts forever Even when you stay together I don't need forever after But it's your laughter won't let me go So I'm holding on this way Did you know, could you tell? You were the only one that I ever loved Now everything's so wrong Did you see me walking by? Did it ever make you cry? Now you're my favourite mistake Yeah, you're my favourite mistake You're my favourite mistake This was rumored to be about Eric Clapton.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesboy Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 One of many from Frank Zappa Po-Jama People Some people's hot Some people's cold Some people's not very Swift to behold Some people do it Some see right through it Some wear pyjamas If only they knew it The pyjamas people are boring me to pieces They make me feel like I am wasting my time They all got flannel up 'n down 'em A little trap-door back aroun' 'em An' some cozy little footies on their mind Po-jama people! Po-jama people, people! Lawd, they make you sleepy With the things they might say Po-jama people! Po-jama people, people! Mother, Mary 'n Jozuf, wish they'd all go away! Po-jama people! It's a po-jama people special... Take one home with you & save a dollar today Po-jama people! Po-jama people, people! Wrap 'em up Roll 'em out Get 'em out of my way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Laurie_ Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette I still can't believe it's about Dave Coulier (Joey from "Full House"). The mental image alone gives me the heebie-jeebies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Laurie_ Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 I hear ya Jenny! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 Lennon´s "How Do You Sleep", for Paul. They had a war going... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluesky Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 Zanz Kant Danz is about the producer who sued Fogerty for plagarizing himself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluesky Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 This Note's for You is Neil Young's take on artists lending their music for use in commercials Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTyme Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 Carly Simon's You're so Vain took a direct stab at either James Taylor or Warren Beatty. She never divulged which one, though. I'm with you, JumboXL, most likely Beatty. Clouds in my Coffee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epiphany Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 Sexy Sadie was written by The Beatles to expose Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 Carly Simon's You're so Vain took a direct stab at either James Taylor or Warren Beatty. She never divulged which one, though. I'm with you, JumboXL, most likely Beatty. Clouds in my Coffee Amazing live version of the song But James Taylor? They were just married... Some extra info: Wikipedia says... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTyme Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 So... it was Jagger, then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 Oh, I dunno... actually, I never asked her... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTyme Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 Which didn't you ask, Mick or Carly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 Actually, it´s about Sammy Davis, Jr., but don´t tell a soul... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluesky Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 I love Edna. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 I love ((((((((((((((((Shannon))))))))))))))))))))) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluesky Posted May 20, 2008 Report Share Posted May 20, 2008 According to Songfacts, a notable music website, Back Off Bugaloo was Ringo's way of telling Paul to shut his trap and make some good music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Wait a minute - "I Can't Dance" was about Michael Jackson? Any idea where this Phil Collins interview exists? I's love to put some Songfacts up for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTyme Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 Me, as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Laurie_ Posted May 21, 2008 Report Share Posted May 21, 2008 I honestly thought Phil was talking about himself in that song... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTyme Posted May 22, 2008 Report Share Posted May 22, 2008 Phil is much too modest to talk about himself. Also, the fat lady never sings when the song is over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumboXL Posted May 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2008 I thought I had read in an interview in Mojo or Uncut, some 8,9 years ago, I can't dance is written against Michael Jackson. I looked through my old copies, but didn't find the interview. Online research suggests this notion is wrong. The song is against jeans models, says http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Can%27t_Dance . Still, I'd like to collect some more titles of songs that were written against a specific person or group. The Rolling Stones's Star star are Mick's impression of groupies, says your database. Any news on "Suzy" mentioned in their Dead Flowers? The reference to Suzy Creamcheese in the comments is not very convincing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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