The Put Down (You Got A Lotta Nerve To Say That You're My Friend)

Introduction

I am not sure what prompted this, and I don't normally do pieces that are maybe negative towards others, but a line from Doctor John Cooper Clarke came to mind, that reminded me of a Graham Parker song that reminded my of the Bob Dylan song where almost every line is a vicious put down.

I expected some Fleetwood Mac, especially "Rumours," to give me a few gems, but I couldn't find anything in there. However, the music is great, though. Then I remembered the opener.

So, I will share a few of these songs with some lines that have stayed with me, and you may see some that seem to apply to certain people you have met and perhaps wish you hadn't.

Fleetwood Mac - "Second Hand News"

"Rumours" was the relationship breakup album, and the lyrics of the opening song opened with a punch.

"One thing I think you should know
I ain't gonna miss you when you go
Been down so long
I've been tossed around enough"

Lindsey Buckingham

Ryan Harvey (ft. Ani DiFranco & Tom Morello)- "Old Man Trump"

A great Woody Guthrie song about Donald Trump's dad. The sun is just the same as the dad.

"I suppose that Old Man Trump knows just how much racial hate
He stirred up in that bloodpot of human hearts
When he drawed that color line"

Woody Guthrie and Ryan Harvey

The Corrs - "I Never Loved You Anyway"

This is a very civilised song, lovely tune, and then you listen to the lyrics

You bored me with your stories
I can't believe that I endured you for as long as I did
I'm happy it's over, I'm only sorry
That I didn't make the move before you

The Corrs

John Lennon - "How Do You Sleep"

After the Beatles' break-up, this was an attempt by John Lennon to attack Paul, but when he listened to it, he said it was all about himself.

The title says it all, really, and we have met people to whom we could say that in our lives.

Carly Simon - "You're So Vain"

Apparently, the subject of this song was Mick Jagger, but who knows? This is quite mild compared to the songs that close this playlist.

The Wonder Stuff - "Unbearable"

A truly wonderful song with a perfect choral refrain:

"I Didn't Like You Very Much When I Met You

And Now I Like You Even Less"

The Wonder Stuff

Wayne County & the Electric Chairs - "Fuck Off"

Subtle this is not. Funny, it definitely is. I first heard this when I went to see the Darts at The Odeon in Preston. I asked the DJ what the record was and bought it the following day.

I don't need to quote any lyrics; the title makes the message clear.

Actually, "Storm The Gates Of Heaven" by them is a stunning album, and Wayne is now Jayne.

Doctor John Cooper Clarke - "Twat"

This is full of great lines, very funny, and the final verse of the poem are perfect:

"What Kind Of Creature Bore You

Was It Some Kind Of Bat?

They Can't Find A Good Word For You

But I Can - TWAT!"

Dr John Cooper Clarke

Graham Parker and The Rumour - "Mercury Poisoning"

Graham Parker was having major issues with his record label and finally left leaving them this resignation letter.

These lines remind me of a few companies and managers I have worked for.

"The Company Is Crippling Me,

The Worst Trying To Ruin The Best"

"I've Got A Dinosaur For A Representative

It's Got A Small Brain And Refuses To Learn"

Graham Parker

Bob Dylan - "Positively Fourth Street"

This is the perfect put-down song for anyone who has been abusive towards you. I could share almost any line with you, but you are best listening to the whole song.

These always stick with me, though.

"Do you take me for such a fool, to think I'd make contact
With the one who tries to hide what he don't know to begin with?"

Bob Dylan

Conclusion

Thank you for reading and listening and I hope you have something you like, and I hope I have not offended too many of you, but I have warned you it might not be for the more genteel of you.