Really. There is no justice in this world. People buy this crap?

Hollaback Girl -- Gwen Stefani

Uh huh, this is my shit
All the girls stomp your feet like this

A few times I've been around that track
So it's not just gonna happen like that
Because I ain't no hollaback girl
I ain't no hollaback girl [x2]

Ooooh ooh, this my shit, this my shit [x4]

I heard that you were talking shit
And you didn't think that I would hear it
People hear you talking like that, getting everybody fired up
So I'm ready to attack, gonna lead the pack
Gonna get a touchdown, gonna take you out
That's right, put your pom-poms downs, getting everybody fired up

A few times I've been around that track
So it's not just gonna happen like that
Because I ain't no hollaback girl
I ain't no hollaback girl [x2]

Ooooh ooh, this my shit, this my shit [x4]

So that's right dude, meet me at the bleachers
No principals,no student-teachers
Both of us want to be the winner, but there can only be one
So I'm gonna fight, gonna give it my all
Gonna make you fall, gonna sock it to you
That's right I'm the last one standing, another one bites the dust

A few times I've been around that track
So it's not just gonna happen like that
Because I ain't no hollaback girl
I ain't no hollaback girl [x2]

Ooooh ooh, this my shit, this my shit [x4]

Let me hear you say this shit is bananas
B-A-N-A-N-A-S
(This shit is bananas)
(B-A-N-A-N-A-S)

Again
This shit is bananas
B-A-N-A-N-A-S
(This shit is bananas)
(B-A-N-A-N-A-S)

A few times I've been around that track
So it's not just gonna happen like that
Because I ain't no hollaback girl
I ain't no hollaback girl [x2]

Ooooh ooh, this my shit, this my shit [x4]

------------------
Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

[This message has been edited by SemiLiveMusic (edited 06-30-2006).]

t.

PS: I don't think it will make my playlist ...
t.

[This message has been edited by tony mads usa (edited 06-30-2006).]

I wouldn't go dismissing this stuff. I play this with my band and the dance floor is always packed. Go Figure... You can put this in the same category as the Chicken Dance.


------------------
Al Giordano
www.al-giordano.com

Tyros 2, Yamaha P-250, Korg Triton Extreme 76, Roland VK8-M, DW Collectors Series Drums

I don't deny that. I simply said there is no justice in the world. As songwriters we try to write good stuff and crap like this earns a bazillion dollars.

Ok, it's commercial in today's market. Carry on. I'm sure she probably wouldn't like some things I write.



------------------
Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

I've been reading this recently http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0954575016/002-8695533-6300821?v=glance&n=283155

Jerry Leiber (the wordsmith of the two) is quoted in there as saying the biggest difference between songwriting these days and his days is that now image is so important (in effect the urge to corporatise or brand 'popular' music talent by visual media) that decent or meaningful lyrics are no longer required to make a hit so why bother - the listener won't thank you for it by increased sales. You're selling a brand, a lifestyle and no longer a 3 minute lesson in life.

Obvious really I suppose, but I hadn't thought about it deeply enough until I read that. And I should have.

Different strokes for different folks Bill Gwen's music is probably not what you normally listen to.

She is however a good artist. I like this song--my wife really likes it, and my 4 year old shakes her little butt everytime she hears it (even though I don't approve of her shaking her little 4 year old bootie)--and I make sure "every" song played in this house "within" my childs hearing is "edited". I don't care for the vulgarity around young children.

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 06-30-2006).]

Gwen is laughing all the way to the bank

BTw I play ths song all the time the kids love it Big Time!

different strokes ... and I guess that's where I draw the line and perhaps that's one reason I don't play 500 gigs a year ...
Never had to, never will .....
t.

I'd gladly play 500 gigs a year (singing a long like this)--if I was getting her paycheck

Whoever said money can't buy happiness, must have been a poor man

It may not buy "happiness" per say, but one sure can buy things to "make" them happier.

Squeak

Al that's amazing dance floor always packed. I call it the dumbing down of America.



I share TonyMads opinion on this one



[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 06-30-2006).]

Let's be serious here. How many of you here actually listen to Gwen Stefani? This song falls under "Pop/Mainstream Pop".

The majority of the music shared and and posted by members here is Ballroom, jazz, blues, rock, and more traditional styles.

Do you really think it's fair to be critical of this artists style of music on "this" forum?

Be reasonable now. I listen to Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, as well as some of the more traditonal styles too. Even though I'm more into modern styles... do you see posts by me and the few others here (who actually listen to this music) being degrading towards singers such as Frank Sinatra and countless other musicians associated with this style of music?

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 06-30-2006).]

Squeak... admittedly, I, at age 65, do not listen to very much mainstream 'pop' music, and I am not critisizing anyone who does, nor am I critisizing anyone's talent ...
HOWEVER, the post was put on 'this' forum, so why can't I express my opinion on this forum? ... I am not putting anyone down who wants to listen to today's 'pop' music (my kids listen to it) ... BUT I reserve the right to listen to, play, and comment on music, regardless of who is performing it ...
Also, I feel very strongly that, in a world that needs a LOT more gentleness and compassion, bringing what I would call 'locker room' language into 'mainstream pop' adds nothing to our society ... the more we permit a lower standard, the lower our standards become as a society ... I personally don't want to contribute to that legacy ...
t.



[This message has been edited by tony mads usa (edited 07-03-2006).]

.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 07-03-2006).]

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 07-03-2006).]

Tony,
I understand where you're coming from, and I too agree that yes the standards have gone "much" lower. That's just today's music industry for you. I blame it all on Elvis He started shaking his hips then it all went down hill from there

You of course have the right to post your opinion about anything. I personally wasn't offended by it. Since I've been a member on this forum, I've noticed that the "mainstream" in terms of music on this forum or more classic traditional styles of music. I'm sure there are very few members here who share my taste in music. I just felt it was a little unfair to judge Gwen on this forum when (from what I've seen) the majority of the members do not either listen to or even play this style of music.

There's actual a good meaning behind this song..., even though the lyrics are a bit colorful Example: If you've seen the video Gwen is dressed as a cheerleader. If you know Gwen's history--she herself use to be a cheerleader. We all know how highschool was with the clicks and groups, and cheerleaders well--you know where I'm going with that.

Gwen is poking a little fun at cheerleaders because she knows what goes on not just by what you see, but from her own personal experience as one herself. She's basically saying in this song "I ain't gonna be no punk".. Meaning not a follower. She's promoting individualtiy--being yourself and not going with the crowd.

So even though the lyrics are somewhat vulgar and unacceptable to some. Today's youth related to the meaning of the song. Geez I can only imagine what my baby girl's going to be listening to

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-03-2006).]

squeak ... not being an MTV or VH 1 watcher, I have not seen the video, but the lyrics sound like someone was talking trash about her and she is ready to settle it by a fight in the bleachers ... and yes, being an old f@rt the lyrics bother me because it also bothers me to hear 9 - 10 year old boys and girls dropping this and other language including the 'f' bomb with regularity -
The same messages were given in the past without explicit language ...
Believe me, one good thing about being MY age, is that at least MY kids are grown ... although I am concerned about my grandkids ...
If you are concerned about what your daughter will be listening to, you had better make your voice be heard now, my friend ...
t.

I already take precautions with my child when it comes to vulgar music. My wife as do I have some music that's not acceptable to my child. However, it's NEVER played for her to hear. If it's played in a room--she's not there, and it's not blasting for her to hear. Plus we use MP3 players

There are some songs my child listens to such as "Pussy Cat Dolls", and a few other's, but she's not exposed to the un-cut albums. At her age she likes the beat, and just wants to dance with her mother.

I can only hope as she gets older she'll listen to her parents--but now-a-days what child really does You can raise them right and only hope that what you teach them sinks in.

Squeak

It’s a hot topic – Should it be on this forum? The man is a big contributor to this forum, he’s venting a bit, why not.

Let’s keep it from going over the edge and accept the opinions from our friends as their opinions, and to be respected as their opinions, as I we wish our opinions to be respected.

My thoughts ---
Aaaaah, I guess Squeak said it all with his statement ---

“Geez I can only imagine what my baby girl's going to be listening to”.
Squeak

I am a senior with four children and 11 grandchildren – I feel that gives me some credentials when it comes to what happens when parents do not step up to what their true responsibilities; providing the best environment for their children. If you accept the present environment I feel you must accept responsibility for what happens when the your children are grown and on their way. Accept it, because you have a lot to do with what they become.

So we do have control of certain things and music environment is one of them. Do what you will.

Thanks Gary for your post.

John C.




[This message has been edited by bruno123 (edited 07-03-2006).]

Steve Allen used to do a really funny bit. He read the lyrics to modern songs as if they were news stories...sort of the same effect as reading the lyrics to this song without music, video, etc.

Somewhat agree about the dumbing down of America and the subsequent effect on popular
(read media driven)culture. Yet I'm really a freedom of speach person and fear it would be really easy to let censorship dominate what happens, mediawise.

Squeak has the right approach...monitor the stuff his child isn't old enough to process yet. Tony, I understand your concerns and see your well-state point.


It's tough finding the right answers to this one!


Russ

I remember Steve reading "Be Bop A Lula,... she's my baby ... ...

Of course, people's opinions are to be accepted, and minds made up based on what fits our individuals needs ...

I still am concerned about, as Russ put it, the 'media driven' culture ... squeak is no doubt doing a good job monitoring what his daughter listens to and watches - unfortunately my kids are 40 yrs and 37 years, so I really can't monitor what THEY are listening to - fortunately though, they also monitor their kids entertainment ... but these types of lyrics are being played on the radio and most parents don't have the time/opportunity to monitor what their kids are listening to ... and even if they are, do they know what happens when their kids go to a friend's house ??? ...
It bothers me to think that some 'suits' in offices are hearing this stuff (and I am obviously not talking just about this one song) and saying "yeah, this is good entertainment, let's sell it ..."
I also realize I sound like my father and mother talking about Elvis ...

I am really glad I don't have small children, because I KNOW they would HATE me ...
t.

Squeak , I'm with Tony and others on this topic..You are right to worry about your daughter, and I my grand kids..Condoning tasteless lyrics will not do...Telling kids what not to listen to..will not do...

Our examples will..These kids will pattern after our lifestyles and what we feel strong against[and why]..

I lived my life this way..and fortunately my kids grew up knowing how strongly I am apposed too certain things..especially drug use..
In the after math none of my 4 kids have been into the drug scene[and the crimes it includes]...Now they have followed suit with their kids[fingers crossed, but I will bet they survive this drug infested state we are in...]..
Taming down the language and sexual explicit lyrics will help them grow into respected moral people...We should all be concerned..

I'm not condemning today's music, but the lyrics they need to use to sell this junk...as DNJ says forgettaboutit..

I understand everyone's concerns, but being realistic about this topic...., it's not going to change.

Society changes throughout the years--some for the good, some for the bad. We all know that. The way I was raised is different from the way children are raised today. We have babies having babies more each day.

The entertainment industry is nothing like what it used to be. They'll do "anything" now for ratings to boost their profits. Hell musicians are encourged to get "arrested" at times because once they're released on whatever petty charge it was... their ratings top the charts. Sad huh?

Do I think the lyrics on this particular song are vulgar? Absolutely, but it falls into the hands of the parents to control (within their limitations) what their kids hear and see.

Once our babies are out with their friends we can only hope they use good judgement based on what we have taught them. We all raise our children differently as well. Again we live in a different world now. Both Mom and Dad want a career, and a family. You can't have both without letting things slip on the other.

Because Mom and Dad both want careers, our kids are left to be rasied by daycares, babysitters, and sadly television and video games. Kids don't go out and ride bikes and play games like they used to. Years ago there were no video games, the internet, and such vulgar tv and radio programs. Kids then played outside until the street lights came on--then it was home or your got a lickin

Look at what I do... I am an "At Home Dad-a homemaker"! How different is that compared to the norm? I was raised that at least one parent stays home and takes care of the family--and it doesn't matter who works, as long as the bills get paid.

Being in my position I'm able to monitor and take interest and what my child sees and hears. I wish other parents were that way, but again it's a changing world. Mom and Dad both want that job, again you can't have both without the other suffering, because parenting is also a full time job

What can you do ya know?
Squeak



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-03-2006).]

Just do our best and PRAY !!!
t.

You know, I appreciate the well-articulated comments from Tony, Squeak, Fran and others. And don't forget the humor (the reference to our parents and Elvis).

It says something about this group and some well thought out concerns for future generations, our family members and the human condition in general.


Good job, all!


Russ

I like urban styles, but I don't like this song - in fact I didn't like Rich Girl too. I did like "blow your mind" though (together with Eva). It had a great drive.
As for the lyrics of hollaback girl - well it is supposed to be streetlanguage isn't it? It comes with the territory.
In urban music for me the syncopation of the raps are more important than the meaning of the lyrics. Half the time I can't follow the lyrics anyway.

I find it very annoying and disturbing though that they bleep out words or rather omit them altogether in radio edits.
(If you would do that with an Eddie Murphy movie it would be a silent movie!! )

As for the music of today: I believe new styles of music need a playground and experimenting and some of the songs are good enough to last, most are not. I don't believe Hollaback girl will be an evergreen. Many people are buying it now, but it is not very interesting and I doubt other artists will copy this tune. It won't last.

In Urban styles of music the whole production is important. You can not take California Love (Dr. Dre) to stage without the tubes (also known as poor man's vocoders) and the whole range of special effects. This goes for most hiphop music in my opinion. There are lyrics because it's a rap, but there's no melody. Chords are not interesting and most of the time there is only one chord. Nevertheless a production can be very well done, with interesting samples, rhythm and lots of syncopation.

Of course with these ingredients you can also make very interesting music.
My latest CD is one of Victor Wooten, a bass-player. It's amazing music, very well done, with great chords, incredible rhythm changes (like Indian music) often with a funky drive. Yet, it will hardly sell.


[This message has been edited by drdalet (edited 07-03-2006).]

My bad. I had not even listened to this song before I posted. I was just going by the lyric. Which, as a songwriter, looks like crap to me.

Now, I heard the song. Yep, that has a sensational beat. That song is all about the beat. And... being teens to 20-something.

I actually do not object to a curse word here and there in a lyric. In my generation, Pusher Man by Steppenwolf was ultra-cool. The thing that bugged me about her lyric was the curse word was not used for any dramatic effect. I don't actually know what sh*t means in this context.

Words are only words. If I lived in another country, a slang word meaning feces or the sex act or whatever might have totally different acceptance. Just because of the society I was raised in. So, words are not as big a deal to me as they are others.

But as a songwriter, you labor over lyrics to try to write something as good as you can write it. And even if I write something risque, I try to make it structurally sound and clever. Even with that, I am sure some things I have written (and enjoy) would raise a few eyebrows on this forum.

I could not make out the structure to this as I read it. And it seemed really stupid. But as for a pop song, stupid works. She (or whomever wrote it) succeeded.


------------------
Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Posted by SemiLiveMusic:

--------------------------------------------
My bad. I had not even listened to this song before I posted. I was just going by the lyric. Which, as a songwriter, looks like crap to me.
Now, I heard the song. Yep, that has a sensational beat. That song is all about the beat. And... being teens to 20-something.
---------------------------------------------

Bingo! That song as with many other pop songs are also about the "beat"--occasionally the lyrics leave more than enough room for improvement

Funny thing is this "I LOVE RAP AND HIP HOP"! What's funny is I often find that I could care less about lyrics with so many of the songs. It's just the beat that gets me going. If there as an instrumental version of a Hip Hop/Rap album, I'll buy it.

To me nothing beats a downright "funky" beat. That's why Dr. Dre's 2001 Album was SOOOO popular. Whew! the beats in those song were just down right dirty. I have both the full album and instrumental album of this one. The instrumental one is great because there is NOOOOO vulgar language yet for some reason I can't keep my butt still when listening to it. Just funky baby!

Squeak

Believe it or not, even at 65 I can appreciate a good beat ... I even find some hip-hop stuff interesting ...
But I still will continue to have a problem with lyrics like this ...

QUOTE:
Words are only words. If I lived in another country, a slang word meaning feces or the sex act or whatever might have totally different acceptance. Just because of the society I was raised in. So, words are not as big a deal to me as they are others.

Resp:
This is true ... in some countries (Ireland for one) f***er is a very commonly used word ... but it is not generally accepted here ... and that's part of the point - we are HERE ! ...

QUOTE:
I find it very annoying and disturbing though that they bleep out words or rather omit them altogether in radio edits.
(If you would do that with an Eddie Murphy movie it would be a silent movie!! )

RESP:
One difference is that someone is SUPPOSED to be monitoring who enters an 'R' rated movie ... there is no monitoring who is listening to the radio ...

QUOTE:
Funny thing is this "I LOVE RAP AND HIP HOP"! What's funny is I often find that I could care less about lyrics with so many of the songs. It's just the beat that gets me going. If there as an instrumental version of a Hip Hop/Rap album, I'll buy it.

RESP:
That may be true of you and some others, but these kids know EVERY WORD ...


QOUTE:
You know, I appreciate the well-articulated comments from Tony, Squeak, Fran and others. And don't forget the humor (the reference to our parents and Elvis).
It says something about this group and some well thought out concerns for future generations, our family members and the human condition in general.

RESP:
Very true ... a good discussion with differing opinions, but no "I'm right and you're wrong"

Good stuff guys ...
t.

Squeak, is Dr. Dre's 2001 album, the instrumental version, available? What is it called?

"Word Up" by Cameo... this song is not exactly the same type of song as Gwen Stefani's but it's similar. It's pop and it has a sensational beat. I have always said that "Word Up" is one of the best dance songs ever written / recorded. I love that song! I've never even seen the lyric.

------------------
Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

posted 07-03-2006 10:51 AM Fran Carango

Condoning tasteless lyrics will not do...Telling kids what not to listen to..will not do...

Our examples Will..These kids will pattern after our lifestyles and what we feel strong against[and why]..

Fran, I am with you all the way on this one. You are so right.

John C.

I would imagine you can still get the Dr. Dre 2001 "Instrumental" in stores. It is simply titled Dr. Dre 2001.

Most of the covor is black. The top left corner has Dr. Dre written in green, and the bottom right corner has 2001 written in green as well. That's pretty much the cover (except for the "instrumentals only") label.

I love the album. If I remember correctly a lot the album was done I guess you'd call it "low stream". Basically cut in his home studio (mostly).

Squeak

And which of us ran to the music store to get the original copy of MC5's Kick Out the Jams (you m@#$er F#$%ers) back in '68? There sure were a lot of other songs we listened for too. Oh, and don't forget the REAL lyrics to Louie, Louie.

Music will always offer the best and worst of mankind. Keep those opinions coming, I can dig that sh**.

Sorry John C. There is no "universal" RIGHT. In fact, thinking that it is, is far more disturbing to me than some tasteless lyrics to a song that's going to be yesterdays news before you can blink. Passing those attitudes on to our kids (that our truth is the "only" truth) is even more disturbing. That's how we end up with klansman, nazis, Islamic and other religious extremist, and the like. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that there is no place in our society for morality, or for teaching our children a system of values. But let's not forget Jesse Jackson's (I think) observation that "the most segregated time in America is Sunday morning between 10 and 11am". Moving on; how about this lyric written in the 30's....(prostitute) If you'd like to sample my wares, follow me and climb the stairs, I've got LOVE FOR SALE. Beautiful tune, played by jazz artists everywhere, never heard any huge outcry about it. Gosh, guess it must be about the quality of the music. Ok, I've probably ruffled enough feathers for today. I can understand Bill's (Semi-live) frustration at trying to be a serious songwriter and watching this tune (and hundreds more like it) sail to the top of the charts. Bill, you just have to accept the fact that (for the moment) it ain't about quality anymore. But that will change, it always does.

Peace,

chas

So much different music is offered in this world.....what channel you plug into is your prerogative .......will it ever be like the past where the whole world listened pretty much to the same music? ...I doubt it...."CHOICE" is our only salvation for the future...complaining is fruitless just put your headphones on and Make The World Go Away!!

AMEN!

"the most segregated time in America is Sunday morning between 10 and 11am".

Chas, not at our church ...

Do you find that true at your church?

I don't believe instilling our moral beliefs to our children create Nazi or klan people...far from it..

Fran, Fran, Fran.....of course it does. It just depends on what those so-called "moral beliefs" are. How do think these nut-cases came into being? At Daddy's knee, of course. As far as my church, there you go, assuming again. What makes you think I have a church? Must we all have one? Is something really bad going to happen to me if I choose not to? Is this one of the "moral beliefs" you think should be passed on to our kids. Sounds alot like "Death to the Infidels". Truth is, I help old(er) folks cross the street, I contribute as generously as I can to charities that actually help people, I've been on three Habitat for Humanity builds, I've been married to the same woman for 40 years, and I have raised two kind, caring, and productive citizens, neither of whom are "religious". I genuinely LIKE people and as a consequence see no need for me to have to validate that by joining some organization that (collectively) throughout history has been responsible for some of the most heinous crimes ever perpetrated against fellow human beings. The most moral people that I have met in my lifetime tended to be those that "lived" their morality rather than preach it. BTW, if you're ever down Valrico way, by all means, stop by. I'll teach you a few jazz chords. It'll liven up your music .

Peace,

chas

Well said

To "lived" morality is to "preach" it...

BTW Chas, Why do you assume I do not know jazz chords already? Now I sound like you..

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 07-05-2006).]

Fran, if we're going to be cyber-friends, you're going to have to start recognizing when I'm pulling your chain . Here's a clue; look for the smiley-faces ( ).

chas