I have often pondered why there are so many songs in the popular vernacular that are simultaneously hard to understand. Many of them have a singable tune about them, for which I attempt to sing along. Upon such encounters, I realize that I have no fucking idea what i’m trying to sing, just a jumble of syllables and an occasional “Baaaaby!” at the end of a phrase. This realization has inspired me to create a new series of posts that honor these instances in popular confusion.
The first honoree is not a very well known song by a band who is very well known for their one-hit-wonder “Come On Eileen”. ”What She’s Like” by Dexys Midnight Runners was on the follow up album to Too-Rye-Ay, the album known for their one hit. The new album flopped, the band dissipated, etc., but what most people don’t know is how fucking sweet the album actually is. ”What She’s Like” is one of the shining gems from the band’s last album and has a video that is almost as confusing as the lyrics (see Dexys frontman literally floating down the streets of Manhattan). As you have probably figured out, the song is damn hard to understand without the help of lyrics by your side. And I honestly fucking challenge you to try and listen to the songs with the lyrics, you’ll still be grasping for realization of whatever he’s trying to say.
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