I would like to share my take on this song by Randy Newman (it contains a little harp). For some reason this song seems to have eluded me and I only recently discovered a great 'Newmanesque' version by Rob Paparozzi on Youtube. Looking into it further I find it’s been covered by numerous artists.
I’ve always liked Randy Newman’s strong sense of melody and his bittersweet lyrics. See what you make of the meaning of this song - I have my own thoughts on this.
Love your harp, man. Didn't you cover JJ Milteau's "Wolf"? Great feeling and depth. This song is a bit of a mystery. If it wasn't such a sad and beautiful melody I'd say Randy had written it with his tongue at least half way into his cheek. But I'm not sure. It is beautiful, and you do a beautiful job with it. Thanks. ---------- Matthew
Spot on harp and great singing. Don't take this the wrong way, but you have a great, fully "matured" voice. Like Leonard Cohen or Johnny Cash. Reminded me of his later "Anerican" series.
Ever considered covering cohen's "tower of song" btw? It has a 12 bar blues progression... ---------- Pistolkatt - Pistolkatts youtube
@ Pistolcat Yes, Tower of Song could be worth looking at. I really like Cash's late covers and have covered his brilliant version of 'Nine Inch Nails' Hurt.
@ Harp-er Yes, I did cover JJ's Le Wolf a while ago. And yes Newmans lyrics are a bit of a mystery but here's my interpretation of it:-
I think you are right about Randy’s tongue in cheek or mischievous approach to lyrics especially with the line ‘Human kindness is overflowing’
Broken windows and empty hallways A pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray Human kindness is overflowing And I think it's going to rain today
Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles With frozen smiles to chase love away Human kindness is overflowing And I think it's going to rain today
Lonely, lonely Tin can at my feet Think I'll kick it down the street That's the way to treat a friend
Bright before me the signs implore me To help the needy and show them the way Human kindness is overflowing And I think it's going to rain today .
I think the story is told from the viewpoint of a homeless person and verse 1 sets the scene with a bleak view of someone seeking shelter wherever they can. He obviously has no belief in ‘human kindness overflowing’ and if there is any outpouring it’s going to manifest itself as rain and increase the misery.
I really like the next verse. It seems to point the finger at the fake world of the privileged followers of fashion all gloss and no heart, cold and unapproachable like scarecrows with unreal smiles.
The bridge speaks of the loneliness of this guy like he’s on a deserted street with only a tin can for company and he does to the tin can what he thinks he’s enduring in being rejected and pushed around.
The last verse had me puzzled but I think it could mean
The guy (or maybe even the writer Randy himself) is not witnessing neon signs but visible signs of others in need, but the outcome is the same, no action – no difference……… ‘It’s going to rain today.’
Be interesting to know Randy’s thinking here, but he’d most likely say ‘no, you’ve got that all wrong mate.’ :o)
First of all great singing and playing owl, I've said it before but it bears repeating...the Owl can Howl (and play).
I like the subject of trying to figure out what songwriters are saying. I started a thread a while back for songwriters about how they'd feel if a song they'd written was wildly successful, yet obvious to them that their lyrics had been misinterpreted or misunderstood. Got some interesting responses, including a completely suprising one (to me anyway) from Walter Tore.
Most of my all time favorite songs are ones that have what I think are powerful well crafted lyrics (but then, I could be misinterpreting all of them, ;-)...)
One great thing about today is that using the internet you can do a lot of research pretty easily to find out what the song writer intended (at least most of the time). This was not true decades ago. You were pretty much left to your own pondering, which might have been a) more fun anyway and b) what the artist really wanted you to do in the first place.
I generally like your take on the meaning of this randy newman tune. The only modification I might make would be a slight tweak in the last verse. I took it to mean that the character (perhaps Newman) has taken everything from the first two versus as a sign that implores him to do something about the condition of the world that he's observed, and that human kindness will be overflowing, at least from him that day, as he's going to help someone needy that day.
An unusually optimistic take from a confirmed cynic (me). Then again, there's at least an 80% chance that I'm way the f___ off.
Last Edited by on Feb 15, 2012 1:54 PM
I like your slant on the ending Honkin, it's certainly more optimistic than my version but as I said I puzzled over this last verse for long while. I'm more inclined to agree with you that it's from Randy's viewpoint at the end.
It could be that he is moved to responding compassionately that day, but maybe in the end it doesn't change the lives of the disadvantaged and so....it's still going to rain today for most.
I like the fact that lyrics are open to personal interpretation. It's like a film ending that has everyone guessing, the mental strugggle with the intrigue can often be more satisfying than a cosy, wrapped up conclusion.
I think that's why a lot of songwriters don't care to explain their lyrics, because it leaves the listener to make up their own mind as to what it means to them. It can be disheartening to have made a strong connection with the lyrics only to find out that you are way of track!
btw I did a cover some time ago of Bon Iver's song, Re:stacks and if your up for a challenge - work that one out sometime!!
Owl - Fine eloquent performance - and I appreciate how you made that song come to life by explaining your thoughts on it, a profoundly POWERFUL interpretation on its meaning. Now I Know why your art work is so intellectually compelling!
