I'm coming up with a running list of words and phrases to never use in song lyrics, and reasons why. Feel free to make suggestions and I will consider them. Also feel free to use these guidelines.
1. Never under any circumstance mention California, any variant or pun on California (such as Cali or Californication), or any place in California, especially Los Angeles/City of Angels, especially especially streets in Los Angeles.
Reason: California is not very metal. I doubt it's even rock and roll. I could see it working in a country song, maybe.
Exceptions: The lyrics include deaths of Californians, preferably by means of the state sinking into the Pacific while on fire from earthquakes and stuff.
2. Never mention any musical instrument in your lyrics.
Reason: There is no reason for this at all.
Exception: The instrument in question is nowhere on the song. Maybe. Unless it's Devil Went Down to Georgia, which I didn't write anyway.
3. Brain.
Reason: Sounds silly. Use mind instead.
Exception: maybe ok if followed immediately by the word damage.
4. Never use the string of words "yeah yeah yeah no" or "no no no yeah"
Reason: Inconsistency.
Exception: None.
More to come.
Are these your personal rules, other people's rules, or observations about song lyrics?
Also, an exception to number 1 if its the last one: there's a song, All of California and Everyone Who Lives There Sucks.
Quote from: Requia ☣ on May 26, 2011, 06:35:25 PM
Are these your personal rules, other people's rules, or observations about song lyrics?
Also, an exception to number 1 if its the last one: there's a song, All of California and Everyone Who Lives There Sucks.
Personal rules as well as observations of lyrics. It started when I heard some Alice In Chains song, the one where he mentions California and says "somebody check my brain" and I thought :argh!: That's two stupid things in a song right there! So it started off as an observation and ended up with being guidelines.
And, I agree with your exception for number one.
I dunno.
Californication pretty much summed up America in the last 20 years.
People glaringly guilty of the California rule:
Anthony Kiedis (if this were a crime, he'd be doing life).
Sheryl Crow.
Country music is ok, because it has songs about places, going to places, and shooting people in places, and getting put in jail in places.
Johnny Cash is exempt on grounds of being Johnny Cash.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:42:33 PM
People glaringly guilty of the California rule:
Anthony Kiedis (if this were a crime, he'd be doing life).
Sheryl Crow.
Country music is ok, because it has songs about places, going to places, and shooting people in places, and getting put in jail in places.
Johnny Cash is exempt on grounds of being Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash wrote country music.
The shit they write now is mostly emo pop.
Brand names of shoes, like Nike or Louboutin.
Reason: Is a reason really necessary?
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:40:14 PM
I dunno.
Californication pretty much summed up America in the last 20 years.
Summing up is one thing. Bad lyrics are another.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:43:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:42:33 PM
People glaringly guilty of the California rule:
Anthony Kiedis (if this were a crime, he'd be doing life).
Sheryl Crow.
Country music is ok, because it has songs about places, going to places, and shooting people in places, and getting put in jail in places.
Johnny Cash is exempt on grounds of being Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash wrote country music.
The shit they write now is mostly emo pop.
That's why I made the exception. Folsom Prison Blues is an awesome song.
Quote from: Aloe on May 26, 2011, 06:44:39 PM
Brand names of shoes, like Nike or Louboutin.
Reason: Is a reason really necessary?
I don't think I've been exposed to that, but yes, definitely.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:40:14 PM
I dunno.
Californication pretty much summed up America in the last 20 years.
Summing up is one thing. Bad lyrics are another.
I don't see how pointing out the worst parts of America means "Bad lyrics".
Also, "bad" is a relative statement, isn't it? You stay true to your art, and Taylor Swift cleans the fuck up.
FACT: The American people aren't interested in good lyrics.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:47:38 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:43:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:42:33 PM
People glaringly guilty of the California rule:
Anthony Kiedis (if this were a crime, he'd be doing life).
Sheryl Crow.
Country music is ok, because it has songs about places, going to places, and shooting people in places, and getting put in jail in places.
Johnny Cash is exempt on grounds of being Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash wrote country music.
The shit they write now is mostly emo pop.
That's why I made the exception. Folsom Prison Blues is an awesome song.
Well, it's not much of an exception. That IS country music, and it's just one example. Keith Heatherly ("Flowers on the Wall") is another, as is Roy Orbison ("Crying"), though most people don't recognize him as country.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:48:41 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:40:14 PM
I dunno.
Californication pretty much summed up America in the last 20 years.
Summing up is one thing. Bad lyrics are another.
I don't see how pointing out the worst parts of America means "Bad lyrics".
Also, "bad" is a relative statement, isn't it? You stay true to your art, and Taylor Swift cleans the fuck up.
FACT: The American people aren't interested in good lyrics.
Ok, American people aren't interested in good lyrics. I get that. I was just trying to make a semi-humorous thread about words not to use in lyrics, not the content or message of those lyrics. I'm not a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers aside from a song here or there. And I think that references to California in a song are silly.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:54:19 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:48:41 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:46:29 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:40:14 PM
I dunno.
Californication pretty much summed up America in the last 20 years.
Summing up is one thing. Bad lyrics are another.
I don't see how pointing out the worst parts of America means "Bad lyrics".
Also, "bad" is a relative statement, isn't it? You stay true to your art, and Taylor Swift cleans the fuck up.
FACT: The American people aren't interested in good lyrics.
Ok, American people aren't interested in good lyrics. I get that. I was just trying to make a semi-humorous thread about words not to use in lyrics, not the content or message of those lyrics. I'm not a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers aside from a song here or there. And I think that references to California in a song are silly.
You just made Mama Cass cry. :cry:
Do not use words you can't define coherently.
Cf: "Ironic".
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 26, 2011, 06:56:53 PM
Do not use words you can't define coherently.
Cf: "Ironic".
Do not use antidisestablismentarianism if you lisp.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:32:09 PM
I'm coming up with a running list of words and phrases to never use in song lyrics, and reasons why. Feel free to make suggestions and I will consider them. Also feel free to use these guidelines.
1. Never under any circumstance mention California, any variant or pun on California (such as Cali or Californication), or any place in California, especially Los Angeles/City of Angels, especially especially streets in Los Angeles.
Reason: California is not very metal. I doubt it's even rock and roll. I could see it working in a country song, maybe.
Exceptions: The lyrics include deaths of Californians, preferably by means of the state sinking into the Pacific while on fire from earthquakes and stuff.
Frank Black disagrees with the bolded. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDVgfnyHP0c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDVgfnyHP0c)
Quote from: R.W.H.N. on May 26, 2011, 06:59:23 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:32:09 PM
I'm coming up with a running list of words and phrases to never use in song lyrics, and reasons why. Feel free to make suggestions and I will consider them. Also feel free to use these guidelines.
1. Never under any circumstance mention California, any variant or pun on California (such as Cali or Californication), or any place in California, especially Los Angeles/City of Angels, especially especially streets in Los Angeles.
Reason: California is not very metal. I doubt it's even rock and roll. I could see it working in a country song, maybe.
Exceptions: The lyrics include deaths of Californians, preferably by means of the state sinking into the Pacific while on fire from earthquakes and stuff.
Frank Black disagrees with the bolded. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDVgfnyHP0c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDVgfnyHP0c)
Rule doesn't apply. He specifies that it's not the one in California he's talking about.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:59:08 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 26, 2011, 06:56:53 PM
Do not use words you can't define coherently.
Cf: "Ironic".
Do not use antidisestablismentarianism if you lisp.
It a good rule to avoid using that word in general. :lulz:
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 07:07:01 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:59:08 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 26, 2011, 06:56:53 PM
Do not use words you can't define coherently.
Cf: "Ironic".
Do not use antidisestablismentarianism if you lisp.
It a good rule to avoid using that word in general. :lulz:
+100 points to anyone who can use it in a haiku.
Antidisestab-
lishmentarianism
serious dumb word
Antidisestab-
lishmentarianism
can suck my fat dick
LOL i was writing
Antidisestab-
lishmentarianism
fucking stupid word
but freeky beat me
Quote from: The Fred ⊂(◉‿◉)つ on May 26, 2011, 07:12:28 PM
LOL i was writing
Antidisestab-
lishmentarianism
fucking stupid word
but freeky beat me
You're both cheaters.
You can't break a word between lines.
Love
Feelings
Truth
Reason: who cares
on that note:
(http://www.smbc-comics.com/comics/20110522.gif)
mouseover:
(http://www.smbc-comics.com/comics/20110522after.gif)
Quote from: Jenkem and SPACE/TIME on May 26, 2011, 07:15:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 07:14:18 PM
Quote from: Jenkem and SPACE/TIME on May 26, 2011, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 07:12:05 PM
Quote from: Jenkem and SPACE/TIME on May 26, 2011, 07:10:47 PM
Antidisestab-
lishmentarianism
serious dumb word
CHEATING.
CREATIVE WIN, YOU MEAN
I MEAN CHEATING.
DOES THIS MEAN I CAN'T PLAY IN THE TOURNEY ANYMORE? :cry:
LET'S ASK KNUCKLES, SHALL WE?
What's this dumb word mean?
An-dis-stab-li-tar-in-what?
Fuck it. I don't care.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 07:16:01 PM
Quote from: Jenkem and SPACE/TIME on May 26, 2011, 07:15:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 07:14:18 PM
Quote from: Jenkem and SPACE/TIME on May 26, 2011, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 07:12:05 PM
Quote from: Jenkem and SPACE/TIME on May 26, 2011, 07:10:47 PM
Antidisestab-
lishmentarianism
serious dumb word
CHEATING.
CREATIVE WIN, YOU MEAN
I MEAN CHEATING.
DOES THIS MEAN I CAN'T PLAY IN THE TOURNEY ANYMORE? :cry:
LET'S ASK KNUCKLES, SHALL WE?
KNUCKLES SAID IS NOT CHEATING UNLESS SOMEONE GETS SHANKED.
Quote from: Cramulus on May 26, 2011, 07:14:26 PM
Love
Feelings
Truth
Reason: who cares
I'd like to think of some exceptions for these but I can't at the moment.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 07:16:13 PM
What's this dumb word mean?
An-dis-stab-li-tar-in-what?
Fuck it. I don't care.
It means being violently opposed to people who claim that the host is not actually the blood and body of Christ.
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 26, 2011, 08:48:21 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 07:16:13 PM
What's this dumb word mean?
An-dis-stab-li-tar-in-what?
Fuck it. I don't care.
It means being violently opposed to people who claim that the host is not actually the blood and body of Christ.
BH: Master of the (joke) Kill.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:50:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:47:38 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:43:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:42:33 PM
People glaringly guilty of the California rule:
Anthony Kiedis (if this were a crime, he'd be doing life).
Sheryl Crow.
Country music is ok, because it has songs about places, going to places, and shooting people in places, and getting put in jail in places.
Johnny Cash is exempt on grounds of being Johnny Cash.
Now y'all made me go find my Outlaw Country list on the I Pod.
Johnny Cash wrote country music.
The shit they write now is mostly emo pop.
That's why I made the exception. Folsom Prison Blues is an awesome song.
Well, it's not much of an exception. That IS country music, and it's just one example. Keith Heatherly ("Flowers on the Wall") is another, as is Roy Orbison ("Crying"), though most people don't recognize him as country.
Quote from: Miss Demeanor on May 26, 2011, 10:26:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:50:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:47:38 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:43:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:42:33 PM
People glaringly guilty of the California rule:
Anthony Kiedis (if this were a crime, he'd be doing life).
Sheryl Crow.
Country music is ok, because it has songs about places, going to places, and shooting people in places, and getting put in jail in places.
Johnny Cash is exempt on grounds of being Johnny Cash.
Now y'all made me go find my Outlaw Country list on the I Pod.
Johnny Cash wrote country music.
The shit they write now is mostly emo pop.
That's why I made the exception. Folsom Prison Blues is an awesome song.
Well, it's not much of an exception. That IS country music, and it's just one example. Keith Heatherly ("Flowers on the Wall") is another, as is Roy Orbison ("Crying"), though most people don't recognize him as country.
I thought he was making the exception for country music on account of Johnny Cash. Maybe I'm reading it wrong? :?
So there I was in Cali
Just strumming on my guitar
when my brain went
"couldn't you find a more constructive
use of your time?"
No no no no yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah no
Even more important than words to never use are rhymes to never use.
Like "girl" and "world"
and "love" and "above"
And most of all, "Bacardi" and "party".
Quote from: Cain on May 27, 2011, 01:43:54 AM
So there I was in Cali
Just strumming on my guitar
when my brain went
"couldn't you find a more constructive
use of your time?"
No no no no yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah no
:mittens:
Quote from: Cain on May 27, 2011, 01:43:54 AM
So there I was in Cali
Just strumming on my guitar
when my brain went
"couldn't you find a more constructive
use of your time?"
No no no no yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah no
:lulz:
Quote from: Doktor Phox on May 26, 2011, 10:43:21 PM
Quote from: Miss Demeanor on May 26, 2011, 10:26:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:50:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:47:38 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:43:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:42:33 PM
People glaringly guilty of the California rule:
Anthony Kiedis (if this were a crime, he'd be doing life).
Sheryl Crow.
Country music is ok, because it has songs about places, going to places, and shooting people in places, and getting put in jail in places.
Johnny Cash is exempt on grounds of being Johnny Cash.
Now y'all made me go find my Outlaw Country list on the I Pod.
Johnny Cash wrote country music.
The shit they write now is mostly emo pop.
That's why I made the exception. Folsom Prison Blues is an awesome song.
Well, it's not much of an exception. That IS country music, and it's just one example. Keith Heatherly ("Flowers on the Wall") is another, as is Roy Orbison ("Crying"), though most people don't recognize him as country.
I thought he was making the exception for country music on account of Johnny Cash. Maybe I'm reading it wrong? :?
I was using Cash as an example why it's ok to mention California in country lyrics. But California has no place in Rock or Metal. Using California or any location in California in Rock makes it a Pop song.
Quote from: Jenkem and SPACE/TIME on May 26, 2011, 08:55:21 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 26, 2011, 08:48:21 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 07:16:13 PM
What's this dumb word mean?
An-dis-stab-li-tar-in-what?
Fuck it. I don't care.
It means being violently opposed to people who claim that the host is not actually the blood and body of Christ.
BH: Master of the (joke) Kill.
Yes. And that's not the proper definition anyway. It's about being opposed to disestablishing the Church of England as the official religion of the United Kingdom.
Blight,
Disestablishmentsomethingorother.
Quote from: Cain on May 27, 2011, 01:43:54 AM
So there I was in Cali
Just strumming on my guitar
when my brain went
"couldn't you find a more constructive
use of your time?"
No no no no yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah no
Throw a really cheesy riff on that, and you got yourself a hit!
My people are talking with Justin Bieber's people, for when he reinvents himself as a "singer-songwriter", after his voice breaks.
Quote from: Nigel on May 27, 2011, 01:44:24 AM
Even more important than words to never use are rhymes to never use.
Like "girl" and "world"
and "love" and "above"
And most of all, "Bacardi" and "party".
Actually, yeah. This is just as important. The cliche rhyme.
Kinda like how Rob Zombie always seems to rhyme rat with cat.
Rats are metal. Cats? I dunno man....
Quote from: Cain on May 27, 2011, 04:24:27 AM
My people are talking with Justin Bieber's people, for when he reinvents himself as a "singer-songwriter", after his voice breaks.
His voice isn't going to break. His manager snuck him to the vet while he was drugged unconscious, you see, and...
Well, we're stuck with the little bastard, now.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 04:25:11 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 27, 2011, 01:44:24 AM
Even more important than words to never use are rhymes to never use.
Like "girl" and "world"
and "love" and "above"
And most of all, "Bacardi" and "party".
Actually, yeah. This is just as important. The cliche rhyme.
Kinda like how Rob Zombie always seems to rhyme rat with cat.
Rats are metal. Cats? I dunno man....
Yeah, but rat doesn't rhyme with pussy.
Quote from: Rumckle on May 27, 2011, 06:24:54 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 04:25:11 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 27, 2011, 01:44:24 AM
Even more important than words to never use are rhymes to never use.
Like "girl" and "world"
and "love" and "above"
And most of all, "Bacardi" and "party".
Actually, yeah. This is just as important. The cliche rhyme.
Kinda like how Rob Zombie always seems to rhyme rat with cat.
Rats are metal. Cats? I dunno man....
Yeah, but rat doesn't rhyme with pussy.
I don't think anything does except wussy.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 06:28:47 AM
Quote from: Rumckle on May 27, 2011, 06:24:54 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 04:25:11 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 27, 2011, 01:44:24 AM
Even more important than words to never use are rhymes to never use.
Like "girl" and "world"
and "love" and "above"
And most of all, "Bacardi" and "party".
Actually, yeah. This is just as important. The cliche rhyme.
Kinda like how Rob Zombie always seems to rhyme rat with cat.
Rats are metal. Cats? I dunno man....
Yeah, but rat doesn't rhyme with pussy.
I don't think anything does except wussy.
Cake would find a way to rhyme pussy with something AWESOME.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:32:09 PM
I'm coming up with a running list of words and phrases to never use in song lyrics, and reasons why. Feel free to make suggestions and I will consider them. Also feel free to use these guidelines.
1. Never under any circumstance mention California, any variant or pun on California (such as Cali or Californication), or any place in California, especially Los Angeles/City of Angels, especially especially streets in Los Angeles.
Reason: California is not very metal. I doubt it's even rock and roll. I could see it working in a country song, maybe.
Exceptions: The lyrics include deaths of Californians, preferably by means of the state sinking into the Pacific while on fire from earthquakes and stuff.
Can we mention Emperor Norton?
Quote from: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 31, 2011, 06:14:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:32:09 PM
I'm coming up with a running list of words and phrases to never use in song lyrics, and reasons why. Feel free to make suggestions and I will consider them. Also feel free to use these guidelines.
1. Never under any circumstance mention California, any variant or pun on California (such as Cali or Californication), or any place in California, especially Los Angeles/City of Angels, especially especially streets in Los Angeles.
Reason: California is not very metal. I doubt it's even rock and roll. I could see it working in a country song, maybe.
Exceptions: The lyrics include deaths of Californians, preferably by means of the state sinking into the Pacific while on fire from earthquakes and stuff.
Can we mention Emperor Norton?
Sure. Why NOT whore his decayed carcass out?
Quote from: Your Mom on May 27, 2011, 06:43:10 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 06:28:47 AM
Quote from: Rumckle on May 27, 2011, 06:24:54 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 04:25:11 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 27, 2011, 01:44:24 AM
Even more important than words to never use are rhymes to never use.
Like "girl" and "world"
and "love" and "above"
And most of all, "Bacardi" and "party".
Actually, yeah. This is just as important. The cliche rhyme.
Kinda like how Rob Zombie always seems to rhyme rat with cat.
Rats are metal. Cats? I dunno man....
Yeah, but rat doesn't rhyme with pussy.
I don't think anything does except wussy.
Cake would find a way to rhyme pussy with something AWESOME.
Quote from: Old Dirty Bastard
I want pussy, pussy for me
I want pussy, pussy for free
That man was a genius, I swear. RIP.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 04:25:11 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 27, 2011, 01:44:24 AM
Even more important than words to never use are rhymes to never use.
Like "girl" and "world"
and "love" and "above"
And most of all, "Bacardi" and "party".
Actually, yeah. This is just as important. The cliche rhyme.
Kinda like how Rob Zombie always seems to rhyme rat with cat.
Rats are metal. Cats? I dunno man....
Moot point because Rob Zombie isn't metal...anymore.
White Zombie>Solo Zombie
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 04:20:05 AM
Quote from: Doktor Phox on May 26, 2011, 10:43:21 PM
Quote from: Miss Demeanor on May 26, 2011, 10:26:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:50:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:47:38 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 26, 2011, 06:43:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:42:33 PM
People glaringly guilty of the California rule:
Anthony Kiedis (if this were a crime, he'd be doing life).
Sheryl Crow.
Country music is ok, because it has songs about places, going to places, and shooting people in places, and getting put in jail in places.
Johnny Cash is exempt on grounds of being Johnny Cash.
Now y'all made me go find my Outlaw Country list on the I Pod.
Johnny Cash wrote country music.
The shit they write now is mostly emo pop.
That's why I made the exception. Folsom Prison Blues is an awesome song.
Well, it's not much of an exception. That IS country music, and it's just one example. Keith Heatherly ("Flowers on the Wall") is another, as is Roy Orbison ("Crying"), though most people don't recognize him as country.
I thought he was making the exception for country music on account of Johnny Cash. Maybe I'm reading it wrong? :?
I was using Cash as an example why it's ok to mention California in country lyrics. But California has no place in Rock or Metal. Using California or any location in California in Rock makes it a Pop song.
How about punk? Remember that Wax song in the 90s that had the slow-mo video of the guy running down the street whilst on fire? I don't remember the name of the song but I'm pretty sure they mention "Southern California" once or thrice in the song. Was a pretty rockin song as I recall.
Nope. So Cal and all things California are lame, stupid, asshole, just don't go there, RWHN. California and all its inhabitants should die. Right now.
Get with the program!
Rob Zombie isn't metal. He is Rob Zombie, and I will forgive him anything, due to his video for Dragula.
And thanks, RWHN, I've been trying to find that video forever. You don't happen to know the name of the song, do you?
After some Googling, strangely enough, it is called California. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX6dNokdggw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX6dNokdggw)
Off-topic, but they also do a mean cover of the "Happy Happy Joy Joy" song from Ren and Stimpy.
Quote from: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 31, 2011, 06:14:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 26, 2011, 06:32:09 PM
I'm coming up with a running list of words and phrases to never use in song lyrics, and reasons why. Feel free to make suggestions and I will consider them. Also feel free to use these guidelines.
1. Never under any circumstance mention California, any variant or pun on California (such as Cali or Californication), or any place in California, especially Los Angeles/City of Angels, especially especially streets in Los Angeles.
Reason: California is not very metal. I doubt it's even rock and roll. I could see it working in a country song, maybe.
Exceptions: The lyrics include deaths of Californians, preferably by means of the state sinking into the Pacific while on fire from earthquakes and stuff.
Can we mention Emperor Norton?
Joshua Norton was born in England. He didn't move to San Francisco until he was about 30.
Quote from: R.W.H.N. on May 31, 2011, 06:24:06 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 27, 2011, 04:25:11 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 27, 2011, 01:44:24 AM
Even more important than words to never use are rhymes to never use.
Like "girl" and "world"
and "love" and "above"
And most of all, "Bacardi" and "party".
Actually, yeah. This is just as important. The cliche rhyme.
Kinda like how Rob Zombie always seems to rhyme rat with cat.
Rats are metal. Cats? I dunno man....
Moot point because Rob Zombie isn't metal...anymore.
White Zombie>Solo Zombie
Truth. La Sexorcisto and Astro Creep were his two best albums. I kinda liked Hellbilly, mostly because of Superbeast and Phantom Stranger, but the rest of it was eh....
Quote from: Jenne on May 31, 2011, 06:27:32 PM
Nope. So Cal and all things California are lame, stupid, asshole, just don't go there, RWHN. California and all its inhabitants should die. Right now.
Get with the program!
^This from a CA resident.
Also, my exposure to punk is minimal. Not.... ermmm.... I can't say any of these [fast, heavy, technical] enough because I listen to music that lacks some of these. But while I like some punk, a good portion of it is not my style.
I uh was being facetious...
Quote from: Jenne on June 01, 2011, 03:04:01 AM
I uh was being facetious...
This whole thread is supposed to be facetious. Obviously I don't want Californians to sink into the Pacific. First off, I would miss your posts, second, it would damage the wine industry. :wink:
:lulz: I know, I was a crankyassed bitch this morning! And thank you--you are all too right bout that wine! The more I sample from up north, the prouder I am! Which is ridiculous.
Wait, California has wine?
I always wondered why bottled vinegar from there was so expensive...
Quote from: Jenne on June 01, 2011, 03:10:10 AM
:lulz: I know, I was a crankyassed bitch this morning! And thank you--you are all too right bout that wine! The more I sample from up north, the prouder I am! Which is ridiculous.
Honestly, I find myself preferring stuff from California and Australia to the product from Europe. South African wine is pretty good too.
Quote from: Cain on June 01, 2011, 03:12:16 AM
Wait, California has wine?
I always wondered why bottled vinegar from there was so expensive...
California is a known exporter of wine.
After, you know, movies, bad music and mostly plastic celebrities...
Quote from: Cain on June 01, 2011, 03:12:16 AM
Wait, California has wine?
I always wondered why bottled vinegar from there was so expensive...
As opposed to the
lovely UK wines, I suppose.
:lulz:
CA wine's come a long long way--as have Australian, New Zealand, Chilean AND South African wines.
California has excellent wine... although I prefer Willamette Valley wines myself, particularly the Washington/Idaho region.
California is also graced with several different varieties of the most stunningly, awe-inspiringly beautiful landscape you could ever imagine.
Bitches don't know about Jenne's California.
Quote from: Your Mom on June 01, 2011, 03:31:09 PM
California has excellent wine... although I prefer Willamette Valley wines myself, particularly the Washington/Idaho region.
California is also graced with several different varieties of the most stunningly, awe-inspiringly beautiful landscape you could ever imagine.
Bitches don't know about Jenne's California.
:D I'd love to show 'em.
And I LOVE the Willamette Valleys as well. I buy them when I can get them. Which is rare out here. Competition's steep ass steep.
California Uber Alles is a pretty kickass song.
I hate to break the derailment streak, but...
How about name dropping any neighborhood in New York? Especially Brooklyn, Williamsburg, the Village, etc.
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:01:11 PM
I hate to break the derailment streak, but...
How about name dropping any neighborhood in New York? Especially Brooklyn, Williamsburg, the Village, etc.
Hollis, Queens, of course, is exempt from this rule.
And welcome back. How's that libertariantard stuff been treating you?
the phrase "feel inside"
as in "the way I feel inside"
and oh shit, WB nB!
Roger - NO EXCEPTIONS.
Also, not so great. The teabaggers jumped on board, and it's not fun anymore, so I gave up caring. Douchebaggery is prerequisite for American politics anyway.
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:06:05 PM
Roger - NO EXCEPTIONS.
Run DMC is not subject to our authority.
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:06:05 PM
Douchebaggery is prerequisite for American politics anyway.
Well, it's about time.
Ha! As I recall, most of PD seemed to believe Obama was an exception though.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:08:39 PM
Ha! As I recall, most of PD seemed to believe Obama was an exception though.
Pretty sure you're mistaken. He was, IIRC, held up as being marginally funnier than Palin.
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:08:39 PM
NO EXCEPTIONS.
See? This is why bad things happen to good people. Because people like you step to DJ Run.
Funnier than Palin? Man, I don't know...
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:01:11 PM
I hate to break the derailment streak, but...
How about name dropping any neighborhood in New York? Especially Brooklyn, Williamsburg, the Village, etc.
Hmm. Is that done as much? Part of the reason why I was thinking about the California rule is like, take a song that mentions a lot of shit in California, and replace it with references to some other state (I was thinking Massachusetts originally, but for extra humor lets say Delaware). Now, doesn't this song now sound silly? Why are places like California lyricized then?
Like, ok, if you're playing a country song and you're telling a story you're going to have to give some sort of setting. Ok, cool, mention the place, or where the character is coming from, or where he is going.
If you're writing a rap or hip/hop type song about growing up in the inner city, then it makes sense to mention what city that happens to be in, what neighborhood, maybe even the street name.
If you're writing a rock song and you're mentioning a place, it invariably seems to be about California, at least to me. (If it's a metal song it's probably about Norway). So it's more about breaking a cliche, but at the same time it serves up a good example that geographical locations are probably best left alone. Geographical location would be a flexible rule but California is overdone.
On that note, I now have to do some intense research on Delaware and start writing a song about it.
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on June 01, 2011, 01:40:12 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 01, 2011, 03:12:16 AM
Wait, California has wine?
I always wondered why bottled vinegar from there was so expensive...
As opposed to the lovely UK wines, I suppose.
The UK doesn't have wine. It sells premium Whine, however, at very affordable rates (30 pence from your nearest corner shop, no age limits on buying).
And besides, the UK does have a stellar beer industry. All the top quality beer you can stomach to drink at room temperature, at slightly too high a cost for a reasonable person to think about.
Quote from: Cramulus on June 01, 2011, 06:03:19 PM
the phrase "feel inside"
as in "the way I feel inside"
and oh shit, WB nB!
Hell yes, great one Cram!
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 06:13:24 PM
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:01:11 PM
I hate to break the derailment streak, but...
How about name dropping any neighborhood in New York? Especially Brooklyn, Williamsburg, the Village, etc.
Hmm. Is that done as much?
Not so much, but I can think of a couple of acts. Only a couple of acts, though.
Also lolz, "on board with Obama". A five minute reading of AD would disabuse anyone of that notion.
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:11:18 PM
Funnier than Palin? Man, I don't know...
One word: Teabaggers.
It was obvious from the very beginning that 40% of the country would freak the fuck out when a Black dude got elected president. The birther hilarity was just icing on the cake.
On the other hand, Palin is now "touring" America on a bus paid for SarahPAC, and not announcing stops or talking to the press (In short, she's taking a personal vacation on her contributor's dime.).
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 01, 2011, 06:16:03 PM
On the other hand, Palin is now "touring" America on a bus paid for SarahPAC, and not announcing stops or talking to the press (In short, she's taking a personal vacation on her contributor's dime.).
That... and cowering in terror, scared to death people will actually show up with QUESTIONS... Even worse, they might be able to sneak a camera in to catch her staring at the questioner like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming Exxon tanker truck.
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 06:13:24 PM
Hmm. Is that done as much? Part of the reason why I was thinking about the California rule is like, take a song that mentions a lot of shit in California, and replace it with references to some other state (I was thinking Massachusetts originally, but for extra humor lets say Delaware). Now, doesn't this song now sound silly? Why are places like California lyricized then?
'California' has good rhythm? I don't know, I never understood that one. California has great weather. As far as I'm concerned, that's it.
And yeah, I hear songs mention neighborhoods in New York all the time. I assume because everyone who's ever lived in New York thinks they're awesome for having done so, so they like to remind us every chance they get. Even the New Pornographers are guilty of this, and they're Canadian. And it's always the neighborhood, not New York itself, because -- "what, you don't know where Williamsburg is?"
Every single one of these rules has a major exception, which is if you can use a cliche but make it work. Double points for that.
Quote from: Your Mom on June 01, 2011, 06:25:38 PM
Every single one of these rules has a major exception, which is if you can use a cliche but make it work. Double points for that.
Pretty much (except the no no no yeah rule :lulz:). The fun is in identifying a lyrical cliche or at least a word or phrase that kinda grates on your nerves when you hear it in a song, but to also come up with a situation where it is ok to mention it in lyrics.
Quote from: Cramulus on June 01, 2011, 06:03:19 PM
the phrase "feel inside"
as in "the way I feel inside"
and oh shit, WB nB!
THIS. All of it.
Oh! Here's another one: pseudo-philosophical cliches, like "unique snowflake", and "cogs in a machine", that are not delivered with irony. This ruined the new Fleet Foxes for me.
Also, hai everyone.
Anything that has to do with Native American spirituality.
Exception: You are a member of a Native American tribe and a medicine man for your day job.
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 06:29:00 PM
Quote from: Your Mom on June 01, 2011, 06:25:38 PM
Every single one of these rules has a major exception, which is if you can use a cliche but make it work. Double points for that.
Pretty much (except the no no no yeah rule :lulz:). The fun is in identifying a lyrical cliche or at least a word or phrase that kinda grates on your nerves when you hear it in a song, but to also come up with a situation where it is ok to mention it in lyrics.
If I was a songwriter, I swear I would work out a way to use no no no yeah in a way that worked.
The word "yeah" used as a filler syllable because the songwriter lacks skills drives me nuts. I realize that most song lyrics make terrible poetry, but, I mean, just
try a little. Get a thesaurus or something.
Quote from: Your Mom on June 01, 2011, 06:56:08 PM
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 06:29:00 PM
Quote from: Your Mom on June 01, 2011, 06:25:38 PM
Every single one of these rules has a major exception, which is if you can use a cliche but make it work. Double points for that.
Pretty much (except the no no no yeah rule :lulz:). The fun is in identifying a lyrical cliche or at least a word or phrase that kinda grates on your nerves when you hear it in a song, but to also come up with a situation where it is ok to mention it in lyrics.
If I was a songwriter, I swear I would work out a way to use no no no yeah in a way that worked.
The word "yeah" used as a filler syllable because the songwriter lacks skills drives me nuts. I realize that most song lyrics make terrible poetry, but, I mean, just try a little. Get a thesaurus or something.
It drives me a little nuts too. It seems like in some songs it just kinda comes out. That's another thing Rob Zombie in particular was notorious for. It's not a White Zombie/Rob Zombie song unless he uses the word yeah at least 10 times. It didn't just come out with him though, it was just what he did with his lyrics.
I think it was Henry Rollins who said the only acceptable use of "yeah yeah yeah no" was if a singer was on stage and forgot the lyrics, or in a country song.
What about made up syllables like "sha la la" and "fa fa" and so forth?
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:08:02 PM
What about made up syllables like "sha la la" and "fa fa" and so forth?
No one does that seriously anymore. What is this the early 60s?
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:09:08 PM
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:08:02 PM
What about made up syllables like "sha la la" and "fa fa" and so forth?
No one does that seriously anymore. What is this the early 60s?
Gaga.
Elton John wrote a song called Bitter Fingers in which he lamented the use of nonsense words in 60s songs.
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:09:08 PM
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:08:02 PM
What about made up syllables like "sha la la" and "fa fa" and so forth?
No one does that seriously anymore. What is this the early 60s?
It happens pretty frequently, in just about every scene.
Quote from: Luna on June 01, 2011, 07:12:36 PM
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:09:08 PM
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:08:02 PM
What about made up syllables like "sha la la" and "fa fa" and so forth?
No one does that seriously anymore. What is this the early 60s?
Gaga.
I have my doubts that she's doing that seriously, but I stand corrected in that regard.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 01, 2011, 07:13:14 PM
Elton John wrote a song called Bitter Fingers in which he lamented the use of nonsense words in 60s songs.
I'll have to give it a listen.
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:15:54 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 01, 2011, 07:13:14 PM
Elton John wrote a song called Bitter Fingers in which he lamented the use of nonsense words in 60s songs.
I'll have to give it a listen.
It's a parody, on the Captain Fantastic album. It's painful.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 01, 2011, 07:16:42 PM
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:15:54 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 01, 2011, 07:13:14 PM
Elton John wrote a song called Bitter Fingers in which he lamented the use of nonsense words in 60s songs.
I'll have to give it a listen.
It's a parody, on the Captain Fantastic album. It's painful.
For some reason that makes me want to listen to it more.
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:14:57 PM
Quote from: Luna on June 01, 2011, 07:12:36 PM
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:09:08 PM
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:08:02 PM
What about made up syllables like "sha la la" and "fa fa" and so forth?
No one does that seriously anymore. What is this the early 60s?
Gaga.
I have my doubts that she's doing that seriously, but I stand corrected in that regard.
Define 'seriously'.
Also, the video for "Man Down" (Rihanna) is playing on my screen right now, and she's doing it -- "rum puh-puh-pum", also "ohhh-woah-waaa" and "ma ma ma"
It isn't just pop singers either -- I've heard this in the Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, Kanye, Spoon...
Oh, the New Pornographers ("We End Up Together" comes to mind)
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:25:23 PM
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:14:57 PM
Quote from: Luna on June 01, 2011, 07:12:36 PM
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on June 01, 2011, 07:09:08 PM
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:08:02 PM
What about made up syllables like "sha la la" and "fa fa" and so forth?
No one does that seriously anymore. What is this the early 60s?
Gaga.
I have my doubts that she's doing that seriously, but I stand corrected in that regard.
Define 'seriously'.
Also, the video for "Man Down" (Rihanna) is playing on my screen right now, and she's doing it -- "rum puh-puh-pum", also "ohhh-woah-waaa" and "ma ma ma"
It isn't just pop singers either -- I've heard this in the Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, Kanye, Spoon...
Oh, the New Pornographers ("We End Up Together" comes to mind)
I'm trying to assess whether whoa-a-oh stuff counts.
Dude, if "yeah" and "no" count, "woah" DEFINITELY counts.
WTF *is* "woah" anyway?
It's another form of "yeah"...isn't it?
For the most part, I don't mind the made up words. Especially if you have to build a song around them... that's a craft that takes skill.
Right, you can't be selective about which nonsense words do and do not qualify.
That being said, I don't see them as a problem. When a guitarist plucks a string, that string doesn't have a literal meaning. Why can't vocals be an instrument sometimes?
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:58:50 PM
Right, you can't be selective about which nonsense words do and do not qualify.
That being said, I don't see them as a problem. When a guitarist plucks a string, that string doesn't have a literal meaning. Why can't vocals be an instrument sometimes?
They can... But, as often as not, said instrument runs right up my last nerve and twangs my rage vibe.
If you're going to use voice as an instrument, for fuck's sake, find someone with a VOICE.
Vocals are an instrument, I always thought. I, too, have little problem with most of what Teh Twidster listed as issues with music-writing.
...but then I'm no musician. :lulz:
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:58:50 PM
Right, you can't be selective about which nonsense words do and do not qualify.
That being said, I don't see them as a problem. When a guitarist plucks a string, that string doesn't have a literal meaning. Why can't vocals be an instrument sometimes?
That's why I was wondering if whoa should count. It's basically just an Oh sound with a noticeable starting point. Whoa-oh-oh always seemed kind of natural to me (more so than yeah or no which do have meaning). But I see the point there. I guess it's the act of dragging the word. Like Yea-aa-aa-ah sounds better than yeah yeah yeah yeah. The voice always struck me a gliding kind of instrument when not singing anything particularly meaningful.
Whatever.
You fuckers need to stop dogging on Lady Gaga.
She makes my pance tight when she sings.
I got one:
Choruses that only consist of singing the title over and over again. Notorious violator of said rule: Iron Maiden
Exception: Back up vocalist is singing another lyric in between your title repetitions.
"Radio Song" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGXVyDsOV2w) by REM was sort of about how bad music lyrics (http://www.lyricsbox.com/rem-lyrics-radio-song-pgdhl2m.html) make people stupid and compliant.
QuoteHey hey hey
Say what?
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Check it out
What are you saying
What are you playing
Who are you obeying
Day out, day in, huh?
Baby baby baby
That stuff is driving me crazy
DJs communicate to the masses
Sex and violent classes
Now our children grow up prisoners
All their lives radio listeners
It always reminds me of 1984... the music in that dystopian future was designed to be vapid doggerel, just something you'd hum and get stuck in your head - specifically not anything thought provoking or challenging. The evil fascists knew that music could unite people or get them charged up for revolution - so they wanted music to be nothing more than a bunch of cliches about love.
Quote from: Cramulus on June 01, 2011, 08:08:28 PM
"Radio Song" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGXVyDsOV2w) by REM was sort of about how bad music lyrics (http://www.lyricsbox.com/rem-lyrics-radio-song-pgdhl2m.html) make people stupid and compliant.
QuoteHey hey hey
Say what?
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Check it out
What are you saying
What are you playing
Who are you obeying
Day out, day in, huh?
Baby baby baby
That stuff is driving me crazy
DJs communicate to the masses
Sex and violent classes
Now our children grow up prisoners
All their lives radio listeners
It always reminds me of 1984... the music in that dystopian future was designed to be vapid doggerel, just something you'd hum and get stuck in your head - specifically not anything thought provoking or challenging. The evil fascists knew that music could unite people or get them charged up for revolution - so they wanted music to be nothing more than a bunch of cliches about love.
Well fuck. That explains a lot...
I now quote the entire lyrics for Minutemen's "#1 Hit Song":
On the back of a winged horse,
Through the sky of pearly grey.
Love is leaf-like...
you and me, baby.
Twinkle, twinkle,
blah, blah, blah,...
E.
T.
C.
Also,
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 06:01:11 PM
I hate to break the derailment streak, but...
How about name dropping any neighborhood in New York? Especially Brooklyn, Williamsburg, the Village, etc.
(http://991.com/newgallery/Beastie-Boys-To-The-5-Boroughs-291124.jpg)
Quote from: nostalgicBadger on June 01, 2011, 07:58:50 PM
Right, you can't be selective about which nonsense words do and do not qualify.
That being said, I don't see them as a problem. When a guitarist plucks a string, that string doesn't have a literal meaning. Why can't vocals be an instrument sometimes?
It can be, certainly. My objection was not to the word itself, but to its use as a filler syllable.
Scatman John or GTFO