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re: ''Something'' I've wondered about, lyrically

Posted by: Chromolume 01:19 am EST 12/07/13
In reply to: ''Something'' I've wondered about, lyrically - WaymanWong 01:03 am EST 12/07/13

There are (at least) two problems with Rodgers' lyrics here. One concerns everything you just pointed out. Obviously the point Rodgers is hoping to make is a twist on "I can't possibly deserve you" etc - that the character feels she must have done something good enough in her life worthy enough to deserve such a wonderful "prize." But yes, he dwells so much on the "wicked" aspect of things that I think the point he wants to make gets (more than) a bit lost.

Even if the whole wicked/good idea can be seen as relating to her Catholicism (original sin, etc), it's still a rather odd lyric.

The other problem is the whole "youth/childhood" thing. First of all, I do think Rodgers is trying to make too much of the distinction. To paraphrase what you said above, isn't Maria at this moment just a bit too smitten with the Captain to be giving a discourse on the difference between youth and childhood, lol? It might not be so bad if she didn't keep coming back to reference that. But for me, and because of that repetition of something that seems a bit odd to be bringing up in the first place, I find that's what stands out to me in the song. The idea of "Something Good" takes second place to the idea of "Youth Or Childhood," which might have been a much more apropos title, IMO.

I'm sure you will get some snarky responses as to why "An Ordinary Couple" was cut - as in, "it's just an f-ing lousy song, that's why." ;-) But - and I don't just say this because I happen to like the song - I think they lyrics fit the situation at hand much more appropriately. Issues of love and family, and of the fact that they really will just be an "ordinary couple" (to contrast with the more posh life the Captain might have had with Elsa...and hey, maybe Elsa and Max were right all along that THAT love could not survive, lol.) I don't know if it was cut in order to get an Oscar qualifier in there, but it's a possibility.


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Previous: That is interesting .... - jdm 08:45 am EST 12/07/13
Next: re: ''Something'' I've wondered about, lyrically - AlanScott 09:40 am EST 12/07/13

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