What Are Words For? (6/26)

[Railyn]

The media. They serve a valid purpose, but sometimes they go too far. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of these people who blames the media for all the world's ills. I just think that some media outlets take things to the extreme. All the tabloids in the world today are living proof that there is a large segment of our population that craves dirt. All the news that's fit
to print, and then some.

Ever since I mentioned this song in yesterday's post, I can't get it out of my head. Since it's stuck there, I suppose there's no time like the present:

DIRTY LAUNDRY
By: Don Henely
Album: I Can't Stand Still
Author: D. Henley/D. Kortchmar

I make my living off the Evening News
Just give me something-something I can use
People love it when you lose,
They love dirty laundry

Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here
I just have to look good, I don't have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em all around

We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who
comes on at five
She can tell you 'bout the plane crash with a gleam
in her eye
It's interesting when people die-
Give us dirty laundry

Can we film the operation?
Is the head dead yet?
You know, the boys in the newsroom got a
running bet
Get the widow on the set!
We need dirty laundry

You don't really need to find out what's going on
You don't really want to know just how far it's gone
Just leave well enough love
Eat your dirty laundry

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're stiff
Kick 'em all around

Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers in everybody's pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry

We can do "The Innuendo"
We can dance and sing
When it's said and done we haven't told you a thing
We all know that Crap is King
Give us dirty laundry!

My Opinion In A Nutshell: Apparently, Don Henley doesn't like the media. In the search for good lyrics to this song, I came across several sites which mentioned his large dislike for the media, and that he rarely grants interviews. It's pretty apparent in his send-up here that is really as relevant today as it was in 1982, when the album was released (although I thought I remembered this song coming along later).

Favorite Line: "We all know that Crap is King" (how true)

[Dawn]

Don does seem to have a negative opinion of newscasters and other media, but he makes some good points in this song. It does seem as though the media has a tendency to dwell on the tragic and negative events in people's lives, and to try to sully the reputations of good people. My guess is that he's personally been the subject of such attacks, and he's expressing his bitterness over it.

[Railyn]

Wow. I think I picked a song no one likes. I think you hit the nail on the head, Dawn. I tried to research to find the root of his problem, but never did find it. Someone somewhere (maybe when he was with the Eagles) must have slammed him good.

I'm a bit overly sensitive sometimes about certain media outlets, like tabloids and "A Current Affair", and certain nameless talk shows. Tragedy can be expressed with sensitivity or not. People should just remember that you're hearing about someone's family.

I'll get down off my soapbox now. I was having problems with my ISP last night, and I gotta cook up todays song.......

[SAT-I need more room!!]

I noticed on your post today you said that this post tanked. Well I actually DO have something to say.


Don Henley doesn't just not like the media-Henley doesn't like ANYONE! I've never seen someone so pissed off! I remember at the 1989 Grammy's, Garry Shandling was doing the opening, and after about 5 jokes he says, "Boy, Henley doesn't laugh at anything, does he?"

[Railyn]

SAT-The said:

I noticed on your post today you said that this post tanked. Well I actually DO have something to say.


Don Henley doesn't just not like the media-Henley doesn't like ANYONE! I've never seen someone so pissed off! I remember at the 1989 Grammy's, Garry Shandling was doing the opening, and after about 5 jokes he says, "Boy, Henley doesn't laugh at anything, does he?"

Thanks for clearing that up, SAT! I'm not a huge Don Henley fan, but I do like this one and Boys Of Summer. This at least clears some of that up! ;D