Interesting take on "Don't Think Twice", and also about Good Year For the Roses.

"And from the bedroom those familiar sounds
Of our one baby's cryin' goes unheard"

I don't think he's taking out his anger or aggression towards her by refusing to tend to their baby (or in another line, make the bed). I just don't think he sees them as his 'job'.   Weird, I know.   Could be passive-aggressive if he's doing this to get back at her.


I didn't understand where You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me Lucille was passive-aggression. Sarcasm yes.   Maybe the narrator's refusal to have an affair with her might be.......because he is judging what she is done.   Is that what you meant, Mayomick? (Maybe my ignoring your suggestion the first time could be interpreted as 'passive-aggressive......even though that wasn't my intention).

As for the guilt trip you were illustrating-----I'd call it 'whining'. Nothing passive about it.

Like any label,McGrath, people can use it in an accusatory and distorted manner....as a way of justifying their own cruelty by totally discounting somebody else's feelings. Absolutely.

But masters of passive-aggression end up having a lot of power, and you can't nail them on it because of the 'self-righteousness' and declarations of innocence that go with it.

I'd also be interested in finding some really good 'passive-aggressive' songs.....and have it as a topic for one or my "Musical Therapy" radio programs. So far....all I have is "DOn't Think Twice", Glasgow Lullaby (a good one), possiby "Good Year for the Roses" or "These Boots Are Made For Walkin" (she hasn't really taken any specific action or inaction yet), .... And in Long Before Your Time by Johnny McEvoy, he's setting up his daughter for future passive-aggressive behaviour, but I don't know if he's doing it yet.

On a similar vein to Long Before Your Time is "When I GO To See My Son" by Tom Paxton. I feel anger towards this father who is taking out his 'loss' on his on by making no connection with him.   What do you think, Andrew Murphy? Is it passive-aggressive.

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tompaxton/whenigotoseemyson.html