The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #87508 Message #1638223
Posted By: Jim Dixon
31-Dec-05 - 02:39 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: The Big One (Nellie McKay)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: THE BIG ONE by Nellie McKay
Can't find the lyrics on the Internet anywhere, so I took a crack at transcribing from the sound file. This is a tough one, especially the choruses. However, I don't see anything as dramatic has murder here. In fact, the lyrics seem too abstract to have a plot.
THE BIG ONE Nellie McKay
VERSE 1: As you're walkin' down the street, might want to skip a beat, Think it over. Walkin' to (or "Walk into") the corner store, but it ain't there no more. If you want a loaf of bread, you try a pharmacy instead. Another chain will set you free.
VERSE 2: When you go to pay the rent, you see it's all been spent. The purse is empty. Money, money, make a buck, but you're all out o' luck. This town ain't friendly now. A thousand faces stare you down. Each one's afraid of what you see.
CHORUS 1: Slippin' in the .... (Can't deny it.) ... with you. (Gentrify it.) Take a ... or two. (The revolution's comin' round.) ... to the door. ( ... ) ... the poor. (Fight the power.) ... even more. (That's why they ... down.)
VERSE 3: Lookin' like the jack is back but he ain't gonna attack. His hands are flippin'. Druggies dyin' in the hall for bangin' on the walls. Your ma ain't trippin' now. It ain't a home if you ain't allowed. What time's the cease-fire? Where's the key?
CHORUS 2: Spittin' on the road (Sister, brother) Shittin' on your soul (Welfare mother) ... the goal (The revolution's comin' round.) Payin' off a loan (Mass eviction) Elevate the zone (Ain't no fiction.) Breakin' up a home (That's why they ... down.)
BRIDGE: ... tokens take a train. You swipe a piece of plastic paper. No more smokin' on the plane. You gripe, they'll take you to the jailer. "Bide your time. It's all in vain," They tell you as you meet your maker. Grief's the mother of invention. Pain's the midwife to your labor. Done it, burn it, Cure it, endure it, If you are able, sucker.
VERSE 4: People standin' in the park. It's getting mighty dark. The kids are scowlin'. Shutter up the windows tight. This is an evil night. The wind is howlin' fast. Another tragedy has passed. Another stain on you and me.