 sj |
||
|
||
Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro
|
|
|
Subject: Lyr Add: RUSH ON OXYCONTIN reply to BARACK ... From: Dave'sWife Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:02 AM Hi folks. I'm not trying to start a political debate about Rush Limbaugh's use of the song parody on his show, I just want the lyrics. I have been searching online and all I come up with are blogs and articles that either priase the song or trsh it. For those who don't know, on March 19th, Limbaugh aired the song "Barack The Magic Negro" which is sung to the tune of Puff the Magic Dragon. He pikced up the term 'Magic Negro' from an Op-Ed piece in the LA TIMES. For a discussion of the Op-Ed piece and Limbaughs use of the term 'Magic Negro', see this article: Latching onto L.A. Times op-ed, Limbaugh sings "Barack, The Magic Negro" From Media Matters Already there is a rersponse parody called 'Rush on Oxycontin', which isn't nearly as wicked or clever as Barack the Magic Negro): Rush, on oxycontin lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in the land for you and me, Ditto Richard Cheney loved that rascal Rush, and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. Oh Rush, on oxycontin lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in the land for you and me, Rush, on oxycontin lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in the land for you and me. Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail Richard kept a lookout perched on Rush's gigantic tail, Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came, Pirate ships would lower their flags when Rush roared out his name. Oh! Rush, on oxycontin lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in the land for you and me, Rush, on oxycontin lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in the land for you and me. DJs live forever but not so little boys Painted wings and giant's rings make way for other toys. One grey night it happened, Richard Cheney came no more And Rush on oxycontin, he ceased his fearless roar. His head was bent in sorrow, beer cans fell like rain, Rush no longer went to play, along the cherry lane. Without his life-long friend, Rush could not be brave, So Rush on oxycontin sadly slipped into his cave. Oh! Rush, on oxycontin lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in the land for you and me, Rush, on oxycontin lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist in the land for you and me. I'd just like the lyrics for an article I'm writing about changes in what is considered stigmatized speech. I'd like to compare Don Imus' use of "nappy headed Hos" with Limbaugh's song. He seems to be getting a pass on this becuase the song was presented as a parody. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Dave'sWife Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:07 AM For some cultural perspective on the term 'Magic Negro', which has been in use for over 60 years, see the following articles: Obama the 'Magic Negro' (the LA Times article that inspired the song) About 'Magic Negro' in film: The Black Commentator - The Magic Negro and: Magical negro - Wikipedia article |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:02 PM Dave's wife, your article should be interesting reading. Words, phrases and their interpretation seem to be a real problem in the United States; sometimes it is hard to keep up. "Boy" is one such word; elsewhere it still is used and spoken without the racial baggage it has been forced to carry in the United States. There seems to be a tendency, however, for Americans to impose their prejudices regarding 'stigmatized' speech on people outside of the U. S. who have little or no knowledge of the reasons behind the 'prohibitions.' Or the reasons may be different, e. g. one doesn't degrade a servant by calling him a boy in these democratic times but it is OK to call a boy a boy and a girl a girl when age is the point of the word, or familiar usage is involved. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Peace Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:33 PM You can listen to it here. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Peace Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:36 PM What I find interesting about that is this: Osama has them scared. VERY scared. They have, with that parody, shown just HOW scared. Osama will comport himself with class and dignity while the Limbaughs of the airwaves stir stuff in the gutter. I hope the song gets more play because it will do wonders for the man who will be the next President of the United States. Jaysus, talk about steppin' on yer crank! |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Songster Bob Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:47 PM You do mean Obama, don't you? Not Osama? Not that others won't make that "mistake" during the election cycle. Bob |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Greg B Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:49 PM Hmmm.... well, now. I'm not sure I know what to think. I'm pretty sure that Rush Limbaugh, in the 'you're so vain' vein, probably thinks that it's about his point of view, but then again maybe it's not. I think it may be good satire because it takes shots at all sorts of people; Al Sharpton, obviously. Those white folks who *do* find Obama appealing because he isn't 'too' black. (C'mon, admit it; you're out there.) Black folks who think he's not quite 'black enough.' I think there are a few more in there. It doesn't really seem to comment or impugn Barack Obama himself. Unless I missed something, he's sort of positioned as the center of a bunch of controversies which, through no fault of his own, miss the point and the issues. Maybe Limbaugh is right--- the thing pokes fun at the silliness of the left wing, which is different than the silliness of the right wing. Seems like it might be a good opportunity to have a good laugh at our own expense, then take a bit of a look at what really does motivate us. Yes, I do believe that it's possible that it's a pretty decent piece of political satire; makes you think, and points out some uncomfortable truths. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:51 PM Lots of breaks in the sound, unfortunately. Obama will get shot down in the primaries and Convention. (Remember, you heard it here before McLaughlin pronounces sentence) |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Greg B Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:52 PM Addendum: There will be folks who are offended because they think they're supposed to be (like the commentator in the link above). It may be a huge mistake for the left not to embrace this thing and say 'yep, very funny, okay, you got us there.' |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Peace Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:52 PM LOL, Songster Bob, I'm gonna have EVERYone pissed off at me, left, right AND center. Obama--repeat after me--O B A M A. O B A M A. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Dave'sWife Date: 01 May 07 - 06:16 PM I explained to some other Mudcatters that I have an interest in collecting racist references is song. I have also personally don ated some items to the following Museum which has some wonderful articles about racist themes: Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University Dr. David Pilgrim's article on that site about the theme of "The Tragic Mulatto" is very useful and perhaps helpful in considering this idea of "The Magic Negro". Take some time and read it if you get the chance, especially if you are a film buff. I agree that Obama is a mirror which reflects back to the view that which they want to see: An "Oreo" or Tragic Mulatto A dangerous Black man or The Brute Caricature an Uncle Tom An Arab Extrermist plus all of the positive views As for the Arab Extremist, note how Ann Coulter has never ceased to refer to him as anything but "B. Hussein Obama". (let's not get into a debate though about Coulter, I'm merely citing her term) Her deliberate use of this name is a verbal "Willy Horton Ad" which is supposed to remind us at every mentiuon that Obama cannot be trusted because his dad is Muslim. She even drags out the double s of "Hussein" to make it sound a bit like a snake hissin g which I suppose is supposed to make us think of "Snake in the grass". Even Hillary Clinton's camp jumped on the "let's remind folks he's part Arab" bandwagon" by asserting that "Obama was educated in a Madrash" I do wonder how far political parody songs and cartoons about Obama can go, however, before critical mass is reached. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Ebbie Date: 01 May 07 - 06:57 PM If UKers approve of the timesonline.uk article I am disappointed. I thought better of you. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Peace Date: 01 May 07 - 07:21 PM This kind of attack on Obama is good to see in a way. Lets folks know that the opposition takes him seriously. In fact, they seem to be runnin' scared. I expect he'll be the next President of the United States. With the exception of Edwards, he out-classes the rest of the field. I expect the ticket will be Obama/Edwards, unless he's foolish enough to buy into the "we'll lose votes if you don't accept the VP position". The Republicans are beyond redemption for at least eight years, so people WILL vote Democrat regardless who is running. Obama/Edwards: helluva ticket. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: pdq Date: 01 May 07 - 07:30 PM Rush is nearly deaf. The man who actually does the parodies is: Paul Shanklin Some of his older stuff like "In A Yugo" are masterpieces of humor. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: JedMarum Date: 01 May 07 - 10:52 PM The piece clearly does NOT attack Obama. It pokes fun at the Sharptons of the world who, the song would have us believe, resent blacks rising to the top while bypassing their power brokerage - so they call him him inauthentic. The song actually uses Sharpton as a tool of the paraody - but the real target of the satire is LA Times Editor, David Ehrenstein. There is no comparison of this piece to the insulting drivel spewed by Don Imus. There is nothing racist about the comments. It parodies racial (and political) issues. Obama is a smart articulate and talented young politican. He has climbed his way to where he is through his own efforts and good fourtune. He has naturally caused some ruffled feathers by doing it his own way. Poking fun at those ruffled feathers is the point of the parody. The joke's on us, if we get excited about this one. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Dave'sWife Date: 02 May 07 - 05:53 AM Jed - as much as I have serious issues with Al Sharpton after watching him up close and personal during the 5 ring circus that was the Tawana Brawley case and.. as he stamped his feet during a live Donahue show and outed the Central Park Jogger by name when all responsible people were keeping her name priavte, calling her a whore and accusing her boyfriend of raping her... I think you might be missing the point of me asking for the lyrics and of the discussion of the role of "The Magic Negro" in american culture. Rush's parody writer has skillfully crafted a song that allows White Americans to feel smug and comfortable while the singer asserts several inherently racist stereotypes. By using part of the song to take Sharpton and other such self-appointed spokespeople to task, he diverts attention from the underlying message which is that Rush's show and by extension, his listners can usurp the postmodern media label "Magic Negro" and use it to try and turn an accusation of racism against one of Rush's favorite whipping boys The LA Times and.. another fave bogle, The Jewish American Liberal Elite. The song is abhorrant to me in the way it seeks to let its listners congratulate themselves for being in on the joke. The object to be skwered is not really Barak Obama here, it is the Civil Rights movement and its remnants such as they are and the alleged Liberal Elite which they make clear is controlled by a bunch of Jews. I see nothing to celebrate in a song that seeks to pit Jews against Blacks and then sit back and gloat about it. Go back and click on the link to the Media Matters site which carries a transcript of what Rush actaully said. it's pretty disgusting in context. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: JedMarum Date: 02 May 07 - 09:38 AM I read the transcript and listened to the clips. I think you're reading so much more into this then is really there. I think you may be getting seduced into taking the bait. The language, the tone and even some of the quotes come directly from the LA article and Al Sharpton. The song seeks to rub the noses of the post-MLK Civil Rights crowd into the language of prejudice from their own side ... that to me is the satire. Barack never needed to protest his way to success. He earned it on his merit, which of course is why he was chosen to be the subject of the parody ... The song is more like what Randy Newman said in SHORT PEOPLE then it is like what Don Imus said. To me the song pokes fun at people who use the language of prejudice and then display prejudice of their own. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: JedMarum Date: 02 May 07 - 09:51 AM I don't understand the "Jews against Blacks" connection you make?? The LA Times author is black - and the transript makes no comment. Am I missing something? |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: pdq Date: 02 May 07 - 10:28 AM For Dave'sWife, David Ehrenstein is the one on the left |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: katlaughing Date: 02 May 07 - 10:46 AM Barack never needed to protest his way to success. He earned it on his merit, which of course is why he was chosen to be the subject of the parody . Perhaps he didn't have to "protest his way to success" because of the Al Sharptons, Jesse Jacksons, etc. of the Civil Rights Movement! Nothing Rush does is without spite and prejudice. Also, the singer didn't sound like Sharpton at all, he kept dropping out of whatever character he was trying to put on. kat |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: JedMarum Date: 02 May 07 - 12:15 PM To be sure, Barack will have benefited from the progress of Civil Rights champions ... I don't mean to downplay that. We have all benefited from that movement in our society - but Barack is certainly entitled to go his own way and is not obliged to follow Al or Jesse or any other black leader. He should not be labeled as an Uncle Tom or an Oreo for doing so ... |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Greg B Date: 02 May 07 - 12:24 PM Jed's got it right. It's really very clever at lampooning the sort of liberal who's all for integrated housing--- so long as it doesn't affect property values. The 'some of my best friends are black' types. The choice of 'Puff' as the basis is clever, because it points to people of a certain age and era. Furthermore, the use of the archaic 'Negro' harkens back to the sort of naive and awkward uses that lefties used as the civil rights thing was getting under way. I'm thinking of the roadhouse scene in the movie 'Animal House.' You know: "Otis, my man!" |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: GUEST,JimP Date: 02 May 07 - 06:20 PM A good friend of mine (who refers to herself as an "unreconstructed hippy) is a strong Obama supporter. (Haven't made up my mind on him, myself, but I could see supporting him.) Anyway, I got her to laugh after one of her pro-Obama tirades with (to the tune of Hosanna, Heysanna from Jesus Christ Superstar) "Obamma, Heybamma, Bamma Bamma Ho-Bamma Heybamma, Ho-Bamma . . ." If anyone wants to complete the parody, please do so. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Ferrara Date: 02 May 07 - 07:06 PM I expected to be quite offended by the song and video. I ended up feeling it was cleverly done and was legitimate political satire. It isn't flattering to Obama or Sharpton, but political satire is not supposed to be. I didn't think it was degrading, in spite of the word "Negro." In the context, it is rather about how people see Obama than a slur on him. The video is a lampoon. IMO it could have been done on the Smothers Brothers program in their heyday. And, the subtle prejudice about being "too black for white people to vote for you" or "too white for black people to vote for you" is real. My 2 cents. About the original request, you might be able to get the words for the chorus of the song from the video but it's going to be awfully hard to transcribe the whole thing! Good luck with it. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Dave'sWife Date: 03 May 07 - 04:07 PM Jed - forgive me for not being specific enough - it was from some comments made by Rush Limbaugh that I didn't link to that I got the impression he was trying to paint David Erhenstein as a "Jew". Let me see if I can find the link. It was also more his characterizatioon of the LA Times as being a "Jewish controlled" media outlet. Another of his favorite themes. BTW - I never said this song was equal to or similar to Imus's comments, only that I was going to compare them in an article. Go back and read my first post. The only thing similar is that they are both white radio men who made statements about race. Rush's comments, if you heard them, play differently than they read. He was just all over himself with glee that the LA Times had handed him this term 'Magic Negro'. It may be that the majority chooses to accept this song as parody. I do think it's very cleverly written. That said, the people I have spoken to about this are bitterly divided and not necessarily along racial lines. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: JedMarum Date: 03 May 07 - 06:33 PM I think Rush or Paul Shanklin is trying to bait people into getting excited about this song ... there are probably plenty of other things to get excited about, I just don't see this as one of them. Besides, I think it does good for Obama; good advertzing, good to point out the hypocracy of the "he's not black enough" crowd - and Barack showed a lot of class yesterday when he laughed it off after being asked about it in an interview. I don't know if it helps Rush or Shanklin, but it helps Barack. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: GUEST,Rick in MI Date: 08 May 07 - 03:16 PM Has it really gotten to the point that a white person merely mentions anything about race it automatically makes them a racist? So much for free speech huh? They interviewed Obama on our local Rush affiliate here and, when asked said he wasn't offended by the song. So, if the guy who the song was written about isn't offended... why the hell should anyone else be? Rush wasn't even making fun of Obama, he was making fun of liberals in the media who use racial terms and seem racist while they blame racism on conservatives. Just a general statement on life here... if someone is offended by what someone says on the radio or on TV... you really need to get some work done on your backbone. I've come to learn that no matter what "side of the aisle" your on that the people who do all the talking are usually only talking to cover up their true feelings. If you think its a big deal for people to know your not a racist and you keep saying so its because deep down you are racist, but you feel guilty for it so you cover it up. It's same with everything else. People just need to chill out. If you don't like what someone says on your precious little radio then change the dial. No one makes you listen to Rush Limbaugh or Al Franken or the other millions of political commentators their are out there. One thing I do request though is to when you accuse someone of being a racist. Use that term sparingly and do your homework first instead of just shooting from the hip on these things. If you call everyone who is white racist because they merely mention that someone is black then your really doing the civil rights movement more harm then good. Instead of trying to get Rush fired why not actually do something for real that improves race relations ya know? Maybe oh I don't know support inner city programs to advance education in the inner cities. The government can't do everything for you... you have to do it yourself. Maybe if the civil rights movement actually listened to the words of MLK and not just put his face on a t-shirt we would all be better off. All I'm saying is if you are going to call someone a racist make sure that person actually is racist before you start a witch hunt and if you really want to improve race relations in this country please realize that firing a radio DJ will do nothing. Oh yea good luck getting Rush thrown off the air too. Imus got fired because only 2 million people watched his show and the sponsors werent making as much money as they used to anyhow. Rush is the most popular radio show host of all time and #1 owns his own broadcasting company so essentially he would have to fire himself for it to work #2 he makes more money for the sponsors than any radio dj on the planet. Corporations only respond to the bottom line If you want him off the air so bad then attack his bottom line. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: M.Ted Date: 08 May 07 - 09:49 PM Father Coughlin was really popular too, Rick. Didn't make him right, or even close. He was from Michigan, too. Anyway, Rush is nowhere close to as popular as Arthur Godfrey--and Godfrey could play the ukulele-- |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: Richard Bridge Date: 09 May 07 - 02:56 AM I don't get it. If the term "Negro" carries either an implication that Barack Obama is a bad candidate or one that he is a good candidate then it is prejudging him on the basis of his colour, and that, surely, is the root of racism. |
|
Subject: Lyr Add: LOVE ME I'M A LIBERAL From: Rapparee Date: 09 May 07 - 09:16 AM Love Me, I'm a Liberal I cried when they shot Medgar Evers Tears ran down my spine I cried when they shot Mr. Kennedy As though I'd lost a father of mine But Malcolm X got what was coming He got what he asked for this time So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal I go to civil rights rallies And I put down the old D.A.R. I love Harry and Sidney and Sammy I hope every colored boy becomes a star But don't talk about revolution That's going a little bit too far So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal I cheered when Humphrey was chosen My faith in the system restored I'm glad the commies were thrown out of the A.F.L. C.I.O. board I love Puerto Ricans and Negros As long as they don't move next door So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal The people of old Mississippi Should all hang their heads in shame I can't understand how their minds work What's the matter don't they watch Les Crain? But if you ask me to bus my children I hope the cops take down your name So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal I read New Republic and Nation I take every conceivable view You know, I've memorized Lerner and Golden I feel like I'm almost a Jew But when it comes to times like Korea There's no one more red, white and blue So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal I vote for the Democtratic Party They want the U.N. to be strong I go to all the Pete Seeger concerts He sure gets me singing those songs I'll send all the money you ask for But don't ask me to come on along So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal Once I was young and impulsive I wore every conceivable pin Even went to the socialist meetings Learned all the old union hymns But I've grown older and wiser And that's why I'm turning you in So love me, love me, love me, I'm a liberal. |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: GUEST,meself Date: 09 May 07 - 11:44 PM So ... no one's going to give us the lyrics? |
|
Subject: Lyr Add: BARACK THE MAGIC NEGRO From: GUEST, a google guru Date: 10 May 07 - 11:01 AM from http://republicanbydesign.com/wordpress/2007/05/drive-by-media-matters-magic-negro-and-secret-service: SHANKLIN (Sharpton impersonator):
Barack the Magic Negro lives in D.C. [spoken] 'cause I won't have nothing after all these years of sacrifice! And I won't get justice. This is about justice. This isn't about me, it's about justice! It's about buffet. I don't have no buffet and there won't be any church contributions, And there'll be no cash in the collection plate. There ain't gonna be no cash money, no walkin' around money, no phoning money. Now, Barack going to come in here and – |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: GUEST,meself Date: 10 May 07 - 11:26 AM Thanks! |
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Barack The Magic Negro From: GUEST,myself Date: 10 May 07 - 12:39 PM at last! |
| Share Thread: |