Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover (songs)

Subject: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Genie
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 05:12 PM

I don't know how I managed not to really 'discover' Phil Ochs's beautiful song "Changes" until recently. Even when singing it at a song circle, I'm afraid the poetic images were so lovely that I didn't realize the song is, apparently, an elaborate, poetic, picturesque way of telling a lover "it's over."

I'm wondering what other songs, if any, are comparable.

There are songs like "For The Good Times" and "That's No Way To Say Goodbye," which are about ending things on an amicable (even amorous) note, but neither of those songs seem to be telling the lover anything s/he doesn't already know; they imply that that's already been decided and talked about.

What other songs are, essentially, a sweet, imaginative song used as a euphemism for "see ya around, kid?"

Genie

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 05:27 PM

I always thought this one worked on several levels......Written by one of my favorite people...

LOVE WILL ENDURE.......Patrick Sky

When first I came to town, I came in from the country
Not a penny did I have and not one cent could I offer
But still our love was new
And our troubles they were few
They were few.

Many times I tried to tell you, all the hurt that I was feelin'
But my thoughts stumbled in my mind, and my words they lost their meanin'
I didn't mean to cause you pain,
So I'm leavin' once again
Once again.

There's no need to think of me, I'll be happy where I'm goin'
I've got roots that need a plantin', and a love that needs a growin'
Where my pride won't have to bend
And my lips can taste the wind
Taste the wind.

As for you the years will heal all the wounds that have been opened
Just like time will rid the fields of all the flowers that have ripened
Of all these things you can be sure.....
Only love......
Will endure.



Spaw

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 06:12 PM

Here I thought Spaw would come out with something sweet "spaw-style" and he went and got all serious.


Stwawberries and Kiwi


Strawberries and kiwi rubbed all over your body,
please allow the red ants to lick you clean.
He cries out your name as you leave him,
tied to the bedpost and you walk away.

Only to return with the red ants,
and a bowl of strawberries and kiwi, with whipped cream, for yourself.
She can still smell him, she can taste him,
but she can't see him anymore.
Cuz' the ants ate him right up,
just like he had done to her so many times before.


Oh hell, that's not a sweet one is it?
Peace, Rustic(style)

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Genie
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 07:32 PM

Aw, Rebel, you's jes' a romantic at heart, ain't ya? ;-D

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 08:44 PM

Well, there's always La Boheme: "Addio, senze rancore."

"Don't think twice, it's alright" by Tom Paxton (or ???, I'm not sure)

Kate G

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 08:48 PM

kate g, that song was bob dylan....

tom dooley had a way to permanently get rid of an unwanted lover....

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 08:49 PM

"Don't think twice, it's alright" by Tom Paxton (or ???, I'm not sure)"........uh, no Kate...that'd be Bob Dylan (or maybe Dylan Thomas, whoever he was).....

But thinking of Paxton, "Last Thing On My Mind" kinda' qualifies.....

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 08:53 PM

And from a different angle, this one, again by Pat Sky, also has it's merit......

MANY TIMES BEFORE--Patrick Sky

If you look for hidden things, you can find them.
You must open up your heart, not bar the door.
Only love will break the fear you bind your heart in.
Well its happened that way many times before.

And if you go I guess you know just what you're doing.
You know you're the only one who can decide.
And I hope you find just where it is you're going,
And that it can heal the million tears you've cried.

When you wake in the morn and find you're lonely.
And I am on some far and distant shore.
Just remember it was I who loved you only.
It just happened so don't worry anymore.

And there is one more thing I'd like to say dear,
Before you leave and tears they start to pour.
I just hope that you won't hold it all against me,
And say its happened just too many times before.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 18 Jan 03 - 10:30 PM

Damn! Wish I had known those songs about sixteen years ago. If I had sung those to my ex.... well.... she'd probably still have left, but she might have paid for the U-Haul rental.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Genie
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 04:08 AM

Well, I don't think "Don't Think Twice" is QUITE in the same category as "Changes" or even "Love Will Endure" or "Many Times Before." But even though the latter have gentle lyrics, I still think Phil takes the prize for the floweriest way of dumping someone.

One song from the pop genre is kind of in the same vein: "Softly As I Leave You." (Did Frank Sinatra sing it?) But it's not as subltle as "Changes."

The verse that has been so far omitted from the DT is a prime example:

"Moments of magic will glow in the night;
All fears of the forest are gone,
But when the morning breaks
They're swept away by golden drops of dawn, of changes."

Translation: "I was real turned on last night, but it's broad daylight and I'm over it."

Then, the next verse:
"Passions will part to a strange melody.
As fires will sometimes burn cold.
Like petals in the wind,
We're puppets to the silver strings of souls, of changes."

Translation: "I'm fickle and incapable of a lasting commitment."

As I said, this song is the epitome of saying "we're through" with so pretty a melody and such poetic lyrics that the rejected lover may not even realize s/he's being dumped until later.

G

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 05:04 AM

Tom Paxton's Leaving London, has the right sort of bitter sweet, it's all over feel.
However as said before Don't think Twice, does it for me too. It contains my all time favourite lines on this subject.

Well I ain't saying you treated me unkind,
You could've done better but I don't mind,
You just kinda wasted my precious time,
But don't think twice it's all right.

I think he might just have been feeling bitter about that old flame!!

Giok

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Genie
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 05:53 AM

Well, I love "Don't Think Twice," too. But I don't see how it is in any way euphemistic or sweet in the way it says "buzz off, baby."

"Don't Think Twice" is more akin to "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Leave?"

Genie

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: JennyO
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 07:07 AM

Why did that remind me of "If you leave me, can I come too"?

Jenny

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 10:29 AM

I would think that there are less of these sorts of songs as there are far fewer sweet break-ups than acrimonious ones.

I know precious few people who feel close to their exes. I know a few who are amicable, but usually that is because the one being dumped has the skills of a professional diplomat, and stuffs the desire to see the others head on a pike...but still, this is usually a strained truce, at least to start. I know *far* more folks who ended badly, and now (at least one of them) wants nothing to do with the other.

A case, I would think, of art mirroring life...

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 10:49 AM

In a more serious vein than my earlier post....

My ex and I did have a reasonably amicable separation and divorce. I did write several songs of the "I-still-love-you-just-differently-so-let's-be-friends" ilk. They served a cathartic purpose way back then and a couple of them might actually have been pretty good songs. But, from today's point of view they seem way too personal and, well, cheesey. I'd rather eat a banjo than perform one of them now.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 11:10 AM

Why JennyO, I didn't know you'd been unconscious!!
Giok ¦¬]

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: JennyO
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 11:53 AM

Ha Ha

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 01:30 PM

I don't think there is any "sweet" way to end a relationship. It's painful even though you might try to add it to music. You might sing the songs to yourself as you go through the experience, but don't sing them to your lover and expect them to enjoy it.

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: JennyO
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 09:51 PM

Giok, thinking about your little joke - I am in the middle of a relationship breakup right now, and when I think about it, I was unconscious in lots of ways, and now I am waking up.

This person is a songwriter and I don't think I want to hear any of the latest songs. The ones at the beginning were lovely, but I don't think I could stand to hear them now, either.

I might write one myself, though, just for therapy.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Benjamin
Date: 19 Jan 03 - 10:26 PM

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover!! Okay, so I don't have a whole lot of experience in this area.
How about That Lonesome Road by James Taylor?

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Hecate
Date: 20 Jan 03 - 10:28 AM

'Too much love will kill you' - Brian May, but only of course if you are leaving for someone else.
I strongly suspect 'I want to break free' - Queen is in the right sort of vein. I had been trying to think of something folky, I guess the best brush off is probably 'as I roved out on a bright May morning' (is that the title?) 'If I married the lassie who had the land my love, it's that I'll regret for all my days.'

But for real delicacy, you just can't beat guns and roses 'I used to love her, but I had to kill her' (I had to put her six feet under but I can still hear her complain.)

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jan 03 - 10:56 AM

Genie-

A few years ago my mother was commiserating in the kitchen with some young friends about one of their break-ups and this blues song evolved:


I'm Gonna Shove You on the Back Burner of My Heart

(By Edith Doughty, Dahlov Ipcar and Sheila Ritter, one Sunday morning in the kitchen, 1977)

Chorus:

I'm gonna shove you on the back burner, baby, and turn the flame way down; (3X)
I'm gonna shove you on the back burner, baby, and let you simmer down.

You came on pretty strong, darlin', but our love's been watered down;(3X)
If you don't start behavin', baby, I'm gonna throw you to the hounds.

My dishes are all washed up, baby; I'm sweeping my kitchen clean; (3X)
Don't need no man around these parts when he's treatin' me so mean.

You've been a good piece of meat, baby, but now you're goin' bad; (3X)
What I need is more spice in my life; it's what I've always had.

You've dumped on me long enough, dumplin'; you don't smell good to me no more; (3X)
I'm gonna dump you in the garbage can, and throw you out the door.

You got me all stirred up, baby; so just sit there and stew; (3X)
You're an OK meat and potatoes man but I think I'm through with you.

Got just enough chili in my cupboard to spice another pot; (3X)
When I get that cooked up, baby, it'll be good and hot.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: JennyO
Date: 20 Jan 03 - 11:05 AM

This is more like it! Who wants 'sweet' anyway?

Jenny

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Genie
Date: 21 Jan 03 - 03:26 AM

Good "dumping" song, Charley.

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jan 03 - 08:04 PM

'Sun Comes up, It's Tuesday Morning' from the Cowboy Junkies..just about says it's all for me. But Mary Chapin Carpenters 'You Never Had it so Good' comes a close second.

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Cornflake
Date: 21 Jan 03 - 09:32 PM

You've been with half the guys in town
Don't think that I don't know
Gonna take the dog and the toaster, too
Gonna slam the door when I go

--Traditional, arr. Cornflake

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: MikeOQuinn
Date: 21 Jan 03 - 11:51 PM

There's always Ray Steven's "Get Your Tongue Out Of My Mouth ('Cause I'm Kissing You Goodbye)"

*shrug*

-J

Subject: RE: Sweet, musical ways to leave your lover
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 22 Jan 03 - 02:48 AM

Ok, good. No more sweet, ok Genie? Here's another one I wrote-Rustic style!



                                                                   Ain't goin' there no more


1. Baby for the last time, you done me wrong.
I've been puttin' up with your shit honey, for just a little to long.
Can't take no more of you. I'm feeling much to blue.
You act so dumb, like you ain't even got a clue.


Chorus:

Darlin' I left you, too many times before.
Packed all my bags, and walked right on out that door.
You come home smellin' like some cheap whore.
Well I've been through it all, and I ain't goin' there no more.


2 Honey I lost too many nights of sleep.
I'm wonderin' who your with tonight you creep.
The talks all around the bar,your doing it out in her car.
Well this time baby, you took it a little too far.


Chorus

3. Well you can save your goodbyes for your bitches, you asshole.
All your cheatin' honey, has really takin' it's toll.
You act like you've been good. But what's riden' under your hood?
It's those crabs you got, make it all understood.


Chorus


4. Honey I'm leavin' you the final time today.
Yes I made up my mind, there ain't nothin' that you can say.
You used me for awhile, and I'll see you at the trial.
You think that I'm just foolin", but I think that judge'll be rulin',
that the wife gets...

The house, the car, the dog, the cat, the buisness, the stereo, the T.V., the bank account
    Everything you thought, everything you thought, everything you thought was yours.


Chorus: Well darlin' I left you too many times before.
I think I'll pack up your bags now baby, you walk on out that door.
You come home smellin' like some cheap whore.
Well I've been through it all and I ain't goin' there no more.
Said I've been through it all and I ain't goin' there no more.


Peace, Rustic