Origins: I Don't Mind Failing (Malvina Reynolds)

Subject: Origins: I don't mind failin' in this world,
From:
Date: 19 May 03 - 04:00 PM

This question was posed to the Phildelphia Folksong Society and Mike Miller (who couldn't figure it out), suggested that I start this thread and assured me that someone out there would know the answer. The lyrics are:
    "I don't mind failin' in this world,
    I don't mind failin' in this world,
    I don't mind wearin' my ragged britches,
    'Cause them that ..... are the sons of bitches,
    I don't mind failin' in this world."
Thanks for your assistance.
Lynn

Subject: DTADD: I Don't Mind Failing (Malvina Reynolds)
From: Joe_F
Date: 19 May 03 - 06:57 PM

It's by Malvina Reynolds, and is in _The Muse of Parker Street_ (Oak, 1967).

I don't mind failing in this world.
I don't mind failing in this world.
Don't mind wearing the ragged britches
'Cause those who succeed are the sons of bitches.
I don't mind failing in this world.

Likewise:

I'll stay down with the raggedy crew,
'Cause getting up there means stepping on you.

Somebody else's definition
Isn't going to measure my soul's condition.

Never mind the custom suits,
The gentle hearts wear the dusty boots, so

Some people ride in a car so fine
While others walk on a picket line, so

(Repeat first stanza.)

I wish she had omitted the fourth stanza, which contains the worst mixed metaphor since "the crowned heads of Europe were trembling in their shoes". In its place I suggest

Some folks wear $50 pants --
They wipe their hands when they get the chance.

Subject: RE: Origins: I don't mind failin' in this world,
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 May 03 - 07:09 PM

Sounds like it belongs in a set alongside Bury Me in My Overalls!

~S~

Subject: RE: Origins: I don't mind failin' in this world,
From: Stewart
Date: 19 May 03 - 08:10 PM

In Malvina's own words, from The Muse Of Parker Street (Oak Pub., 1967):

"Reverend Stephen Fritchman, of the First Unitarian Church in Los Angeles, gave one of his great sermons, "The Fine Art of Failure", in January, 1964. Bud [Malvina's husband] has distributed hundreds of copies, and I have done what I can to spread the message in this song. The ideas are Fritchman's, the wording is mine. For those that are put out by cuss-words, I'm sorry about the phrase in this, but that is the way the song wanted to be."

I think it's one of Malvina's best songs. It describes her philosophy.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Origins: I don't mind failin' in this world,
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 May 03 - 09:07 PM

If I'd been glued to the screen I could have nailed this one too! ;~)

Send another one!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Origins: I don't mind failin' in this world,
From: musicmick
Date: 20 May 03 - 01:14 AM

I have been bragging about the vast knowledge of Mudcatters. I thank you for making me look good.

    Mike Miller

Subject: RE: Origins: I don't mind failin' in this world
From: folklynn
Date: 20 May 03 - 02:24 PM

Thanks to everyone for your help.
Folklynn

Subject: Chords Add: I DON'T MIND FAILING (Malvina Reynolds
From: Joe Offer
Date: 07 Mar 06 - 04:17 PM

Somebody requested chords in another thread. Here's what's in The Muse of Parker Street (Oak, 1967).

E             B7               E    B7
I don't mind failing in this world.
E             B7               E    E7
I don't mind failing in this world.
A
Don't mind wearing the ragged britches
         E
'Cause those who succeed are the sons of bitches.
B7                            E
I don't mind failing in this world.

---

Click to play

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Don't Mind Failing in This World
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 04:40 AM

what a fabulous song!
there was a film about Malvina Reynolds very late night on tv several years ago. I just caught the tail end of it, has anyone released it on DVD? Anyone know that of which i speak?