Petty Squabble
Bill Whalen ·
Jun 28, 2011 at 2:12pm
Bachmann Derangement Syndrome continues . . .
Tom Petty has asked the Republican presidential hopeful to no longer crank up his "American Girl" single at her campaign rallies.
. . . The same song he allowed Hillary to play at her rallies in '08 -- Hillary deciding then that it was more appropriate than Celine Dion's "You and I".
Here's a list of 10 candidates who've run afoul of recording artists over the past couple of decades, including The Gipper and The Boss.
You tell me the one thing each candidate has in common . . .
btw, if Bachmann decides to go along with the cease-and-desist, what's a good replacement theme song?
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Comments :
Dec '10
Re: Petty Squabble
This is precisely why I refuse to acknowledge the political rantings of my favorite stars--movies, music, sports, etc.
If I have to face the fact that my favorite musicians--Tom Petty,The Beatles, U2--are a bunch of whiny lefties, I may cry.
Frankly, I'm not going to stop loving Top Petty; I just wish he--and the rest of them--would just stick to their music.
Sigh..
Re: Petty Squabble
"These boots were made for walking."
Fun line about "samin'" when supposed to be "changin.'"
Women feel empowered by the song.
Plus the bass line rocks:
You keep saying you've got something for me.
something you call love, but confess.
You've been messin' where you shouldn't have been a messin'
and now someone else is gettin' all your best.
These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do
one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.
You keep lying, when you oughta be truthin'
and you keep losin' when you oughta not bet.
You keep samin' when you oughta be changin'.
Now what's right is right, but you ain't been right yet.
These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do
one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.
You keep playin' where you shouldn't be playin
and you keep thinkin' that you´ll never get burnt.
Ha! I just found me a brand new box of matches yeah
and what he know you ain't HAD time to learn.
Are you ready boots? Start walkin'!
Feb '11
Re: Petty Squabble
I think John Mellencamp and John Fogerty have also had issues with conservative campaigns using their music.
Springsteen and Bono have been described as 'populist blowhards', which pretty much nails them for what they are... not taking away from their music, altho I am lukewarm on both.
Beatles were really a different era, of course and haven't existed as a group for over 40 years... not sure any rock music was cranked up in political campaigns then.
Still, this happens every campaign season.
Feb '11
Re: Petty Squabble
My wife and I have learned long ago to separate the artist from the art. Otherwise we couldn't listen to or watch anything.
Alternate campaign songs: The Beatles "Tax Man". The Beatles "Revolution" (which is against revolution), or maybe Oingo Boingo "Capitalism" though it's a bit harsh and probably not aimed at the swing voters!
Dec '10
Re: Petty Squabble
Ted Nugent probably would welcome the use of one of his song, but I cannot think of an appropriate one. "Cat Scratch Fever" may not be the best choice.
Mar '11
Re: Petty Squabble
"Capitalism" by Oingo Boingo.
There's nothing wrong with Capitalism
There's nothing wrong with free enterprise.
Don't try to make me feel guilty
I'm so tired of hearing you cry.
There's nothing wrong with making some profit
If you ask me I'll say it's just fine.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to live nice
I'm so tired of hearing you whine
About the revolution.
Bringin' down the rich.
When was the last time you dug a ditch, baby?
If it ain't one thing
Then it's the other
Any cause that crosses your path.
Your heart bleeds for anyone's brother.
I've got to tell you you're a pain in the ass.
You criticize with plenty of vigor
You rationalize everything that you do.
With catchy phrases and heavy quotations
And everybody is crazy but you!
(continued in next comment)
Re: Petty Squabble
Mellancamp had issues with the McCain campaign playing "Pink Houses". If I recall correctly, Fogerty's "Centerfield" was front and center at Joe Biden's '08 events.
I think there's but one choice for Republicans: cut to the chase and go country, Dixie Chicks notwithstanding. Readymade collection of patriotic tunes.
Mar '11
Re: Petty Squabble
(Chorus) You're just a middle class, socialist brat
From a suburban family and you never really had to work.
And you tell me that we've got to get back
To the struggling masses (whoever they are).
You talk, talk, talk about suffering and pain
Your mouth is bigger than your entire brain.
What the hell do you know about suffering and pain?
Mar '11
Re: Petty Squabble
Ack! You beat me to it, Mr. Fuchs!
Feb '11
Re: Petty Squabble
TN Patriot: It's a great song. "Only A Lad" by Boingo is also very conservative, but would make a lousy campaign song.
Aug '10
Re: Petty Squabble
For those who don't like country music, there's always Don Henley's "Get Over It".
Apr '11
Re: Petty Squabble
Jon David's "American Heart."
Mar '11
Re: Petty Squabble
I have often wondered why Limbaugh or Neil Boortz don't use this song, at least as bumper music. "Only a Lad" as well.
Aug '10
Re: Petty Squabble
"Waterloo Sunset"(The Kinks)?
Dec '10
Re: Petty Squabble
I think I'd smile and wink at Tom Petty and continue to use the music.If licensing fees are paid, they should continue to be paid.
My advice to Tom Petty; in the words of a popular female conservative radio personality: "Shut up and sing."
Aug '10
Re: Petty Squabble
What are the rights issues for a politician using a pop artist's song in his or her campaign? Can Bachmann simply say, "Thanks Tom, your concern has been noted, but EMI (or whoever it is) says we're OK to use it as long as we pay them their ASCAP royalties. Tell Barack I said hi, though."
Aug '10
Re: Petty Squabble
On the other hand, I would LOVE to see a candidate walk on stage to a Rush guitar anthem, but that may be asking too much from a band that abhors all politicians in true Randian fashion.
Also, they're Canadian and atheists so, uh, maybe not appropriate ...
Edited on Jun 28, 2011 at 3:16pmJul '10
Re: Petty Squabble
How about Harry Nillson's You Broke My Heart, You Tore it Apart, so (expletive) You"?
Sep '10
Re: Petty Squabble
I have no idea why that song was ever a hit. It should be named Democrat Girl if that's the way Petty feels about it.
The chorus is stunning poetry:
Oh yeah, alright,
Take it easy, baby
Make it last all night (make it last all night)
She was a Democrat girl.
I think these lefty musicians would be happy if every right winger in the world HATED their music, although they would never forfeit the money they made from them.
Oct '10
Re: Petty Squabble
How about Kathleen Stewart's "It Ain't Your Money To Spend," available here:
http://bit.ly/iGOt4i
Edited on Jun 28, 2011 at 3:27pm