Randy Newman - A Few Words in Defense of Our Country (Official Video)
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Randy Newman performs the song "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country," from his 2008 album Harps and Angels.
When the song was first released as a single in 2007, its lyrics published as an op-ed in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times called it a “three-decades-on bookend to Political Science ... so funny it hurt," and Rolling Stone named it #2 on its list of the year's best singles.
A Few Words in Defense of Our Country
I’d like to say a few words
In defense of our country
Whose people aren’t bad nor are they mean
Now the leaders we have
While they’re the worst that we’ve had
Are hardly the worst this poor world has seen
Let’s turn history’s pages, shall we?
Take the Caesars for example
Why within the first few of them
They were sleeping with their sister
Stashing little boys in swimming pools
And burning down the City
And one of ‘em, one of ‘em
Appointed his own horse Consul of the Empire
That’s like vice president or something
That’s not a very good example, is it?
But wait, here’s one, the Spanish Inquisition
They put people in a terrible position
I don’t even like to think about it
Well, sometimes I like to think about it
Just a few words in defense of our country
Whose time at the top
Could be coming to an end
Now we don’t want their love
And respect at this point is pretty much out of the question
But in times like these
We sure could use a friend
Hitler. Stalin.
Men who need no introduction
King Leopold of Belgium. That’s right.
Everyone thinks he’s so great
Well he owned The Congo
He tore it up too
He took the diamonds, he took the gold
He took the silver
Know what he left them with?
Malaria
A President once said,
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”
Now it seems like we’re supposed to be afraid
It’s patriotic in fact and color coded
And what are we supposed to be afraid of?
Why, of being afraid
That’s what terror means, doesn’t it?
That’s what it used to mean
[To the first eight bars of “Columbia The Gem Of The Ocean”]
You know it pisses me off a little
That this Supreme Court is gonna outlive me
A couple of young Italian fellas and a brother on the Court now too
But I defy you, anywhere in the world
To find me two Italians as tightass as the two Italians we got
And as for the brother
Well, Pluto’s not a planet anymore either
The end of an empire is messy at best
And this empire is ending
Like all the rest
Like the Spanish Armada adrift on the sea
We’re adrift in the land of the brave
And the home of the free
Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye.
Like fine wine, this song gets better with age.
Superb and I agree with every word. I'm a Brit so we've been through it. Just want to give a big shout out to all the good folks over the pond. A lot of people over this side of the pond appreciate you. Don't be fooled by all the hate. We still love you. We really do.
Much love to you Randy Newman from Lafayette Louisiana. They're still trying to wash us away.
I think I'm in love with Randy Newman!
I THINK WE ALL ARE. LOL
There's a documentary titled "Thank You Eddie Hart" about a Belgian family who signed on to take care of Private Hart's grave in one of those massive cemeteries along the Normandy coast as a Thank You to him for giving his life for their freedom. The grave is always kept neat, so they clean the headstone and put flowers there on appropriate dates throughout the year. They're still doing it today.
Let's remember that some governments do not resemble their people at all. Eddie Hart died at a time when the US was filled with good people who pulled together - every one of them - to defeat not one but two despots as the head of their governments. I don't think the US of today could do that. We are losing our ability to work together so solve even the simplest of problems. I think Mr. Newman is aware of that.
He is without a doubt one of the top song writers of my 6.5 decades and counting.
Maybe so ,but I still can't tolerate his voice.
Ahhh, Randy Newman. You're the best.
They all hate us anyhow
So let's drop the big one now
Let's drop the big one now
He's just so brilliant ... He brings a tear to my eyes, or a lump to my throat every time.
Randy your the tops. Come back soon we love you in Europe.
I love this intimate performance of one of my favorite songs from Harps & Angels, which is tied with Good Old Boys as my favorite Randy Newman album. Love the production on Harps & Angels, which is maybe the best produced translation of Randy's music on record, at least to my ears. I often find I prefer the solo piano performances because they bring the nuances of the songwriting out best, but Harps changed my thinking on that. I'm a musical dope so can't really explain what it is technically, something to do with the selection of instruments and the size of the band/ orchestra, a reworking of older songs with the same musicians and crew would be interesting. It's more dramatic and filmic, no doubt a result of years doing scores, because Randy's songs are all mini plays; speaking of which, "Davey the Fat Boy" needs to be an operetta or symphony or something. It kind of already is one, with at least three distinct movements. Would be great if Randy could do more of these videos.
Could not have said it better myself ! But then I've Loved everything you have ever done or will do ! Your amazing Rock On Randy ......
Bravo, Mr. Newman. A visionary, too, huh? This is 10 years old. Could anyone have imagined THEN what we have NOW? Thank you, sir, for your poetry and keen observations. The world needs about a million more Mr. Newmans to share the truth about the mess certain morons are creating for us.
Can something be accidentally prescient? Because it fits now even better than during 43's administration. Boy, does it ever.
@Free2 Rhyme OMG you think Short People is a song making fun of short people. Life with zero understanding of anything but face value must be a shallow and very strange existence.
This along with a video of Chris Hedges prophetic lament about the end of American empire completes the picture
Well now we have every college and professional sports arena chanting Fuck Joe Biden. You wanted Trump out? You got it. And surprise? The country is fucked. Democrats fuck up everything. EVERYTIME.
@@xvb1234 Hedges, for one, would say that Biden is as bad as Trump, just lacking the rudeness. Seriously, all of em are bums.
As is my tradition every election day, I listened to Political Science, playing the video off of RUclips. This song was in the "Up next" side bar. I hadn't heard it before. It's brilliant (and I may have fallen out of my chair at 3:10). Thank you, Mr. Newman.
Me too.
I sing Political Science using my Melania impersonation now. Works really well.
For me it was the 3:13 mark. Especially after all his even darker secrets came out.
I never really liked your style of music too much before but now that i am all grown up and i heard this tune i have to say I really love you Randy.
Marvellous! such an erudite man and a wonderful musician. I love Randy Newman.
Thank you, Randy Newman. You've been a voice of reason in my life since before Nilsson Sings Newman. I don't know how many truths you've sang that made me cry. Sing on my brother. We need reason and logic more than ever before. Sing on my brother. Truth is what people need to hear... Maybe some of them wake up. And as you said, the empire doth crumble... thank you, sir...
What a fine and great man you are Randy. I thank the powers that be for giving you such wisdom. And yes I do hurt like you do.
Would love to hear your thoughts in these days, Sir. A lifetime fan. Short People, "Red"fill in the rest, Faust. Great art. I play "You Can't Keep a Good Man Down" for my son a wrongly convicted felon when he's feeling low. We can't do anything for his situation but support and love him. Falsely shunned by society sucks. We love and respect you Mr. Newman.
Randy, You sir are simply incredible. Thank you sincerely for everything!
"Pluto's not a planet anymore, either."
SAVAGE
Hey Randy, I think it’s about time to make the next version of this song 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Wow. This applies more than ever.
Keep pumping them out randy I'm listening.
You’re a national treasure Randy and I forgive you for canceling your show at The Main Point some 50 years ago.
Love your songs, always have always will!!
I think this is the best version of this song.
Randy --- We need you badly right now! Please help us!
Brilliant. Randy is still on top of his game.
Been your fan for 62years
Thanks Randy.
At times like these we sure could use a friend 😢
Couldn't be more true now...
One of my favorite songwriters
I love Randy Newman so much!
Powerful song. Thank you, Mr. Newman.
Randy you're a Musical GRANDEE
Thanks more than words can ever say. Old U.S.A. needs a history lesson and a good dose of political science. Nihilism and Cynical cliches have never been more in style.
We had a good run there for eight years - rebuilt some dignity and global respect - but now this song is just as appropriate and needed as it was back in 2007. Thanks, Randy!
Respect? Lay off the dope! Nobody liked us during that time and we had the worst relations. We had a leader who bowed to leaders of other nations, an effective Eunuch.
If anything, it's more relevant. Also, Clemsonbloke is a dumbass.
I don't think we had any respect whatsoever in those 8 years. North Korea was illegally launching missiles every 2 weeks. Last I saw, North Korea hasn't launched a missile in over a year and a half. In addition, Europe and Asia were screwing us on trade during those 8 years and have now come to the negotiating table. In addition, Mexico and Canada were screwing us on trade during those 8 years and now have agreed to a fair free trade agreement.
So @Jingle3 since some years have passed, (5years since you commented above) and you have more experience ... Do you see things any differently now than you did then?
@@Col316SingWe've recovered well from the disaster that was the Trump presidency. It's disheartening, though, that there is a sizeable minority of Americans who still support him - a man who embodies only the worst human characteristics. I'm praying for our country that President Biden will be re-elected. What's your take on where we are now?
American treasure, you are, Mr. Newman!!!
He's not American , he's a World Citizen
Rand (with all due respect to him) does state a couple of historical accuracies in this tune about Leopold II .. (1) he did not plunder the silver, gold and diamonds of the Congo .. He actually plundered the ivory supply (i.e. from elephants) at first, but when that wasn't bringing enough $$ his way he then switched to the rubber industry (trees), which was much more lucrative at the time (due to the demand for vehicle tires). (2) his forces did not give "malaria" to the Congolese natives. Malaria is native to Africa .. They did however give the locals just about every other "Western" contagious disease, including smallpox and dysentery .. But then Rand is no stranger to taking artistic license in that regard. I remarked to a former native of N.O. how "Willow (St.) is in the Garden District, next to the Sugar Bowl (used to be)" as mentioned in his New Orleans Wins the War tune. My friend just laughed at that, and said the whole time she lived there Willow was nowhere near that location. oops! :-x (Randy - wth !???)
This is Gold!
God this is like so groundbreaking. Omggggg love you Randyy
last words of pete seeger..." i have no hope.....but i could be wrong"
Cheers mate. For all your songs. Pulled me through a lot of hard times. And your chords are fantastic. One second, one line could give a whole new appearence. Thank you!
“And as for the brother,
Well, Pluto’s not a planet anymore, either.”
🔥🔥🔥
Goddamn, Newman saw it coming 10 years ago. It's been a good ride, fellas but our sun is going down.
Randy Newman, you're a badass. :)
9/15/17 still need this!
His 1972 _Political Science_ is more of Trump's speed.
What's the line?
Boom goes London. Boom Paris...
More room for you,
And more room for me!
I have purchased everything you ever released and always look forward to new stuff. Thanks for uploading the video!
thank u so much for the amazing work good sir hope to see more soon
KUDOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!To one of the Greatest!
Ah Randy, Randy, Randy.
Thanks for this. So beautiful, sad and moving
3:10..."...Pluto 's not a planet anymore..."...LOL..priceless
In reality the positive and negative attitudes towards the United States are pretty much even, and people who have actually visited the US almost all have a positive view. It's just easy and hip to spit at the topdog without really having to think about it.
The end of an empire is messy at best . . . And we have now arrived, indeed. Just like all the rest. We ARE adrift In the home of the brave, the land of the free. October 2016.
Art By Tracer america wasnt am empire it is and has been a country/continent/union of states
Samahawk 360 America started with 13 colonies on the West coast of the North American continent and territories just west of them. Eventually these colonies and territories became states. The USA finally acquired several island territories as well. None of this happened suddenly and very few happened without violence and colonization. Empire, bruh.
Just heard this, for the first time. I see it was written around W's time, but geez, it still nails it!
I thought the song was about Obama.
Nailed it.
No-one does special-pleading like Randy Newman.
No-one at all.
And Randy, to think that those B&W photos of King Leopold looked fairly innocent but sometimes, that hides the ugly truth.
Oh wow . That's brilliant. I somehow missed this. Thanks to the postman.
11/07/16..election eve..needed this..
imdanhoover same rn... much love!
And thank God for the election results. We dodged a bullet on that one!
Smunstu Stinkymonster well, randy was singing about the Obama administration. Thank god we got who we got on election of 2016. Oh wait, I’m not allowed to say GOD!
blueguyjan Also, since you wanna play that game, you should have capitalized the first God you wrote, that’s disrespectful on His name!
@C Michael When you put an initial before your first name we already know you're an asshole before we read your comment.
Mucho amor desde Uruguay, de Ana
Love!
БРАВО!!!
chthullu bless randy newman
The end of an empire
Is messy at best
And this empire's ending
Like all the rest
Like the Spanish Armada
Adrift on the sea
We're adrift in the land of the brave
And the home of the free
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
After watching the results of the election coming in (still not decided at the time of writing) I needed to watch this to help restore my faith in Americans
Amen!
No one is telling me to hate America or Americans,that is because that country will be just like any other, populated by the good ,bad and indifferent,i admire the US in many ways as it happens and i certainly dont blame the average American for their governments policies.
OK. You win and this is a lot nicer than "Short People."
Randy took a lot of heat for Short People. They didn't get the joke. Randy is short. He was saying, "Oh yeah? Well, You ain't funny."
It's like Mel Brooks getting heat for making Jew jokes.
@@its1110 I don't understand why they don't get it,I am no English native but I always understood the sarcasm and ironie in Randy Newman's Song's
If China does take its place as number one, there’s one thing they’ll never have... icons like Randy.
The west just knows how to do showbiz
The Supreme Court won’t outlive “The Spanish Inquisition/Put people in a terrible position.” That one’s for the ages.
Boy, those songs Glen Miller played, Songs that made the hit parade. Guys like me we had it made, those were the days.
From the land of the kangaroo, I thank you for your quiet perspective.
From the land of ....... nothing ( I guess we’ve got kiwis) I thank you too.
Also from the land of the didgeridoo, thank you.
We’ll save Australia, don’t wanna hurt no kangaroo
I can't decide if this song has aged really badly or really well.
a true prophet today
Hardly a 'defense of our country'. Acknowledging your country's sins doesn't mean you hate your country. Real love of country means you'll speak the truth to make it see the light, even if you have to take the backlash.
___________It's not too late to save her!
What is more important is that we in the USA don’t much respect or care for Europe.
I love you, you old frog
Grandioos.
jesus christ dude why is this so relevant right now.
Pluto ain’t a planet anymore neither..... you know a white boy got soul when he say something like that and the black audience nod in agreement.
My Bob Dylan co-conspirator aligned me with this...so very excellent.
Randy stands tall next to Dylan
I agree totally!!
Danged straight. You can complain but you don't have to look far for really bad examples elsewhere. We will work it all out eventually.
"This empire could be ending
Just like all this rest."
Did you not listen to the song?
This song won't be relevant in a couple of months ... because it's about a specific administration. We'll never see its like again."
- Randy, 2008
I wish.
Lord knows we never believed it could be even worse than it was back then!
You don't want to piss this guy off.He writes beautiful stuff,but don't get on his wrong side.
Donald, I'm pretty sure Randy was kidding. How about we don't drop the big one?
MastahPiece ba-by
Darling, please ...switch the translation on. Vi behöver översättningen. Wir brauchen UNTERTITEL. Thank YOU. Greetings from Berlin.
❤
It is poignant that the harmony and rhythm employed to relate this profound sentiment in a uniquely American idiom.
i love this song and have returned to it many times over the years. i'm also a big randy fan. despite that, i just realized that this song is fulled with whataboutisms. really not good place to make an argument from lol. "we have bad leaders, yes - but look at those guys! they're worse." doesn't make our situation any better.
He’s playing a caricature, like he always has, so the “whataboutisms” are representatively and poetically apt
Scalia died but we got Trump. goodbye Randy, you've helped me prepare for this!
Hold on times thy are a changing
For all its faults and ours I hope the UK and USA can keep the United in our names, not looking good through.
Think, people. Then do.
Lol, "appointed a horse to lead the council" holy shit man we've supposedly appointed a lost and confused doddering old man. God help us.
American Swan Song. I wonder if he still loves L.A.
WTF Randy Newman is WHITE??? Never before have I imagined that baritone voice as such.
HAH!
From Hitler I don't expect much