I was a child in the 70’s and early 80’s, a time marked by some of the sweetest, sensitivist and soulfullest pop songs ever. Each Monday, I give you a chance to learn about some of the music I heard as a kid right here on Light Rock Monday.
The undisputed king of the 70’s pop star porn stache is John Oats. This has absolutely nothing to do with the song for today, but it needed to be said because, I mean, look at it!
Daryl Hall and John Oates, both from Philadelphia, began performing what they called “rock and soul” in the early 1970’s. They have had 34 songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 including six that went to number one. They have six gold and six platinum albums and sold over 80 million records worldwide.
But, their first albums had very little success. It wasn’t until the release of “Sara Smile” in 1976 that they had their first hit and that was followed by today’s song, “She’s Gone.” The song was recorded for one of the first H&O records in the early 70’s, but re-released by the label in 1976.
“She’s Gone” is a soul ballad about heartbreak. It’s expertly performed, has a great hook and contains a rarely heard three straight key modulations right before the last chorus, which is shocking enough. But, what the hell is with the lyrics?
Sorry Charlie for the imposition
I think I’ve got it, got the strength to carry on
I need a drink and a quick decision
Now it’s up to me, ooh what will be
Um, she’s gone, dude. You just sung it! There’s no quick decision to make. The bartender (or the tuna fish guy) can’t help you with this one.
Up in the morning look in the mirror
I’m worn as her tooth brush hanging in the stand
Um, gross. Frankly, any chick who would use her toothbrush so long that you can tell immediately it is worn down is probably not really worth saving. Dental hygiene is like important.
Think I’ll spend eternity in the city
let the carbon and monoxide choke my thoughts away
I’m not a scientist or anything, but I don’t think it’s not “carbon and monoxide” so much as it’s just “carbon monoxide.” And it probably won’t choke your thoughts away. It’ll just like, you know, kill you, which puts a damper on that whole spending eternity in the city thing.
She’s Gone Oh I, Oh I’d
pay the devil to replace her
Why would you pay the devil to replace her? Wouldn’t you pay the devil to bring her back? You can probably replace her yourself without having to pay anyone, especially Satan.
Clearly, this girl leaving has messed this dude up.
Stream “She’s Gone” on BlipFM
Lyrics
Hall & Oates Official Site
Wikipedia
Hall & Oates on the Daily Show: