Roberta Flack
roberta flack, “compared to what”
from: first take, 1969
Ms. Flack turned 86 Friday. Her debut album in 1969 remains a soul landmark lying way back in the used to be of the 60’s. While Les McCann & Eddie Harrison’s version of Gene McDaniels’ “Compared to What” garnered more radio air time, Roberta’s added deeply different emotions to its social diagnosis. Hers is slower, emphatic, more driven by elongated phrasing and a fun filled horn section. How do you get elegant out of the lyrics below? Roberta Flack!
“I love the lie and lie the love
A-Hangin’ on, with push and shove
Possession is the motivation
that is hangin’ up the God-damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut (everybody now!)
Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what? C’mon baby!
Slaughterhouse is killin’ hogs
Twisted children killin’ frogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin’ logs
Tired old lady kissin’ dogs
I hate the human love of that stinking mutt (I can’t use it!)
Try to make it real, compared to what? C’mon baby now!
The President, he’s got his war
Folks don’t know just what it’s for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
We’re chicken-feathers, all without one nut. God damn it!
Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what? (Sock it to me)
Church on Sunday, sleep and nod
Tryin’ to duck the wrath of God
Preacher’s fillin’ us with fright
They all tryin’ to teach us what they think is right
They really got to be some kind of nut (I can’t use it!)
Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what?
Where’s that bee and where’s that honey?
Where’s my God and where’s my money?
Unreal values, crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
Kind of brings to mind ol’ young King Tut (He did it now)
Tried to make it real, compared to what?!
Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what?”
