Rilo Kiley — It's A Hit
Album: More AdventurousAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 536
Length: 4:24
Plays (last 30 days): 0
share
tweet
Any chimp can play human for a day
Use his opposable thumbs to iron his uniform
And run for office on election day
Fancy himself a real decision-maker
And deploy more troops than salt shakers (Sh-kk, sh-kk, sh-kk)
But it's a jungle when war is made
And you'll panic and throw your own shit at the enemy
The camera pulls back to reveal your true identity:
Look, it's a sheep in wolf's clothing
A smoking, gun-holding ape
Any asshole can open up a museum
Put all of the things he loves on display so everyone could see 'em
The house, a car, a thoughtful wife
Ordinary moments in his ordinary life
But if she breaks a smile, she'll give you away
'Cause no one wants to pay to see your happiness
No one wants to pay to see your day-to-day
And I'm not buying it either, but I'll try selling it anyway
Any idiot can play Greek for a day
And join a sorority or write a tragedy
And articulate all that pain
And maybe you'll get paid
But it's a sin when success complains
And your writers block, it don't mean shit
Just throw it against the wall and see what sticks
Gotta write a hit, I think this is it
It's a hit
And if it's not
Then it's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
Shoo-bop-shoo-bop, my baby
Any fool can play executioner for a day
And say with fingers pointed in both directions, "He went that-a-way"
It's only a switch or syringe
Ahh, exempt from eternal sins
But you still wear a cross
And you think you're gonna get in
Ahh, but the pardons never come from upstairs
They're always a moment too late
But it's entertainment, keep the crowd on their toes
It's justice, we're safe
It's not a hit, it's a holiday
Shoo-bop-shoo-wop, my baby
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
I'm a holiday for hanging, I'm a holiday for hanging
I'm a holiday, yeah
I'm a holiday for hanging
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
Use his opposable thumbs to iron his uniform
And run for office on election day
Fancy himself a real decision-maker
And deploy more troops than salt shakers (Sh-kk, sh-kk, sh-kk)
But it's a jungle when war is made
And you'll panic and throw your own shit at the enemy
The camera pulls back to reveal your true identity:
Look, it's a sheep in wolf's clothing
A smoking, gun-holding ape
Any asshole can open up a museum
Put all of the things he loves on display so everyone could see 'em
The house, a car, a thoughtful wife
Ordinary moments in his ordinary life
But if she breaks a smile, she'll give you away
'Cause no one wants to pay to see your happiness
No one wants to pay to see your day-to-day
And I'm not buying it either, but I'll try selling it anyway
Any idiot can play Greek for a day
And join a sorority or write a tragedy
And articulate all that pain
And maybe you'll get paid
But it's a sin when success complains
And your writers block, it don't mean shit
Just throw it against the wall and see what sticks
Gotta write a hit, I think this is it
It's a hit
And if it's not
Then it's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
Shoo-bop-shoo-bop, my baby
Any fool can play executioner for a day
And say with fingers pointed in both directions, "He went that-a-way"
It's only a switch or syringe
Ahh, exempt from eternal sins
But you still wear a cross
And you think you're gonna get in
Ahh, but the pardons never come from upstairs
They're always a moment too late
But it's entertainment, keep the crowd on their toes
It's justice, we're safe
It's not a hit, it's a holiday
Shoo-bop-shoo-wop, my baby
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
I'm a holiday for hanging, I'm a holiday for hanging
I'm a holiday, yeah
I'm a holiday for hanging
It's a holiday for hanging, yeah
Comments (88)add comment
Yeah fuck you Bush!
beardp wrote:
Man, I miss Paste and those samplers!
the video for this is on the paste dvd sampler. you can't really go wrong with animated hedgehogs and aliens.....
Man, I miss Paste and those samplers!
Is this song about hating on someone else's happiness? Hard to tell. But that's what I'm taking away from it. Maybe. I dunno. It's like I like it but I don't. Guess that explains its 5.9 rating. I get that, at least.
Lame. Sad to be so harsh.
Old_Pool_Skunk wrote:
Hahaha!! "Get off my lawn, you teenage hooligans!"
Any idiot can cuss and mouth off in a song... takes no skill and sounds completely juvenile. Grow up, child.
Hahaha!! "Get off my lawn, you teenage hooligans!"
ziggytrix wrote:
I think it sounds more juvenile to use minced oaths like poo poo.
I think it sounds more juvenile to use minced oaths like poo poo.
Like the lyrics. Felt that way back in '04.
After looking at it, though, likening Georgie-Boy to an ape throwing his own feces then leaves us no room to describe what's happening now.
Then again, at least back then it was just a metaphor.
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
I tend to agree with you on this.
I quit with the poo poo words after Junior High.
I figured I struggled enough with my mental skills. That compounding this issue with added words that really showcased my inferior IQ, would just make things worse.
I think it sounds more juvenile to use minced oaths like poo poo.
I tend to agree with you on this.
I quit with the poo poo words after Junior High.
I figured I struggled enough with my mental skills. That compounding this issue with added words that really showcased my inferior IQ, would just make things worse.
I think it sounds more juvenile to use minced oaths like poo poo.
Old_Pool_Skunk wrote:
I tend to agree with you on this.
I quit with the poo poo words after Junior High.
I figured I struggled enough with my mental skills. That compounding this issue with added words that really showcased my inferior IQ, would just make things worse.
I do like this song though.
Any idiot can cuss and mouth off in a song... takes no skill and sounds completely juvenile. Grow up, child.
I tend to agree with you on this.
I quit with the poo poo words after Junior High.
I figured I struggled enough with my mental skills. That compounding this issue with added words that really showcased my inferior IQ, would just make things worse.
I do like this song though.
rgrace wrote:
They all have had their faults.
Garsh.... you mean she's referring to someone in this song? (Gasp.) The President?
Which one? They all have had their faults.
pretty great song with an interesting attitude, good to hear and read along with this weird weather Christmas, snow and rain with intense wind, still the opening lines are quite apt:
"Any chimp can play human for a day
Use his opposable thumbs to iron his uniform
And run for office on election day
Fancy himself a real decision-maker
And deploy more troops than salt shakers (Sh-kk, sh-kk, sh-kk)
But it's a jungle when war is made
And you'll panic and throw your own shit at the enemy
The camera pulls back to reveal your true identity:
Look, it's a sheep in wolf's clothing"
Hope we have a Fantastic New Year (and our current ape gets impeached)!!!
"Any chimp can play human for a day
Use his opposable thumbs to iron his uniform
And run for office on election day
Fancy himself a real decision-maker
And deploy more troops than salt shakers (Sh-kk, sh-kk, sh-kk)
But it's a jungle when war is made
And you'll panic and throw your own shit at the enemy
The camera pulls back to reveal your true identity:
Look, it's a sheep in wolf's clothing"
Hope we have a Fantastic New Year (and our current ape gets impeached)!!!
stevo_b wrote:
Wow. That was REALLY bad !
I'm with stevo_b - TOSS IT
.
Frisbee this..... Not a hit.
Wow. That was REALLY bad !
I'm with stevo_b - TOSS IT
.
stevo_b wrote:
Frisbee this..... Not a hit.
Years from now etymologists will regard this post as the first ever use of the word frisbee as a verb.
BoFiS wrote:
Actually God Bless America, at the time, and even still, is a very political song, and, to a large degree, This Land Is Your Land was written in response to it in it's own political way. God Bless America more states that god gave us the US and wants us to be here and win our battles, etc. It was written by Irving Berlin when he was in the army.
This Land Is Your Land was written in response to it as Woody Guthrie didn't like the song and is a fairly socialist song, which is why it's amusing Bush chose it as this campaign song...anyway, it does all show that politics in songs can be traced way back even before rock and roll, and is still present today.
Very interesting Bofis! didn't know that. :-k
Always something to learn at RP! and not exclusivelly about music.
Garsh.... you mean she's referring to someone in this song? (Gasp.) The President?
i wish bill would add "portions for foxes". i think it's the best song on this cd.
Any idiot can cuss and mouth off in a song... takes no skill and sounds completely juvenile. Grow up, child.
wow a preaching cussing critic, those are rare.
Hey, if Bright Eyes can get on Leno, why not Rio Kiley?!? 
\:D/
\:D/ tg3k wrote:
Although it's been pretty well adressed by my fellow campers, I thought I'd add/reiterate:
1. What's political about God Bless America? Religious perhaps yes, political no. Besides, God Bless America is not on any of my personal playlists. (Religious zealots are akin to political zealots IMHO.)
Actually God Bless America, at the time, and even still, is a very political song, and, to a large degree, This Land Is Your Land was written in response to it in it's own political way. God Bless America more states that god gave us the US and wants us to be here and win our battles, etc. It was written by Irving Berlin when he was in the army.
This Land Is Your Land was written in response to it as Woody Guthrie didn't like the song and is a fairly socialist song, which is why it's amusing Bush chose it as this campaign song...anyway, it does all show that politics in songs can be traced way back even before rock and roll, and is still present today.
It's open-mike night folks. No cover.
steeler wrote:
Question for the "get your politics out of my music" campers: So you, of course, are against songs such as God Bless America, etc.? Or is it just political expressions that are opposite to what you believe that you find inappropriate?
Although it's been pretty well adressed by my fellow campers, I thought I'd add/reiterate:
1. What's political about God Bless America? Religious perhaps yes, political no. Besides, God Bless America is not on any of my personal playlists. (Religious zealots are akin to political zealots IMHO.)
2. There are plenty of songs that express thoughts opposite to my own opinions. That doesn't mean I dislike the songs. (I like this one, FWIW. Wouldn't buy the album, but it's a catchy, fun tune.) What I dislike is someone telling me what I should or should not "get" from the music. Music, like any other art form I can think of, is a personal, subjective medium. Nobody has any business telling me (or you) how or why it should be appreciated.
3. You are more than welcome to bash or embrace any political viewpoint you choose. I'd just prefer to not read about your opinions, and I gather from reading the comments here there are others here who feel the same way. I'd suggest the RP Forums are the place for people to debate politics and such -- not the song comments.
woohoo... Rilo Kiley... <3!
Here's 3 live Rilo Kiley tracks available from XFM Radio (UK):
https://www.xfm.co.uk/article.asp?id=73224
I voted 10 because it implies Bush is an idiot. The song itself isn't that great but the political message turns me on.
Ha ha ha! I just really heard the lyrics to this song for the first time. The song has never grabbed me melodically or otherwise, but the lyrics in the first verse are pretty darn funny! I still don't love it -- I'll give it a 6 -- but at least now I see why it's getting played -- there is more to it than might first meet the ear.
not lovin' it. :|
Well in spite of what folks are saying...I like it.
Frisbee this..... Not a hit.
Wow, not good.
man! this has got to be my most controversial upload ever! i can't wait until bill starts to play "the rain, the park and other things" by the cowsills!!! 
hoo boy!
hoo boy!The more I hear it, the less I like it.
DMay wrote:
LOL...
I stopped reading right there, 'cause that told me you had no idea what you were talking about.
Or maybe I read your whole post, and I still believe that. It's definitely the more thorough approach.
Mugro wrote:
Well, I guess since I started the "get your politics off my music" theme, I should respond to your post. I agree with BoBringer's comment, that God Bless America doesn't have much of a political bias. Certainly not as much as this song!!
LOL, I stopped reading after that paragraph because I knew you had no idea what you were talking about.
MAKE IT STOP!
Man, this is horrible! 
FJeff wrote:
Schweeet. How can anyone denigrate a song that has a shoo-bop in it?
Any song that includes the lyrics "throw your shit" is gonna catch some, regardless of how many "shoo-bop"s it's got....
Bill, is this song (that is currently rated 5.7) that good that it should be played at least 9 times since the beginning of the year (65 days) ? Or are you interested in further stimulating our discussion of it? Just curious.
Schweeet. How can anyone denigrate a song that has a shoo-bop in it?
steeler wrote:
Question for the "get your politics out of my music" campers: So you, of course, are against songs such as God Bless America, etc.? Or is it just political expressions that are opposite to what you believe that you find inappropriate?
Well, I guess since I started the "get your politics off my music" theme, I should respond to your post. I agree with BoBringer's comment, that God Bless America doesn't have much of a political bias. Certainly not as much as this song!!
When I first made that statement: "get your politics off my music", it was kind of a tongue in cheek version of the chant that pro-choice protesters use: "get your politics off my body". I have always thought that slogan was interesting in that it illuminates the fact that the issue of a woman's right to choose has been co-opted by both sides of the abortion argument (I am pro-choice, BTW) and twisted into this strange battleground that does not resemble the core issue -- whether or not a woman should be entitled under the law to make decisions about her own pregnancy.
My slogan was meant to address the many comments that I had seen on RP from the days leading up to and immediately after our most recent presidential election. People were making comments bashing Bush on song threads that had nothing to do with politics. The most strange of these was the one where someone stated that they were sure that Jesus would not have been a Republican!! I just thought that it was annoying to hear all of this whining and knashing of teeth about Bush and the election and how the world was going to hell in a handbasket when the song had nothing to do with any of these subjects!! It got to the point where I finally succumbed to this hysteria and lowered myself to that level by making a derogatory comment about the Dixie Chicks in response to a song by the Wailing Jennys. I felt bad about that and have already posted an apology under that song.
Can you take politics out of music? Of course not. What makes art is the expression of feeling and opinion. What makes our country so great is that we do not prohibit anyone from expressing themselves. What I object to is the co-opting of one artistic expression by a person who wants to attribute the song to some political belief.
I also want the RP community to know that liberals are not the only people capable of appreciating art and the wonders of RP. Conservative thinkers should also have a place at the RP table. Those of you on the left can disagree with us, but please tolerate us. We tolerate you. If we cannot have a reasonable discussion of political issues, then we should all keep politics out of our enjoyment of this website.
Sorry for the long response, but I thought it would help. In the meantime, I can enjoy this song for what I think it is: entertaining. We can all enjoy RP -- I sure do!
Gods, but I needed this little slap in the face. Because of a rather horrid night, I was full of angst and sadness today....but not now.
Just a reminder I'm no more exempt from life's discomforts than anyone else.
bobringer wrote:
Could not have said it better myself... I like the song as a catchy pop tune. The dude you were responding to made is sound like this was some brilliant piece of art. Art? Because they equate elected politicians (one in particular) to a monkey? It's a dumb ass catchy pop tune with lyrics that could have been written by a 12 year old. Somehow, if you don't think this is a brilliant piece of art, you are not entitled to be a "true" music fan? Shit, I love music. LOVE music. All kinds of music. Even cheesy little pop tunes that attack my politics.
If I let my politics get in the way of the music I listened to... I'd be missing out on a lot of great stuff. The people on the "other" side are so convinced we are such neanderthals that they can't focus on anything OTHER than that. They should spend their time listening to good music instead.
very good bob! when i first heard this song, the music caught my ear. as i listened to the lyrics, i realized she was singing about the liberals favorite rant... bush. heck, i've been around long enough to apply the lyrics to other prez's from the past. all the way from eisenhower to clinton.
Rilo Kiley, Liz Phair's alter ego?
Whatever a 6 is.
steeler wrote:
Question for the "get your politics out of my music" campers: So you, of course, are against songs such as God Bless America, etc.? Or is it just political expressions that are opposite to what you believe that you find inappropriate?
Uh... what?
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above.
From the mountains, to the praries,
to the oceans, white with foam,
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.
God Bless America,
My home sweet home
God Bless America
From the mountains, to the prairies,
to the oceans, white with foam,
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.
God Bless America,
My home sweet home.
Where do you see ANY politics in this song at all? If you're going to have a point... it should at least make sense.
before you write off this band, check out the execution of all things. much better album.
tg3k wrote:
Where exactly do you get off telling me (or anyone else, for that matter) what music should do for us? You're entitled to your opinion, of course, but dictating what one should get or not get from music is not your place, nor is it appreciated.
I'm in the "keep yer politics outa my music" camp.
/rant
Could not have said it better myself... I like the song as a catchy pop tune. The dude you were responding to made is sound like this was some brilliant piece of art. Art? Because they equate elected politicians (one in particular) to a monkey? It's a dumb ass catchy pop tune with lyrics that could have been written by a 12 year old. Somehow, if you don't think this is a brilliant piece of art, you are not entitled to be a "true" music fan? Shit, I love music. LOVE music. All kinds of music. Even cheesy little pop tunes that attack my politics.
If I let my politics get in the way of the music I listened to... I'd be missing out on a lot of great stuff. The people on the "other" side are so convinced we are such neanderthals that they can't focus on anything OTHER than that. They should spend their time listening to good music instead.
tg3k wrote:
Where exactly do you get off telling me (or anyone else, for that matter) what music should do for us? You're entitled to your opinion, of course, but dictating what one should get or not get from music is not your place, nor is it appreciated.
I'm in the "keep yer politics outa my music" camp./rant
Question for the "get your politics out of my music" campers: So you, of course, are against songs such as God Bless America, etc.? Or is it just political expressions that are opposite to what you believe that you find inappropriate?
tg3k wrote:
Where exactly do you get off telling me (or anyone else, for that matter) what music should do for us? You're entitled to your opinion, of course, but dictating what one should get or not get from music is not your place, nor is it appreciated.
I'm in the "keep yer politics outa my music" camp.
/rant
Wow. I thought I was the only one out here.
So this is what it's like when doves cry...
I'd love to see a graphic representation this song's ratings--I mean, every song rated more than about twelve times gets at least one 1 and one 10, but something tells me this one is probably way more loaded toward the extremes than average. Ain't nothin' wrong with that, I think. . . .
mig7 wrote:
Well, if you prefer the vapid, pointless, shit that corrpupts the air-waves day in and day out, then maybe RP isn't the place for you. Music should stir the emotions and the mind-if it doesn't, then you're just singing along.
Where exactly do you get off telling me (or anyone else, for that matter) what music should do for us? You're entitled to your opinion, of course, but dictating what one should get or not get from music is not your place, nor is it appreciated.
I'm in the "keep yer politics outa my music" camp.
/rant
tonyp2 wrote:
How can you expect politics to stay out of music? Politics, whatever yours may be, inspire passion, anger, hope, etc., and what's one of the best ways to express those emotions? That's right, MUSIC.
Ah...the power of music to piss people off. Gee, I'm feeling young again. Dang, that's fun!!!!!!!!!!
How can you expect politics to stay out of music? Politics, whatever yours may be, inspire passion, anger, hope, etc., and what's one of the best ways to express those emotions? That's right, MUSIC.
pdxbob wrote:
blech. I don't turn to musucians for financial advice, and I don't turn to 'em for political advice either.
Well, if you prefer the vapid, pointless, shit that corrpupts the air-waves day in and day out, then maybe RP isn't the place for you. Music should stir the emotions and the mind-if it doesn't, then you're just singing along.
the video for this is on the paste dvd sampler. you can't really go wrong with animated hedgehogs and aliens.....
there is some other excellant cuts off of this cd that i also uploaded... bill picked just this one. go listen to it you'll enjoy it!
I wish she'd take a holiday and quit singing this crap.
Huey wrote:
that would be "bowel"??
:nodhead: I agree ..................pity
A hit? Nope
Although, if the force is strong enough for movement of the toilet BOWL....
ncmtnbiker wrote:
), not divide (
)!!!
Yeah, if you're one of 59,000,000 + americans who voted for Bush, your financial support of this station is not desired.
Music should unite ( ), not divide ( )!!!
pdxbob wrote:
blech. I don't turn to musucians for financial advice, and I don't turn to 'em for political advice either.
Amen!!!! Getcher politics off my music!!!!
laozilover wrote:
Edit: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Let the Bells Ring! :o :-k
Thanks, Kurt! I like it! :nodhead: ... and I dont mind at all that Bill follows it with Steve Earle's Rivers Of Babylon! :D/
Well here it is again! Wonder what comes next?!?
Edit: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Let the Bells Ring! :o :-k
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
man, i didn't realize my upload would cause such anarchy! :headshake: i just like the song. 
Thanks, Kurt! I like it! :nodhead: ... and I dont mind at all that Bill follows it with Steve Earle's Rivers Of Babylon! \:D/
Ah...the power of music to piss people off. Gee, I'm feeling young again. Dang, that's fun!!!!!!!!!!
man, i didn't realize my upload would cause such anarchy! :headshake: i just like the song.
ncmtnbiker wrote:
I've had better sounding bowl movements. :P
that would be "bowel"??
:nodhead: I agree ..................pity
A hit? Nope
Regardless of the message, this is weak.
maddmatt wrote:
Do you speak as an official representative of Radio Paradise?
I just discovered RP and enjoy it very much. I hope I can find another place that makes me this happy. I hope I can find a station that is in the business solely for the love of the music (as I thought RP was), and not just another cog in the machine trying to fit me into some mold. I must admit that the rejection saddens me.
Dude, this ' BIKER' gal is NOT a RP rep... don't be fooled...or feel rejected.
Advice? Let your $ speak for you. If you DO leave, let them know why.
ME? I'm staying around to let my vote,...er, VOICE be heard.
(And continue to support.) Just too much fun!
You people make me laugh.
garbage
"You'll panic and throw your own shit at the enemy"
ncmtnbiker wrote:
Yeah, if you're one of 59,000,000 + americans who voted for Bush, your financial support of this station is not desired.
Do you speak as an official representative of Radio Paradise?
I just discovered RP and enjoy it very much. I hope I can find another place that makes me this happy. I hope I can find a station that is in the business solely for the love of the music (as I thought RP was), and not just another cog in the machine trying to fit me into some mold. I must admit that the rejection saddens me.
ncmtnbiker wrote:
Yeah, if you're one of 59,000,000 + americans who voted for Bush, your financial support of this station is not desired.
Well, it's not like those people will have any money to spare anyway, what with the imperial debt, blatantly wasteful military spending, and burgeoning corporate welfare rolls, especially after the runaway inflation and decreased value of the dollar relative to the other major currencies. But, hey, at least their tax dollars aren't going toward health care or any of those other gol durn commie guvment programs! *spit*
Poor suckers. Why is it that many victims of fraud keep letting themselves get bamboozled, time and time again? Is it just stupidity, or an unwillingness to admit that they were fleeced?
klgs24 wrote:
Bill, I wasn't sure, but now I think I am ... are you trying to tell us something today?
Yeah, if you're one of 59,000,000 + americans who voted for Bush, your financial support of this station is not desired.
I've had better sounding bowl movements. :P
No Rilo, please, tell us how you REALLY feel!
blech. I don't turn to musucians for financial advice, and I don't turn to 'em for political advice either.
sans wrote: 
Consider it a four -year reprieve from the New World Order. Your Welcome!
Monkey to the Man, Fortunate Son and now this song. Nice subliminal political commentary Bill.
I've been in mourning since the election. This is truly a sign of the apocolypse. I don't know if we can survive four more years...
I'll listen to anything once ONCE.
is this about the election outcome?!?
Bill, I wasn't sure, but now I think I am ... are you trying to tell us something today?
Quirky but i like it.
Quite "crash test dummies"
"your writers block-it don't mean shit. just throw it against the wall and see what sticks."
8)
Gregorama wrote:
Interesting. May have to hear it again.
Agreed!
Interesting. May have to hear it again.
stevebeaver wrote:
Sort of a pre-powerpop more-mello Liz Phair kind of vibe. With horns.
Exactly.
Except surprisingly irritating.
Rilo Kiley - sometimes I love 'em, sometimes I hate 'em. This one...I'm still not sure.
Sort of a pre-powerpop more-mello Liz Phair kind of vibe. With horns.