Fiona Apple — Criminal
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Total ratings: 908
Length: 5:41
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I've been a bad, bad girl
I've been careless with a delicate man
And it's a sad, sad world
When a girl will break a boy
Just because she can
Don't you tell me to deny it
I've done wrong and I wanna suffer for my sins
I've come to you cause I need guidance to be true
And I just don't know where I can begin
What I need is a good defense
Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence at hand
But I keep livin' this day
Like the next will never come
Oh help me, but don't tell me to deny it
I've got to cleanse myself
Of all these lies til I'm good enough for him
I've got a lot to lose
And I'm bettin' high so I'm beggin' you
Before it ends
Just tell me where to begin
What I need is a good defense
Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Let me know the way
Before there's hell to pay
Give me room to lay the law and let me go
I've got to make a play
To make my lover stay
So what would an angel say
The devil wants to know
What I need is a good defense
Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
I've been careless with a delicate man
And it's a sad, sad world
When a girl will break a boy
Just because she can
Don't you tell me to deny it
I've done wrong and I wanna suffer for my sins
I've come to you cause I need guidance to be true
And I just don't know where I can begin
What I need is a good defense
Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence at hand
But I keep livin' this day
Like the next will never come
Oh help me, but don't tell me to deny it
I've got to cleanse myself
Of all these lies til I'm good enough for him
I've got a lot to lose
And I'm bettin' high so I'm beggin' you
Before it ends
Just tell me where to begin
What I need is a good defense
Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Let me know the way
Before there's hell to pay
Give me room to lay the law and let me go
I've got to make a play
To make my lover stay
So what would an angel say
The devil wants to know
What I need is a good defense
Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love
Comments (106)add comment
Still one of my favorite albums.
"So what would an angel say?
The devil wants to know."
Wow, what a lyric!
8 to 9
The devil wants to know."
Wow, what a lyric!
8 to 9
Love Fiona! We certainly don't hear enough of her.
Absolutely brilliant! This song has blood and guts, as it should be!
melody channels The Fool on the Hill instrumentation
Yup, this goes on the Crazy Ex Girlfriend Mix
need to take a bite out of this apple
This sucked 20 years ago...NEXT!
fap fap fap
Down you miserable wench and seek forgiveness.
It's like a song made up of random bits. Meh.
Embarrassed to admit that I didn't know this at all. Turns out I like it quite a lot.
Since watching American Horror Story Freak Show, I will now always imagine a two-headed woman singing this...
fredriley wrote:
So your original message was the BBS equivalent of putting a flaming bag of poop on the doorstep. Nice one.
Now, if you actually watch the video which you drew attention to, it is designedly erotic, as is the song. The artist herself is putting shedloads of steamy sex into it, so it's out of order to then slag off RP listeners for commenting on that very eroticism. As for her being a "genius", if every singer whose fans call her a genius really were a genius, the average IQ level of the music industry would rise by an order of magnitude. Just plain feckin' good is enough, without going into "genius" hyperbole.
While I definitely agree that "genius" gets handed entirely too often and to performers obviously less-talented than Ms. Apple, the truth is that many of the musicians that we hear on the national & international scene are among the best in their profession. To get to this level (and certainly among those that we hear here on RP), you have to have real talent, a certain amount of genius. Fiona has a great combination of songwriting, playing, and singing, plus a great backing band and enough looks (despite her issues with anorexia) to make the marketing of her easier. The fact that she has videos that play on and exploit her appeal puts her in the fine company of countless others that get lauded on this site as "genii".
I think the definition of "genius" gets inflated way too much by some people in direct contrast to, and probably in response to, those that hand it out too easily.
So your original message was the BBS equivalent of putting a flaming bag of poop on the doorstep. Nice one.
Now, if you actually watch the video which you drew attention to, it is designedly erotic, as is the song. The artist herself is putting shedloads of steamy sex into it, so it's out of order to then slag off RP listeners for commenting on that very eroticism. As for her being a "genius", if every singer whose fans call her a genius really were a genius, the average IQ level of the music industry would rise by an order of magnitude. Just plain feckin' good is enough, without going into "genius" hyperbole.
While I definitely agree that "genius" gets handed entirely too often and to performers obviously less-talented than Ms. Apple, the truth is that many of the musicians that we hear on the national & international scene are among the best in their profession. To get to this level (and certainly among those that we hear here on RP), you have to have real talent, a certain amount of genius. Fiona has a great combination of songwriting, playing, and singing, plus a great backing band and enough looks (despite her issues with anorexia) to make the marketing of her easier. The fact that she has videos that play on and exploit her appeal puts her in the fine company of countless others that get lauded on this site as "genii".
I think the definition of "genius" gets inflated way too much by some people in direct contrast to, and probably in response to, those that hand it out too easily.
Dang, she sure can bang on them 88s, furshur!
Easyrider wrote:
underrated totally in Poland
Overrated totally.
underrated totally in Poland
Overrated totally.
Not kind, not kind at all. (the effects that is)
(copyrighted image removed)
(copyrighted image removed)
south wrote:
That URL now fails, but the vid is online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFOzayDpWoI - waif chic :o)
That URL now fails, but the vid is online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFOzayDpWoI - waif chic :o)
Back in the days of single-dom I remember listening to this song and thinking that I wished some of my exes felt this way...
MediaGrrl wrote:
haven't listened to any Apple in a long time, so this hits the spot.
Hannio wrote:
They might be, but I was referring to how SV sounds pure as the driven snow compared to FA.
I hear what you meant - sound-wise and lyrically.
They might be, but I was referring to how SV sounds pure as the driven snow compared to FA.
I hear what you meant - sound-wise and lyrically.
haven't listened to any Apple in a long time, so this hits the spot.
Proclivities wrote:
I don't know about that; they might even be friends.
They might be, but I was referring to how SV sounds pure as the driven snow compared to FA.
I don't know about that; they might even be friends.
They might be, but I was referring to how SV sounds pure as the driven snow compared to FA.
I'm a big fan of Fiona Apple, but I really don't get why this song is so popular. Far from my favorite of hers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiOmhOumh-w
Worth a listen, Fiona Apple and Elvis Costello. Much more respect for her recently.
Worth a listen, Fiona Apple and Elvis Costello. Much more respect for her recently.
Hannio wrote:
I don't know about that; they might even be friends.
Fiona Apple is the anti-Suzanne Vega.
I don't know about that; they might even be friends.
Netto wrote:
Well now way back in the Bible
Temptations always come along
There's always somebody tempting
Somebody into doing something they know is wrong
Well they tempt you, man, with silver
And they tempt you, sir, with gold
And they tempt you with the pleasures
That the flesh does surely hold
They say Eve tempted Adam with an apple
But man I ain't going for that
I know it was her pink Cadillac
Crushed velvet seats
Riding in the back
Oozing down the street
Well now way back in the Bible
Temptations always come along
There's always somebody tempting
Somebody into doing something they know is wrong
Well they tempt you, man, with silver
And they tempt you, sir, with gold
And they tempt you with the pleasures
That the flesh does surely hold
They say Eve tempted Adam with an apple
But man I ain't going for that
I know it was her pink Cadillac
Crushed velvet seats
Riding in the back
Oozing down the street
Heard rumor of a new album coming out this spring 2011.
Loved seeing her with Nickel Creek a few years back, magical evening.
Loved seeing her with Nickel Creek a few years back, magical evening.
Hannio wrote:
Possibly, but 'Widows Walk' stands up to anything FA has done.Have a listen, eez good.
Fiona Apple is the anti-Suzanne Vega.
Possibly, but 'Widows Walk' stands up to anything FA has done.Have a listen, eez good.
Mandible wrote:
I'm surprised to hear you say that - cos there's a zillion other American songstresses who sound exactly the same pretty much
Fiona, where did you disappear to? We miss you.
I'm surprised to hear you say that - cos there's a zillion other American songstresses who sound exactly the same pretty much
i like the song... don't know if i've ever seen any of her videos... but i like her i'm-a-bad-ass persona
Fiona, where did you disappear to? We miss you.
Yikes! Such hostility. Who started this?
Sorcha wrote:
But....you're making the incorrect assumption that we care if you get *us*
we don't
I just never "got" F.A. Furthermore, if you folks get turned on by her Anorexic-as-sex object vids and pics, then I don't get *you* either.....
But....you're making the incorrect assumption that we care if you get *us*
we don't
musickat wrote:
True dat. Smokes and swings...
It's just a freakin cool song.... that's all people
True dat. Smokes and swings...
musickat wrote:
Indeed, 'kat'. Speaking purely primal, she SOUNDS like a young lady one could become very criminal with. Yikes.
It's just a freakin cool song.... that's all people
Indeed, 'kat'. Speaking purely primal, she SOUNDS like a young lady one could become very criminal with. Yikes.
It's just a freakin cool song.... that's all people
Fiona Apple is the anti-Suzanne Vega.
I just never "got" F.A. Furthermore, if you folks get turned on by her Anorexic-as-sex object vids and pics, then I don't get *you* either.....
Fiona Apple is doing something better than sprinkling sexuality on her music like a topping; sexuality is often the subject of her music. Like Nina Simone, or Etta James — it's a long and effective tradition.
I think Bjorks Human Behaviour should be played after this.
Got that same ominous brooding bass line thing going on.
Got that same ominous brooding bass line thing going on.
A classic from the apple tree. Oh and just to wade in on the other nonsense its OK for good artists to add a bit of sexuality much like a cherry on top of your sunday where the problem lies is with those with no talent getting by with only sexuality like most of the chart music in whatever country you are listening.
fredriley wrote:
So your original message was the BBS equivalent of putting a flaming bag of poop on the doorstep. Nice one.
Now, if you actually watch the video which you drew attention to, it is designedly erotic, as is the song. The artist herself is putting shedloads of steamy sex into it, so it's out of order to then slag off RP listeners for commenting on that very eroticism. As for her being a "genius", if every singer whose fans call her a genius really were a genius, the average IQ level of the music industry would rise by an order of magnitude. Just plain feckin' good is enough, without going into "genius" hyperbole.
LOL, Bravo! Good song though.
So your original message was the BBS equivalent of putting a flaming bag of poop on the doorstep. Nice one.
Now, if you actually watch the video which you drew attention to, it is designedly erotic, as is the song. The artist herself is putting shedloads of steamy sex into it, so it's out of order to then slag off RP listeners for commenting on that very eroticism. As for her being a "genius", if every singer whose fans call her a genius really were a genius, the average IQ level of the music industry would rise by an order of magnitude. Just plain feckin' good is enough, without going into "genius" hyperbole.
LOL, Bravo! Good song though.
choffman2001 wrote:
Uh, gee, it's so nice that RP listeners are so evolved that they can appreciate true musical genius in such a young lady, rather than going on about her being "steamin' hot!!"
So your original message was the BBS equivalent of putting a flaming bag of poop on the doorstep. Nice one.
Now, if you actually watch the video which you drew attention to, it is designedly erotic, as is the song. The artist herself is putting shedloads of steamy sex into it, so it's out of order to then slag off RP listeners for commenting on that very eroticism. As for her being a "genius", if every singer whose fans call her a genius really were a genius, the average IQ level of the music industry would rise by an order of magnitude. Just plain feckin' good is enough, without going into "genius" hyperbole.
Uh, gee, it's so nice that RP listeners are so evolved that they can appreciate true musical genius in such a young lady, rather than going on about her being "steamin' hot!!"
So your original message was the BBS equivalent of putting a flaming bag of poop on the doorstep. Nice one.
Now, if you actually watch the video which you drew attention to, it is designedly erotic, as is the song. The artist herself is putting shedloads of steamy sex into it, so it's out of order to then slag off RP listeners for commenting on that very eroticism. As for her being a "genius", if every singer whose fans call her a genius really were a genius, the average IQ level of the music industry would rise by an order of magnitude. Just plain feckin' good is enough, without going into "genius" hyperbole.
fredriley wrote:
Uh, gee, it's so nice that RP listeners are so evolved that they can appreciate true musical genius in such a young lady, rather than going on about her being "steamin' hot!!" But the real point I wanted to make is for those of us in the USA, no luck on watching the video on youtube... This was the message I got trying to click through (I must admit, I've never seen the video...) This video contains content from Sony Music Entertainment, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds. I really hate Sony.
Uh, gee, it's so nice that RP listeners are so evolved that they can appreciate true musical genius in such a young lady, rather than going on about her being "steamin' hot!!" But the real point I wanted to make is for those of us in the USA, no luck on watching the video on youtube... This was the message I got trying to click through (I must admit, I've never seen the video...) This video contains content from Sony Music Entertainment, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds. I really hate Sony.
nagsheadlocal wrote:
Not to mention the video for this - wowsers.
'Kin right! See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btb5gOC2xYk - steamin' hot!!
Not to mention the video for this - wowsers.
'Kin right! See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btb5gOC2xYk - steamin' hot!!
still love this.
musickat wrote:
Which reminds me of the old saying: you should always walk a mile in the other's shoes, because in the end you'll still have his shoes and be a mile away :o)
Ooh, I do love a good bad girl! Where were you when I was younger, Fiona?
Great rockin' number - an immediate 8 from the Nottingham jury.
I think this is good advice for all of us. We should never judge others until we have walked a mile in their shoes. Which of course we never will.
Which reminds me of the old saying: you should always walk a mile in the other's shoes, because in the end you'll still have his shoes and be a mile away :o)
Ooh, I do love a good bad girl! Where were you when I was younger, Fiona?
Great rockin' number - an immediate 8 from the Nottingham jury.
musickat wrote:
I think this is good advice for all of us. We should never judge others until we have walked a mile in their shoes. Which of course we never will.
WonderLizard wrote:
I'm not going to call you a "clueless moron." However, a simple "clueless" should do quite nicely. You apparently don't know about Apple's personal history and what she's had to overcome to become the performer—and an excellent one at that—and artist that she is today. And if you do know, what you wrote is simply cruel and mean spirited.
If that phrase were taken literally we would all eventually have athlete's foot!!
WonderLizard wrote:
I'm not going to call you a "clueless moron." However, a simple "clueless" should do quite nicely. You apparently don't know about Apple's personal history and what she's had to overcome to become the performer—and an excellent one at that—and artist that she is today. And if you do know, what you wrote is simply cruel and mean spirited.
If that phrase were taken literally we would all eventually have athlete's foot!!
I need to make a play
To make my lover stay.
So what would an angel say?
The Devil wants to know.
Great lyrics on her earlier stuff. I'm not a huge fan of her latest CD, but the first two are great, IMO.
To make my lover stay.
So what would an angel say?
The Devil wants to know.
Great lyrics on her earlier stuff. I'm not a huge fan of her latest CD, but the first two are great, IMO.
Every time I hear this song I imagine her standing in the bed of a pick-up truck with a cowboy hat on and the band is strategically positioned amongst the scrub surrounding the truck. . .it seems more C&W to me than garbage or grunge rock
Garbagey. As in the band, not the refuse.
I think this is good advice for all of us. We should never judge others until we have walked a mile in their shoes. Which of course we never will.
WonderLizard wrote:
I'm not going to call you a "clueless moron." However, a simple "clueless" should do quite nicely. You apparently don't know about Apple's personal history and what she's had to overcome to become the performer—and an excellent one at that—and artist that she is today. And if you do know, what you wrote is simply cruel and mean spirited.
WonderLizard wrote:
I'm not going to call you a "clueless moron." However, a simple "clueless" should do quite nicely. You apparently don't know about Apple's personal history and what she's had to overcome to become the performer—and an excellent one at that—and artist that she is today. And if you do know, what you wrote is simply cruel and mean spirited.
sirdroseph wrote:
You should check out some of her award acceptance speeches! Just a riot! I especially love the one where she says that we just don't know and her boyfriend could make us all dissapear and some other weird rantings. She is a completely self absorbed, ridiculously narcissistic clueless moron!
I'm not going to call you a "clueless moron." However, a simple "clueless" should do quite nicely. You apparently don't know about Apple's personal history and what she's had to overcome to become the performer—and an excellent one at that—and artist that she is today. And if you do know, what you wrote is simply cruel and mean spirited.
You should check out some of her award acceptance speeches! Just a riot! I especially love the one where she says that we just don't know and her boyfriend could make us all dissapear and some other weird rantings. She is a completely self absorbed, ridiculously narcissistic clueless moron!
I'm not going to call you a "clueless moron." However, a simple "clueless" should do quite nicely. You apparently don't know about Apple's personal history and what she's had to overcome to become the performer—and an excellent one at that—and artist that she is today. And if you do know, what you wrote is simply cruel and mean spirited.
WhiteWater wrote:
I'm with you there...
That voice! ...and the photos on her first album. Make me think impure thoughts.
I'm with you there...Ahhhh...that voice. Those eyes....
I like.
BluEyes wrote:
Missed it yet again! Darn TV!
Just missed it again!
Missed it yet again! Darn TV!
Just missed it again!
catsoup wrote:
Today's playlist:
Fiona Apple - Criminal
Medeski, Martin & Wood - Mami Gato
Amadou & Mariam - Ce N'est Pas Bon
Beck - Golden Age
But I wouldn't compare this to the ultra-cool, mega-smooth stuff from MMW.
It sounds like she heard a Medeski, Martin and Wood track and told her producer that she wanted that sound. Hey Bill! It's been too long, how about some of the real MMW? 
Today's playlist:
Fiona Apple - Criminal
Medeski, Martin & Wood - Mami Gato
Amadou & Mariam - Ce N'est Pas Bon
Beck - Golden Age
But I wouldn't compare this to the ultra-cool, mega-smooth stuff from MMW.
posworld wrote:
Not judging by the rating curve.
I'd like to hear more new Fiona but I don't think she has retained her young feistiness.
Apparently she's polarizing. I don't know, she seems alright to me.
Not judging by the rating curve.
I'd like to hear more new Fiona but I don't think she has retained her young feistiness.
You bad, bad girl 
Hmmm....
Sorry that I missed this one.
Sorry that I missed this one.
Apparently she's polarizing. I don't know, she seems alright to me.
It sounds like she heard a Medeski, Martin and Wood track and told her producer that she wanted that sound. Hey Bill! It's been too long, how about some of the real MMW?
WhiteWater wrote:
Not to mention the video for this - wowsers.
That voice! ...and the photos on her first album. Make me think impure thoughts.
Not to mention the video for this - wowsers.
jbunniii wrote:
I thought bunniiis liked apples
I know it's petty, but I find her name so offputting that I've never gone out of my way to listen to her music. Fortunately, this track is undistinguished enough that I don't feel that I have been wrong.
I thought bunniiis liked apples
sirdroseph wrote:
Word.
She is as beautiful and as talented as she is an idiot!!
Word.
Pretty good song. I've never listened to much radio so this song hasn't really ever been "beaten to death" for me. I think it's all right. I will say that a lot of good music gets overplayed and then you're bored with it. I've felt that way about a lot of Dave Matthews stuff. It's not altogether bad, IMHO... just way too much airtime.
SweTex wrote:
I dont know much about her.Why is she an idiot?
You should check out some of her award acceptance speeches! Just a riot! I especially love the one where she says that we just don't know and her boyfriend could make us all dissapear and some other weird rantings. She is a completely self absorbed, ridiculously narcissistic clueless moron!
I dont know much about her.Why is she an idiot?
You should check out some of her award acceptance speeches! Just a riot! I especially love the one where she says that we just don't know and her boyfriend could make us all dissapear and some other weird rantings. She is a completely self absorbed, ridiculously narcissistic clueless moron!
not about her eyes. musickat wrote:
your kidding, right?!!
1wolfy wrote:
1wolfy wrote:
pretty eyes and brows...weak song
your kidding, right?!!
1wolfy wrote:
1wolfy wrote:
pretty eyes and brows...weak song
pretty eyes and brows...weak song
One of those rare songs that was overplayed on commercial radio but is still good. That's a testament to how strong it was before they attempted to beat it to death.
An amazing debut album. As good as "When The Pawn...", in my opinion.
sirdroseph wrote:
I dont know much about her.Why is she an idiot?
She is as beautiful and as talented as she is an idiot!!
I dont know much about her.Why is she an idiot?
WhiteWater wrote:
Purely prurient impurities
That voice! ...and the photos on her first album. Make me think impure thoughts.
Purely prurient impurities
slates13 wrote:
Check out "When The Pawn..." - that whole album is *amazing*.
Haven't really followed her, but after hearing this, I might start.
Check out "When The Pawn..." - that whole album is *amazing*.
That voice! ...and the photos on her first album. Make me think impure thoughts.
jbunniii wrote:
You're right, that's petty.
I know it's petty, but I find her name so off-putting that I've never gone out of my way to listen to her music. Fortunately, this track is undistinguished enough that I don't feel that I have been wrong.
You're right, that's petty.
I know it's petty, but I find her name so offputting that I've never gone out of my way to listen to her music. Fortunately, this track is undistinguished enough that I don't feel that I have been wrong.
Haven't really followed her, but after hearing this, I might start.
sirdroseph wrote:
It's curious how often that sort of combination occurs.
She is as beautiful and as talented as she is an idiot!!
It's curious how often that sort of combination occurs.
It's good to hear this song again. I haven't listened to this album in a long time. Thanks!
Love.this.song.
And love singing it too.
And love singing it too.
What's with the lisp? or should I say lithsp...
She is as beautiful and as talented as she is an idiot!!
She and Quentin Tarantino do an episode of Iconoclasts in Austin, I think.
Fun to watch them wait for bats together.
Sneaker Pimps-Post-Modern Sleaze
Massive Attack-Teardrop
Imogene Heap—Clear the Area
FA
such a good set !! (32 from me)
Massive Attack-Teardrop
Imogene Heap—Clear the Area
FA
such a good set !! (32 from me)
One of Fiona's brilliant tunes. Never could get into her last album, though.
Good tune with a brilliant ending.
I just love a good bad girl . Great down 'n' dirty stuff. 8 from the Nottingham jury.
. Great down 'n' dirty stuff. 8 from the Nottingham jury. Mandible wrote:
No, but I wish she was riding to Yosemite with me this weekend. In a more just universe, perhaps.
anyone know what Fiona's up to these days?
No, but I wish she was riding to Yosemite with me this weekend. In a more just universe, perhaps.
10!
IMO Fionas best album to date was her first, and this is her in peak condition.
I sure want to hear more from her, to see where she is going nowadays.
I sure want to hear more from her, to see where she is going nowadays.
Whoever uploaded this, please consider uploading the last song on the CD - "Carrion"
Nothing but love for this band.
anyone know what Fiona's up to these days?
Whatever happened to Fiona? I know she has "issues", but what a cool voice!
Ahh...high school. What a nice little flashback for a Thursday afternoon.
Yay for Fiona Apple on RP!
Hah, I have a songlist on my car's stereo called "Angry Women" and this is the opener.