Gordon Lightfoot Forums - View Single Post - Do you think the song ',For Lovin Me,' is chauvinistic?

mercedes · 07-09-2006, 05:27 AM

Though I’m normally reluctant to participate in discussions concerning the intent behind lyrics I did not write, I do know this song well, if only having listened to it so often in younger days.

It has never come across to me as chauvinistic … but if one were to draw that conclusion and assume that the emotions were tied to attitudes from men TO women, I can appreciate the sentiment … i.e. “There you go, you cried again” … it is hard to imagine how that line (alone) sounds in the least bit convincing if it was directed toward a male audience.

I hasten to add by a female .... then again and these days …..

I will never think of the lyrics as anything other than “protected arrogance” … something one might say, write or think …. for a defence against a perceived personal attack that might never take place.

Therein lies my dislike of reading liner notes …. don’t break your silence, don’t betray my beliefs or understanding of what emotions played part in either your head whilst composing the song, or in mine when I felt compelled to purchase it .....

Just tell me if I ask you.

Mike

[ July 09, 2006, 11:18: Message edited by: Mike Dixon ]

07-09-2006, 05:27 AM	#29
mercedes Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 60	Though I’m normally reluctant to participate in discussions concerning the intent behind lyrics I did not write, I do know this song well, if only having listened to it so often in younger days. It has never come across to me as chauvinistic … but if one were to draw that conclusion and assume that the emotions were tied to attitudes from men TO women, I can appreciate the sentiment … i.e. “There you go, you cried again” … it is hard to imagine how that line (alone) sounds in the least bit convincing if it was directed toward a male audience. I hasten to add by a female .... then again and these days ….. I will never think of the lyrics as anything other than “protected arrogance” … something one might say, write or think …. for a defence against a perceived personal attack that might never take place. Therein lies my dislike of reading liner notes …. don’t break your silence, don’t betray my beliefs or understanding of what emotions played part in either your head whilst composing the song, or in mine when I felt compelled to purchase it ..... Just tell me if I ask you. Mike [ July 09, 2006, 11:18: Message edited by: Mike Dixon ]