1967 - For What It's Worth

[SummerlongBoots]

I wanted to respond to a post in the DWTS thread, but it didn't seem to fit there so I started this one. Hope it was okay to do that.

Originally Posted by PenguinHead

The only song I hear that has some of those qualities is "For What It's Worth." My only irk with that song title is there is another well-established song with that same title: Buffalo Springfield's hit song written and sung by Steven Stills. Given that Stevie is familiar with late 1960's music, I wonder if it ever crossed her mind.

I noticed that as well and it got me thinking about a few other songs that had a familiar ring to them, like Buffalo Springfield's song "Kind Woman" and Stevie's "Kind of Woman."

Rose Garden too.
1970-ish "I never promised you a rose garden" vs "You've never promised me a rose garden."

I do give her props for noting her use of other people's lyrics in Space Needle.

We've got to get out of this place
If it's the last we ever do
A haunting song from the rock'n'roll past
Ooh, they said that, too

I am also inspired by music and lyrics and quote them a lot in some of my writing because they seem to fit so well, so please don't think I'm knocking her. It's just something I noticed.

[mezzoforte]

I've always loved the Buffalo Springfield song and definitely thought of that when I heard the title, but I didn't know about Kind of Woman. She must have been aware of FWIW at least, so it might be a nod.
On the other hand, FWIW is such a common expression that it might be a coincidence. I mean, when I hear those words I don't immediately jump to Buffalo Springfield. I wouldn't say the same of Christine's "Got a Hold on Me," for example--part of me always expects to hear, "You've really got a Hold on Me" when I see the title



It's an interesting interpretation of the Space Needle lyrics; one I hadn't thought of. I always assumed she was speaking metaphorically and saying that their lives were a "haunting song from the rock'n'roll past." She realized they could die if they stayed in that crazy LA scene because they were on the path to becoming the next tragic rockstars. In their addictions, they were echoing Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, etc.
That's how I read it, but you might very well be right. Lord knows she's been known to re-appropriate.

[SummerlongBoots]

I think both of our interpretations of Space Needle are a perfect match!

When Eric Burden sang

"We've got to get out of this place
If it's the last thing we ever do"

He follows with, "Girl there's a better life, for me and you."

So, I totally agree with your interpretation of them getting out of the drug scene.

When Stevie sings

"A haunting song from the rock'n'roll past" (It was 1965 when The Animals released that song)

"Ooh, they said that, too" <---- and they did say that!

I wish we could ask her.

[mezzoforte]

Originally Posted by SummerlongBoots

I think both of our interpretations of Space Needle are a perfect match!

When Eric Burden sang

"We've got to get out of this place
If it's the last thing we ever do"

He follows with, "Girl there's a better life, for me and you."

So, I totally agree with your interpretation of them getting out of the drug scene.

When Stevie sings

"A haunting song from the rock'n'roll past" (It was 1965 when The Animals released that song)

"Ooh, they said that, too" <---- and they did say that!

I wish we could ask her.

Wow--I actually had no idea that was in another song. Oops!