Songs you never want to hear.

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I've never heard "Strange Fruit" and fear it could only disappoint after all I've read and heard about it.

Any songs you've never heard and don't want to hear, for any reason?

― Aaron A., Wednesday, 23 April 2003 17:09 (twenty-two years ago)

Probably. But please, you really need to hear Billie Holiday sing "Strange Fruit" -- you owe it to yourself not to hide from it. I'm shivering right now thinking about it in my cubicle.

― Hurlothrumbo (hurlothrumbo), Wednesday, 23 April 2003 17:15 (twenty-two years ago)

And to answer: "Give Ireland Back to the Irish", Paul McCartney. I love the idea of the song, coming from Sir Paul -- but I know if I hear it it'll probably suck, so let me just imagine it as a totally unexpected, powerful fuckyou.

― Hurlothrumbo (hurlothrumbo), Wednesday, 23 April 2003 17:17 (twenty-two years ago)

I listened to the Nina Simone version (which contains lyrics excised from Billie's version) the night she died, and it seriously depressed me that such a song had to be written.

― Mr. Diamond (diamond), Wednesday, 23 April 2003 17:19 (twenty-two years ago)

No wait, scratch that, I think it has the same lyrics as Billie's. Nevermind me.

― Mr. Diamond (diamond), Wednesday, 23 April 2003 17:20 (twenty-two years ago)

i wanna hear everything. although, i never wanna hear "Butterfly Kisses" AGAIN.

― scott seward, Wednesday, 23 April 2003 18:15 (twenty-two years ago)

There is absolutely no way "Strange Fruit" won't live up to expectations. But like Mr. D said, the simple fact that there was inspiration for a song like that is disturbing enough. Seriously though, Billie Holliday, singing "Strange Fruit", I really don't see you being disappointed by. It's one of the only songs that makes me tear up EVERY SINGLE TIME I hear it.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Wednesday, 23 April 2003 18:19 (twenty-two years ago)

Sweet Christ, for a minute there I was imagining Nina Simone's version of "Give Ireland Back to the Irish." That I'd never want to hear.

TMFTML

― TMFTML (TMFTML), Wednesday, 23 April 2003 18:27 (twenty-two years ago)

for the second time today, i agree with nickalicious: "the simple fact that there was inspiration for a song like that is disturbing enough." strange fruit has so much bearing on american race relations, one must listen to it for historical perspective if nothing else.

― j.a.e., Wednesday, 23 April 2003 19:27 (twenty-two years ago)

Robert Wyatt's rendition of 'Strange Fruit' is incredibly moving, also, and worth tracking down.

― rh, Thursday, 24 April 2003 10:11 (twenty-two years ago)

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