Thu Sep 20, 2012, 03:58 PM
Eleanors38 (18,318 posts)
On the "lighter side," the Motown group Temptations may have mentioned "gun control"
for the first time in the popular arts. In their 1970 hit "Ball of Confusion," the second verse after the chorus has this:
Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul-shooting rockets to the moon, Kids growing up too soon, Politicians say, "More taxes will solve everything," The band played on. IIRC, the term "gun control" was cited only two years earlier in the Democratic Party Platform. Anyone have earlier mentions? The song is rather non-sectarian, citing all matter of problems like a shopping list. "...suicide, too many beers..." Many sites for lyrics to this song, but I haven't figured out how to post links yet, as my computer collapsed just after DU's overhaul.
|
4 replies, 1789 views
Always highlight: 10 newest replies | Replies posted after I mark a forum
Replies to this discussion thread
![]() |
Author | Time | Post |
![]() |
Eleanors38 | Sep 2012 | OP |
louis-t | Sep 2012 | #1 | |
NOLALady | Sep 2012 | #2 | |
louis-t | Sep 2012 | #3 | |
Tuesday Afternoon | Sep 2012 | #4 |
Response to Eleanors38 (Original post)
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 04:01 PM
louis-t (22,323 posts)
1. Uh, I think it's "suicide, too many bills..."
"Hippies movin' to the hills.."
|
Response to Eleanors38 (Original post)
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 04:07 PM
NOLALady (4,003 posts)
2. I guess I misheard.
I thought they said "birth control".
|
Response to NOLALady (Reply #2)
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 05:06 PM
louis-t (22,323 posts)
3. I always thought that, too!
There are some versions on the lyrics sites that have different lyrics, but the original Temps version says "gun control". Could be one of those times when the words were changed at the last minute and no one caught it when lyrics were sent to a publisher.
|
Response to Eleanors38 (Original post)
Thu Sep 20, 2012, 05:34 PM
Tuesday Afternoon (56,912 posts)
4. - Complete Lyrics For You to Discuss -
People movin' out
People movin' in Why, because of the color of their skin Run, run, run, but you sho' can't hide An eye for an eye A tooth for a tooth Vote for me, and I'll set you free Rap on brother, rap on Well, the only person talkin' 'Bout love thy brother is the preacher And it seems, Nobody is interested in learnin' But the teacher Segregation, determination, demonstration, Integration, aggravation, Humiliation, obligation to our nation Ball of Confusion That's what the world is today The sale of pills are at an all time high Young folks walk around with Their heads in the sky Cities aflame in the summer time And, the beat goes on Air pollution, revolution, gun control, Sound of soul Shootin' rockets to the moon Kids growin' up too soon Politicians say more taxes will Solve everything And the band played on So round 'n' round 'n' round we go Where the world's headed, nobody knows Just a Ball of Confusion Oh yea, that's what the wold is today Fear in the air, tension everywhere Unemployment rising fast, The Beatles' new record's a gas And the only safe place to live is On an indian reservation And the band played on Eve of destruction, tax deduction City inspectors, bill collectors Mod clothes in demand, Population out of hand Suicide, too many bills, hippies movin' To the hills People all over the world, are shoutin' End the war And the band played on. |