The Ross Perot Guide to Answering Embarrassing Questions
Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger Lyrics
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Which contradicts the views that I propound
Or shows that I perhaps am not the guy I claim to be
Here's what I usually do
[Chorus]
I lie
I simply boldly falsify
And just deny, deny, deny
I lie
I don t apologize. Not me. Instead
I say I never said the things I said
Nor did the things some people saw me do
When confronted by some things they know are true
[Chorus]
I hate those weasel words some slickies use
To blur their past or muddy up their views
Not me. I'm blunt. One thing that makes me great
Is that I'll never dodge nor obfuscate
[Chorus]
The song "The Ross Perot Guide to Answering Embarrassing Questions" by Pete Seeger is a satirical take on how politicians often handle controversies or scandals that arise from their past actions or statements. The lyrics suggest that politicians tend to deny or lie about the facts, rather than owning up to their mistakes and taking responsibility.
The chorus "I lie, I simply boldly falsify, I look the other feller in the eye and just deny, deny, deny, I lie" clearly portrays the idea that some politicians deliberately ignore the truth and try to manipulate the situation. Additionally, the line "I hate those weasel words some slickies use, to blur their past or muddy up their views" shows Seeger's contempt for those who try to avoid accountability by using evasive language.
Overall, the song is a humorous critique of how politicians often operate, and how their lack of transparency and honesty can harm their credibility and effectiveness as leaders.
Line by Line Meaning
When something in my history is found
If anyone finds out something from my past
Which contradicts the views that I propound
That goes against what I believe in
Or shows that I perhaps am not the guy I claim to be
Or proves that I'm not who I say I am
Here's what I usually do
This is my usual reaction
I lie
I tell a lie
I simply boldly falsify
I confidently and blatantly make something up
I look the other feller in the eye
I stare directly at the person questioning me
And just deny, deny, deny
And continuously deny any accusations
I don't apologize. Not me. Instead
I never say sorry, but instead
I say I never said the things I said
I claim I never said or did anything wrong
Nor did the things some people saw me do
Even if someone witnessed me doing something, I deny it
When confronted by some things they know are true
Even when they know it's true
I hate those weasel words some slickies use
I despise when people use sneaky words to avoid the truth
To blur their past or muddy up their views
To obscure information about their past or opinions
Not me. I'm blunt. One thing that makes me great
I'm straightforward and it's what makes me excellent
Is that I'll never dodge nor obfuscate
I'll never dodge or confuse people about the truth
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