Prior to their eponymous 2001 album, each had made appearances on the other's solo recordings, but this disc marked their first official release as a duo. The album is described as more rock-based than their earlier solo traditional-folk recordings. The majority of the songs were penned by Julie Miller and rounded out by the duo's co-written "Dirty Water" and covers of songs by folk-rock icons Richard Thompson, Utah Phillips and Bob Dylan. The album was named "Album of the Year" at the first annual awards of the Americana Music Association.
Since then, the duo has released "Love Snuck Up" (2004) and "Written in Chalk" (2009).
The Selfishness In Man
Buddy & Julie Miller Lyrics
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In between the covers of (Vonnegut)
Romancing bad behavior
I'll never quit at this rate
I'm the imposter, production saboteur
So many hours (In a day)
Liquor store is always open
And the don't care where the money comes from
Touch starved degenerates, captains of industry
You know we all go broke every once in a while
Some of us just tend to stay that way
And it's not that I'm never going to get out of this hole
But do I even want to
And I'd rather be hated for who I am
Than be loved for what I'm not
Romancing bad behavior
I'll never quit at this rate
Liquor store is always open
And they don't care where the money comes from
I'd rather be hated for who I am
Than be loved for what I'm not
The Buddy & Julie Miller's song The Selfishness In Man is a reflective song that portrays the idea of being addicted to bad habits and behaviors. The opening lines "I can't stop smoking, in between the covers of Vonnegut, romancing bad behavior, I'll never quit at this rate" depict a character who is trapped in their addictions and habits. The character admits to smoking, reading Kurt Vonnegut's books, and indulging in bad behavior. Despite the impact these actions have on their lives, they still choose to pursue them.
The song also highlights the idea of being true to oneself, even if it means being disliked. The line "I'd rather be hated for who I am than be loved for what I'm not" suggests that the character would rather be authentic and true to themselves, even if that means being disliked by others. The song also references the idea of money and how people will go to great lengths to obtain it. The line "Liquor store is always open, and they don't care where the money comes from" suggests that people will indulge in vices to obtain money with little regard for the source of the cash.
Overall, The Selfishness In Man is a deep and thought-provoking song that explores topics such as addiction, authenticity, and the pursuit of money. It asks the listener to ponder on their own habits and behaviors and whether they are true to themselves or indulging in bad behavior for society's sake.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't stop smoking (Cigarettes)
I have a strong addiction to smoking and I'm unable to quit
In between the covers of (Vonnegut)
I escape my problems by reading the works of Kurt Vonnegut
Romancing bad behavior
I find pleasure in engaging in negative actions and attitudes
I'll never quit at this rate
My addiction and bad behavior will never cease at the current pace
I'm the imposter, production saboteur
I feel like a fraud and actively undermine my own success
So many hours (In a day)
There are a lot of hours in a day for me to waste and engage in negative habits
So many more mistakes (To make)
I have made many mistakes in the past and I know I will continue to make more in the future
Liquor store is always open
Alcohol is readily available and I use it to cope with my problems
And they don't care where the money comes from
The liquor store owners are focused on profit and don't consider the negative impact of alcohol addiction
Touch starved degenerates, captains of industry
People who are deprived of affection and love have the potential to become successful in the business world
You know we all go broke every once in a while
Financial struggles are common and can happen to anyone
Some of us just tend to stay that way
Some people continue to struggle financially and are unable to improve their situation
And it's not that I'm never going to get out of this hole
I have hope that I will overcome my issues and improve my life
But do I even want to
However, I'm not sure if I truly want to change and improve myself
And I'd rather be hated for who I am
I value being true to myself, even if it means that others disapprove of me
Than be loved for what I'm not
I don't want to pretend to be someone I'm not just to gain the approval of others
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Seth Medeiros
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind