Chris Smithers song "Love you like a man" from Smithers first album has been famously covered by Bonnie Raitt who has made it a signature song of hers under the title "Love me like a man" (published on her second Album "Give it up")- she has openly expressed admiration for Chris Smithers songwriting and guitarplaying. Later Raitt's version of the song has been covered by The Dixie Chicks and Diana Krall.
The protagonist of Linda Barnes's series of "Carlotta Carlyle" mysteries is a fan of Smither's music and several of her books mention it.
Up On the Lowdown
Chris Smither Lyrics
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My friends keep me down to ground, they peel me off the ceiling
And that's what's so surprising
They used to seem so shy
But I only know 'cause so am I
It keeps me hanging around
It keeps me up on the lowdown
Up on the lowdown.
Cause I been closer listening, I can hear you
All that stuff that I'd been missing, it warms me now I'm near you
And that's what's so surprising
You used to seem so cold
But I only know what I been told
I hear it down in town
It keeps me up on the lowdown
Up on the lowdown.
I might try to scream and cry just to test you
Then something makes me listen in, it rushes to my rescue
And that's what's so surprising
It all seems so well-timed
That it won't shake any more suspicious minds
But I just like the sound
It keeps me up on the lowdown
Up on the lowdown.
And this simple secret is the key to my attraction
Makes me feel like such a king, it keeps me on the action
And that's what's so surprising
Nobody has to know
Cause I can keep it here, it hardly shows
Underneath my crown
It keeps me up on the lowdown
Up on the lowdown.
The song "Up on the Lowdown" by Chris Smither is a reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the way that they can surprise us. The lyrics suggest a deep self-awareness in the singer, who admits that when he thinks he knows nothing, it is all based on his own feelings. The people in his life, his friends and acquaintances, ground him and bring him back down to earth when his emotions threaten to take over.
The song also describes the singer's sense of connection to those around him. He marvels at the way that he can hear things that he previously missed, and how that newfound awareness brings him closer to others. He tests people to see if they will listen to him when he screams and cries, but ultimately finds comfort in the fact that he doesn't have to be suspicious or guarded around those he cares about.
Through it all, the singer finds a sense of power and confidence that comes from this understanding of himself and the people in his life. He feels like a "king" and is motivated to keep moving forward.
Overall, "Up on the Lowdown" is a celebration of the complicated nature of human connection, and the way that it can surprise and sustain us.
Line by Line Meaning
When I think that I know nothing, it's all feelings
Despite knowing very little, my emotions guide my actions.
My friends keep me down to ground, they peel me off the ceiling
My friends help me stay grounded and prevent me from becoming too euphoric.
And that's what's so surprising
This unexpected behavior is what catches me off guard.
They used to seem so shy
My friends were once very reserved.
But I only know 'cause so am I
I can relate to their shyness.
It keeps me hanging around
Their behavior keeps me close to them.
It keeps me up on the lowdown
Their subtle actions keep me informed without drawing attention.
Cause I been closer listening, I can hear you
By paying closer attention, I can better hear what you're saying.
All that stuff that I'd been missing, it warms me now I'm near you
I'm comforted by hearing things I previously missed when near you.
You used to seem so cold
You appeared distant in the past.
But I only know what I been told
My perspective of you changed based on what others have shared.
I hear it down in town
I hear rumors and gossip when I'm out and about.
It keeps me up on the lowdown
This information helps me stay informed without drawing attention.
I might try to scream and cry just to test you
I might intentionally act out to see how you react.
Then something makes me listen in, it rushes to my rescue
Sometimes my impulses are saved by a sudden urge to listen.
It all seems so well-timed
The timing of these events seems perfect.
That it won't shake any more suspicious minds
These events won't arouse suspicion in others.
But I just like the sound
Regardless of any ulterior motives, I still enjoy the result.
It keeps me up on the lowdown
This behavior allows me to stay informed without drawing attention.
And this simple secret is the key to my attraction
This subtle behavior is what draws me to certain people.
Makes me feel like such a king, it keeps me on the action
This behavior makes me feel powerful and motivates me to keep going.
Nobody has to know
This behavior can remain a secret.
Cause I can keep it here, it hardly shows
I can keep these feelings and behaviors hidden without drawing attention.
Underneath my crown
Beneath my outer appearance.
It keeps me up on the lowdown
This behavior allows me to stay informed without drawing attention.
Up on the lowdown.
This behavior keeps me in the know without arousing suspicion.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHRIS SMITHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind