Emily Lyn Brodsky, known as Emilyn Brodsky, is a musician from the New York… Read Full Bio ↴Emily Lyn Brodsky, known as Emilyn Brodsky, is a musician from the New York City area. She was a member of The Best Thing Ever before beginning to work solo. After opening for the Magnetic Fields, she has been performing her own work, singing and accompanying herself on the ukelele. Brodsky is associated with such bands as Sticks and Stones, Mischief Brew and the World/Inferno Friendship Society and contributed to The Hold Steady's 2008 album, Stay Positive. She has recently released her first real cd, Emilyn Brodsky's Greatest Tits.

Real Good Men
Emilyn Brodsky Lyrics

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i know some real good men, who think they're so much less
think they're rock stars, or sex gods, or think that they're the best

to tell a good man that he is just that
doesn't do much but make him worse
to know a man who's really good
is nothing but a curse

i know some mighty fine men, with well-shined shoes
but those are the men that only bring bad news

you spoon real good, you're not afraid to lose
but you hate your mom and can't lay off the booze
you love me for my flaws and make good art
but you think that you are jesus and you're falling apart

yeah, so you're awesome, top notch, numero uno
but you know it, and it shows
and i hate your fucking ego
and i hate your fucking ego
and i hate your fucking ego

i know some mighty fine men, with well-shined shoes
but those are the men that only bring bad news

you are the smartest man i've ever met
but you can't love, or let go of the anger yet
you are just like me, but the problem there, you see
is that i'm pretty fucked and that's just how it has to be

i know some real good men, who think they're so much less
think they're rock stars, or sex gods, or think that they're the best

i know some real good men, who think they're so much less
think they're rock stars, or sex gods, or think that they're the best

Overall Meaning

The song "Real Good Men" by Emilyn Brodsky expresses frustration towards men who may possess qualities that are deemed desirable or admirable, but also have negative character traits that overshadow them. The singer acknowledges the existence of men who are genuine and kind-hearted but do not see themselves in that light, often mistaking their good qualities for arrogance or superiority. However, the singer also points out that those who flaunt their success and talent, yet harbor deep-rooted issues such as addiction, anger, or self-centeredness, are no better. The lyrics also suggest that recognizing and praising the goodness in men does not necessarily lead to positive change, as some men may use this affirmation to feed their ego and worsen their behavior.

One interpretation of the lyrics is that it speaks to the frustration of trying to find genuine connection and love in today's society where appearances and status often overshadow true character. The singer seems to be searching for a man who is both good and honest, yet realizes that finding someone with those qualities is rare. The lyrics also address the danger of putting people on a pedestal, whether it is for their positive or negative traits, as such idealization can create toxic power dynamics and hinder growth.

Line by Line Meaning

i know some real good men, who think they're so much less
I am acquainted with men who have positive qualities but do not acknowledge them.

think they're rock stars, or sex gods, or think that they're the best
However, they may have egos like celebrities or may tend to exaggerate their abilities.

to tell a good man that he is just that
Telling a man that he is good often does not improve his behavior or demeanor.

doesn't do much but make him worse
In fact, it might lead him to believe that he is even better than he actually is.

to know a man who's really good
Being acquainted with a man who has positive qualities can sometimes be undesirable.

is nothing but a curse
It can bring unwanted attention or cause others to compare themselves unfavorably.

i know some mighty fine men, with well-shined shoes
I also know men who may seem impressive or professional at first glance.

but those are the men that only bring bad news
However, they may have their own flaws or tendencies that lead to negative outcomes.

you spoon real good, you're not afraid to lose
You may have certain skills or strengths like the ability to eat with a spoon and willingness to take risks.

but you hate your mom and can't lay off the booze
However, these may be outweighed by negative qualities like a strained relationship with your mother or problems with alcohol.

you love me for my flaws and make good art
You may appreciate me despite my imperfections and have a talent for creating art.

but you think that you are jesus and you're falling apart
Yet, you may have a delusional sense of self-importance and be struggling with personal issues.

yeah, so you're awesome, top notch, numero uno
You may believe that you are truly exceptional, the best of the best.

but you know it, and it shows
However, this confidence may come across as arrogance or entitlement.

and i hate your fucking ego
This can cause your ego to be off-putting or repulsive to others.

you are the smartest man i've ever met
You may have great intelligence or knowledge in certain areas.

but you can't love, or let go of the anger yet
However, you may struggle to express love or forgiveness and hold onto negative emotions.

you are just like me, but the problem there, you see
You may have similarities to me, but this can also be concerning.

is that i'm pretty fucked and that's just how it has to be
My own problems or issues may not be something to aspire to or emulate.

Contributed by Annabelle Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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