Armatrading has mixed eclectic musical styles over decades of recording and performing. She has had several British hit singles, the biggest of which were "Love & Affection", "Me Myself I", and "Drop the Pilot". Her music is generally pop, with forays into rock, folk, jazz, and even reggae. Her popularity is primarily as an album artist.
She gained a new audience following her writing and performing "The Flight of the Wild Geese", which was used during the opening and end titles for the 1978 film The Wild Geese.
Armatrading first performed in a concert at Birmingham University for her brother at the age of about 16 (circa 1966). She only knew her own songs, but her brother asked her to perform something that would be familiar to the audience; she chose "The Sound of Silence".[9] She then performed her own songs around the local area with a friend from school, and played bass and rhythm guitar at local clubs.
Kind Words
Joan Armatrading Lyrics
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Doesn't mean you get respect
Kind words and a real good heart
Doesn't mean you get the best
It doesn't mean they won't get brutal
It doesn't mean they won't assault you
With a kind heart
With a kind heart
Bad guys sometimes hard to find
'cause they don't all dress in black
Good guys sometime make mistake
I say don't look
Don't look back
Be mindful how you get used up
You can't always
Trust an honest man
Be mindful how you get used up
You can't always
Trust an honest man
You gotta make your own beginning
Mark it down
Growing pains
With a kind heart
With a kind heart
Kind words and a real good heart
Doesn't mean you get respect
Kind words and a real good heart
Doesn't mean you get the best
It doesn't mean the whole world loves you
It doesn't mean more than it means
A kind heart
A kind heart
Kind words and a real good heart
Doesn't mean you get respect
Kind words and a real good heart
Doesn't mean you get the best
In Joan Armatrading's song "Kind Words," she highlights the idea that being a good person, with kind words and a good heart, does not necessarily lead to being respected or receiving the best in life. The song acknowledges that having a kind heart does not protect you from experiencing brutality or assault, which can come from both bad and good people. It's important to be mindful of how you are being used and not blindly trust anyone, even those who appear to be honest. The song encourages the listener to make their own beginning, to mark their own path, and to be prepared for the growing pains that will inevitably come.
Line by Line Meaning
Kind words and a real good heart
Being kind and having a good heart are admirable traits in a person.
Doesn't mean you get respect
However, having these qualities in and of themselves does not guarantee that people will respect you.
Doesn't mean you get the best
Nor does having such traits always mean that you will receive the best outcomes in life.
It doesn't mean they won't get brutal
In fact, even kind and good-hearted people can be met with brutality.
It doesn't mean they won't assault you
People who appear to be kind and good-hearted can still act in hurtful ways towards others.
With a kind heart
Despite this, it is important to continue to approach the world with a kind heart.
Bad guys sometimes hard to find
There are people who have ill intentions but do not fit the stereotypical image of a villain.
'cause they don't all dress in black
Therefore, it is important to not base your judgments solely on appearances or stereotypes.
Good guys sometime make mistake
Conversely, even those with good intentions can make errors in judgment or make the wrong choices.
I say don't look
The singer advises against dwelling on past mistakes and to instead move forward.
Don't look back
It is better to focus on making new beginnings and growing from past experiences.
Be mindful how you get used up
It is important to be aware of how others may take advantage of you or drain you of your energy and resources.
You can't always
People may not always act honestly, even when they appear to be trustworthy.
Trust an honest man
The singer cautions against blindly believing someone's claims of honesty and encourages listeners to be discerning in their relationships.
You gotta make your own beginning
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to create their own path in life.
Mark it down
The singer urges listeners to have clear goals and intentions for themselves.
Growing pains
However, this process of growth and self-discovery is not always easy and can involve struggle and pain.
It doesn't mean the whole world loves you
Having a kind heart and good intentions does not necessarily mean that everyone will love or accept you.
It doesn't mean more than it means
In the end, the importance of having a kind heart and good intentions is not in what it brings you, but in the positive impact it can have on those around you.
A kind heart
Having a kind heart is ultimately its own reward, regardless of how others may respond to it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOAN ANITA BARBARA ARMATRADING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
otis Black
This album (sleight of hand) was a declaration. Joan was telling the world she was a maestro on the guitar. I think the world had already taken notice of her 12 string acoustic fretwork. Sheer artistry. But this album displayed what an animal she was on the electric. Any doubters? Listen to “Russian Roulette” and I will expect your apologies will be prompt and sincere. Dear Joan, ( if you are reading this)....you have never been one who needs to shout to be heard.....but the sheer power and intensity of your vocals on “Angel Man” still enrapture me. As quoted in Rolling Stone Magazine, it sounded like the microphone “was lodged up in your chest cavity”. “Sleight of Hand” arrived on my turntable dripping with blood, sweat, and tears. I seriously wondered if you were still able to walk after the recordings because it sounds like you left everything behind in the studio. My dear, sweet Joan: thank you for “going there” time and time again. You are magnificent
Darren Bell
Joan youre brilliant I remember listening 2 it on 45 vinyl when I was a teenager I brought the single out of my unemployment payment and I brought drop the pilot on 45 vinyl out of my unemployment payment and play them over an over again
Bob Schneider
Oh, good. I had thought she didn't play electric guitar because she's not playing it in the respective videos for "Me Myself I" and "Drop The Pilot."
chris b
When I was a kid in the 1980's, this was one of my absolute favorite songs. I heard it on the radio only maybe 2-3 times but it made such an impression it stuck in my head for years. I didn't find out it was Joan Armatrading until about 2007. Still one of my favorites.
jeffreywolfe1
For me as well! I was in my early 20s when this came out and I heard it on WLIR in the NYC/Metro. Armatrading was genius before her time. Absolutely love this track, the Sleight of Hand album and Joan. She deserved FAR more recognition and appreciation than she got.
TokenEthnicGirl
My Mom played her music growing up, still does, I've loved ever since.
John Browneyes
First saw her on SNL performing Love & Affection. I was just a kid, but it made an impression on me. Never forgot that, and I still listen to her greatest hits CD "Classics" . Thanks Joan for the great music!
Bob Schneider
Same here!! She also made a big impression on me when I was a kid.
MrJunkieBrewster
I love that this song is finally on Youtube, and posted by Joan herself. Thanks much, Joan!
Gregory Mccray
"you can't always trust a honest man."