Blues, rock, protest songs all have come from his pen as a writer, and his solo albums reflect his eclectic musical influences such as Patrick Sky.
Give Me News
John Kay Lyrics
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Bringing you the latest news around the world
Down in Florida today, someone tried to get away
When he commandeered the train at Disney World
Until noon it was a standoff, but then he lost his luck
When someone shot him down, dressed up like Donald Duck
It was a midget G-man
And we're sorry that we could not show it live
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
From Washington today, called a senator to say
That our future has been cancelled 'cause we're broke
We called the white house without end finally reached the President
Says he don't know if it's real or just a joke
And last night at the playoffs, things got pretty grim
They crucified the referee and tore him limb from limb
Ah, you should have been there
And in the weather, there's a hurricane in sight
And that's the way it is with us tonight
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
Seems like every single day another mind gets blown away
And the world goes just a little more insane
I got problems of my own, tryin' to keep my house and home
And I sure could stand some cheerful news again
My agent called to tell me my record's on the chart
It's number 90 with an anchor, I never said that it was art
I gotta eat too, ya know
And my buddy who still owes me for his bail
He says, "don't worry, your check is in the mail"
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
John Kay's "Give Me News" is a satirical take on the way news is presented in modern times. The introduction of the song, "Good evening one and all, this is channel 24, bringing you the latest news around the world" sets the tone for the song. John Kay illustrates a series of bizarre and unbelievable news events that leave one's mind bewildered. Through the lyrics, he challenges the idea that news should be sensational and instead suggests that news should provide relief and comfort to those seeking solace from their everyday struggles.
In the first verse, Kay retells an exaggerated version of the 1995 Richard Jewell bombing that occurred during the Atlanta Olympics. The second verse is a reference to the US government’s shutdown in 1977, while the third verse is about a fictional basketball game that becomes a bloodbath. Kay also brings in his personal life by interjecting in the third verse, saying his record label confirms that his album has hit number 90 on the chart.
"Give Me News" is a commentary on the sensationalization of news and how it can be overwhelming to the average individual. John Kay’s point is simple; he wants the news to be informational and allow him a brief moment of respite from the madness that seems to be everywhere. He wants news he can use, news that makes him smile and forget his daily struggles for a while.
Line by Line Meaning
Good evening one and all, this is channel 24
We are the news channel and we will bring you the latest updates from around the world.
Bringing you the latest news around the world
We'll give you the updates from all around the world.
Down in Florida today, someone tried to get away
In Florida, someone attempted a heist and tried to flee.
When he commandeered the train at Disney World
The perpetrator got onto the train at Disney World and took control of it to escape.
Until noon it was a standoff, but then he lost his luck
For several hours, the situation remained tense, but in the end the perpetrator was caught.
When someone shot him down, dressed up like Donald Duck
A cloaked figure shot the perpetrator while wearing a Donald Duck costume.
It was a midget G-man
The shooter was a short man called a 'midget G-man.'
And we're sorry that we could not show it live
We apologize for not being able to broadcast live footage of the capture.
But we'll have film of the shooting here at five
But we'll have footage of the shooting tonight at 5 pm on this channel.
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
Please give me some news that will cheer me up.
For the madness has taken it's toll
I'm feeling overwhelmed by all the chaos in the world.
From Washington today, called a senator to say
We contacted a senator in Washington to understand recent developments.
That our future has been cancelled 'cause we're broke
The senator said that our future plans are cancelled due to financial constraint.
We called the white house without end finally reached the President
We also reached out to the White House multiple times and finally got hold of the President.
Says he don't know if it's real or just a joke
The President said he isn't sure if it's a genuine matter or a joke.
And last night at the playoffs, things got pretty grim
At the recent playoffs game, events took a grim turn.
They crucified the referee and tore him limb from limb
The crowd became violent and killed the referee in a brutal manner.
Ah, you should have been there
It was a chaotic and awful scene.
And in the weather, there's a hurricane in sight
There's a hurricane coming and may impact the area.
And that's the way it is with us tonight
That's the news for us tonight.
Seems like every single day another mind gets blown away
Seems like people have been losing their minds and doing terrible things every single day.
And the world goes just a little more insane
The world feels crazier and more out of control each day.
I got problems of my own, tryin' to keep my house and home
I have my own problems to worry about, and I'm trying to take care of my family.
And I sure could stand some cheerful news again
I'd love to hear something happy and uplifting for a change.
My agent called to tell me my record's on the chart
My agent informed me that one of my records is gaining popularity.
It's number 90 with an anchor, I never said that it was art
It's ranked at 90 with decent placement, but I never claimed it was art.
I gotta eat too, ya know
I have to make money as well.
And my buddy who still owes me for his bail
I'm still waiting for my friend to pay back bail money.
He says, 'don't worry, your check is in the mail'
He said not to worry, he's sending the money soon.
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
Please give me news that can make me feel happy and hopeful.
For the madness has taken it's toll
I'm feeling overwhelmed by all the chaos and negativity I see.
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
I just need a break from all the negativity and want to hear some positive news.
Of my mind which is losing control
I feel like I'm losing my grip on everything, and need something positive to energize me.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHN KAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind