Jonathan Richman began playing music and writing his own songs in the mid-1960s. In 1969 he moved to New York City, where he spent time living on the couch of The Velvet Underground's manager and working odd jobs while trying to break in as a professional musician. Failing at this, he returned to Boston. Having moved back, he formed The Modern Lovers. Other notable members of the group were keyboard player Jerry Harrison and drummer David Robinson, who later joined Talking Heads and The Cars, respectively. In 1972 they recorded a series of songs with John Cale producing, including the seminal "Roadrunner," which were eventually released on the group's sole album, Modern Lovers, in 1975.
Shortly after these recordings were made, Richman broke up the band and embarked on his long and eclectic solo career. For a while he continued recording under the "Modern Lovers" name (or rather, the more telling "Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers" appellation), but all the members were different, and in the new incarnation were essentially his backing band. The sound of the new group was considerably different as well, focusing on acoustic instrumentation rather than the prior electric guitars and drums. The album Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers was released in January 1977, Rock and Roll with the Modern Lovers followed a month later, and Modern Lovers Live in 1978.
In 1979 Richman finally went completely solo. That year's Back in Your Life was released under the "Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers" moniker, but this was true of only about half the disc—the rest was solo work. This album was probably the most extreme detour by Richman into eclecticism; after the odd but traditional acoustic rock of the previous albums, this one's solo tracks showed off a string bass and Glockenspiel as main instruments.A few years' hiatus ended in 1983 with Jonathan Sings!—memorably featuring a cover with Richman serenading a crowd wearing nothing but a guitar and neck strap. This was followed up with a series of pop efforts (Rockin' and Romance, It's Time for Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, and Modern Lovers 88 from 1985, 1986 and 1988 respectively). Soon after, he returned to swooping madly around the musical landscape: country music with 1990's Jonathan Goes Country, and Spanish translations of his earlier work (as well as traditional Spanish songs) with 1993's Jonathan, Te Vas a Emocionar!
Always possessing an ardent cult following, Richman has become better known in recent years thanks to a series of appearances on fan Conan O'Brien's show; also helping was a major part in the 1998 movie There's Something About Mary, where he played half of a two-man Greek chorus that commented on the movie while performing in the framed action itself.
He has continued his release schedule all along, with You Must Ask the Heart in 1995, Surrender to Jonathan in 1996, I'm So Confused in 1998, Her Mystery Not of High Heels and Eye Shadow in 2001 and Not So Much To Be Loved As To Love in 2004. In 1998 a live album of Modern Lovers recordings from the early '70s was released, Live at the Long Branch & More. There is also a DVD of a live performance Take me to the Plaza 2002. A tribute album, If I Were a Richman, was released by Wampus Multimedia in 2001. In live 'solo' shows, he frequently tours with drummer Tommy Larkins, the other part of the two-man chorus mentioned above. He is a tremendously charismatic stage presence, and this has helped maintain his dedicated cult following.
Richman's work with the first incarnation of Modern Lovers is a major influence on punk rock. One critic called him the "Godfather of Punk". Artists as diverse as the Sex Pistols and Joan Jett have covered "Roadrunner". Boston ska-punk band, Big D and the Kids Table, have covered "New England" live and on their Gypsy Hill EP. A version of "Pablo Picasso" performed by Burning Sensations was included in the 1984 cult film, Repo Man. David Bowie covered "Pablo Picasso" on his album Reality. Velvet Underground founding member John Cale has a version of the song on his 1975 album, Helen of Troy, and continues to include the song in his live shows. Iggy Pop has performed "Pablo Picasso" live and wrote an extra verse for it. Echo and the Bunnymen covered "She Cracked" in concert in 1984 and 1985 and Siouxsie and the Banshees have a version of the song on Downside Up.
Richman's music has set the tone for many alternative rock bands, such as Violent Femmes, Galaxie 500, They Might Be Giants ("Roadrunner" reportedly inspired John Flansburgh to become a musician), Weezer, Tullycraft, Jens Lekman, singer Frank Black (who composed the tribute song "The Man Who Was Too Loud"), Brandon Flowers, Art Brut, Craig Finn of The Hold Steady & Lifter Puller and Nerf Herder who composed a song about him, titled "Jonathan", which appeared on the band's second album How To Meet Girls. British country rock band The Rockingbirds released the single "Jonathan, Jonathan" in tribute to Richman in 1992.
As a producer himself, Richman and drummer Tommy Larkin produced Vic Chesnutt's final album Skitter on Take-Off in 2009 which appeared on Vapor Records. Chesnutt opened for Richman at concerts many times during his later years.
"Roadrunner" is on the soundtrack of School of Rock. In the commentary, director Richard Linklater mentions it is often called "the first punk song" and wanted to include it for that reason, along with all the other seminal rock songs in that film.
A tribute album, If I Were a Richman: a Tribute to the Music of Jonathan Richman, was released by Wampus Multimedia in 2001.
Pablo Picasso
Jonathan Richman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some people try to pick up girls
And get called asshole
This never happened to Pablo Picasso
He could walk down your street
And girls could not resist to stare
And so Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole
When he would drive down their street
In his El Dorado
He could walk down your street
And girls could not resist to stare
Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole
Not like you
Alright
Well he was only five foot three
But girls could not resist to stare
Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole
Not in New York
Ah, well
Show me not, smock me not, obnoxious me not, bell bottom, bummer or asshole
Remember the story of Pablo Picasso
He could walk down your street
And girls could not resist to stare
Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole
All right, this is it
Well
Some people try to pick up girls
And get called an asshole
This never happened to Pablo Picasso
He could walk down your street
And girls could not resist to stare
And so Pablo Picasso was never called
The lyrics to Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers's song "Pablo Picasso" speak about the famous Spanish painter's undeniable charisma and how it helped him in terms of his social life. The lines convey that while some people may struggle to get attention from the opposite sex or even get called names, Picasso never had that problem. Women would stop and stare at him when he walked down the street or drove his El Dorado. The song emphasizes how his intriguing personality and magnetic aura set him apart from the general masses.
The lyrics also highlight the importance of individuality and style. The lines "smock me not, obnoxious me not, bell-bottom, bummer or asshole" showcase the singer's desire to be looked at and appreciated not only for his personality but also for his fashion choices. The story of Picasso is symbolic of this message. The song suggests that true artistry and creativity will always gain attention and respect, as long as it is authentic.
Line by Line Meaning
Well
The song begins with this word as an introduction.
Some people try to pick up girls
Attempts to flirt with girls are common.
And get called asshole
However, these attempts often end badly and result in being called a rude name.
This never happened to Pablo Picasso
The famous painter and ladies' man never faced the same rejection.
He could walk down your street
Pablo could stroll around the neighborhood without being harassed or bothering anyone.
And girls could not resist to stare
Every lady he passed would look at him intently and admire him.
And so Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole
With this kind of respect and admiration, there was no reason for anyone to speak ill of him.
Well, the girls would turn the color of an avocado
When Pablo drove by, the women would blush and feel nervous.
When he would drive down their street
Pablo would cruise by in his fancy car, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
In his El Dorado
This was the type of car that Pablo drove around in - a symbol of his status and wealth.
He could walk down your street
Even when he wasn't driving, Pablo could take a leisurely stroll and still captivate onlookers.
And girls could not resist to stare
The women would find him irresistible and couldn't help but gawk at him.
Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole
Repeating the earlier assertion about Pablo's charming personality.
Not like you
A jab at the listener for their failed attempts at flirtation.
Alright
After the end of the chorus, the song continues with this word as a transition.
Well he was only five foot three
Pablo was not physically imposing, but his charisma made up for it.
But girls could not resist to stare
Despite his small stature, the women were drawn to him like a magnet.
Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole
Repeating the earlier assertion about Pablo's character.
Not in New York
This accolade was especially true when Pablo was living in the city that never sleeps.
Ah, well
A pause for transition and reflection before retelling the story of Pablo once again.
Show me not, smock me not, obnoxious me not, bell bottom, bummer or asshole
An aside to all the hopeful suitors out there - don't be annoying and dress properly.
Remember the story of Pablo Picasso
A call-back to the main theme and subject of the song.
He could walk down your street
Repeating the earlier assertion.
And girls could not resist to stare
Repeating the earlier assertion.
Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole
Repeating the earlier assertion.
All right, this is it
The song ends with this line as a declaration.
Well
Repeating the very first word of the song to bookend and bring it to a close.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Jonathan Richman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jenn Dobos
Jonathan Richard damaged his hearing from all his concerts and others' performances in the Seventies and early Eighties; he now performs acoustic guitar only. This is a great song!
Simon
Great lyrics, covered by Bowie on ''Reality' ...That should have helped with the bills !
Edward Melikian
This is a great song. Who covered it in "Repo Man"? Or did Richman do it himself?
Mrddsproductions
Eddie Melikian burning sensations
67Blondies
So wicked good
Nat White
I'm having trouble picturing Pablo Picasso driving a car. It somehow doesn't fit.
Augusto seckler
Legal legal legal
Paul Savage
Picasso should have been it by a car and then shot down in broad day light by all of his lovers while the husbands stared in disbelief and then clapped for him.
Paul Savage
Women aren't that special. I have some bad views regarding them.