Pablo Picasso
Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers (LocoStavos) Lyrics
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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 © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Robinson
My brother was the drummer and the keyboardist was Jerry Harrison who later joined Talking Heads, when they did this live they switched instruments.
T-Rexx
your brother is an awesome drummer!
DRChupacabrah
that's rad
Shane Watson
Is your brother David? If so, he played on an absolutely legendary album!
Ed Helvey
David Robinson of the Cars?
Florida Cracker Guitar Tips
In early 1980’s, heard this on local independent radio (WMNF) working night shift cleaning a restaurant while in college. New music like this was a life-saver compared to Corp FM radio rehashing the same stuff over and over again.
Jim Wilson
love it!
Chester Marcol
No Pablo Picasso, no Pixies.
True story
Natasha Fernandes
i love when he says 'el derado'
Joe Horizon
Jonathan Richman. I love this cover and Bowie's too.