Milford composed the music for Salome, based on the Oscar Wilde play, and also starred in it as Mark Taper Forum, in Los Angeles in 1979. He wrote and performed "My Love is a Rebel" on the soundtrack of Limb, starring Barry Bostwick. His song "Justice" appeared on the --------> CIAO! MANHATTAN SOUNDTRACK <------------------
Justice
Kim Milford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Judy, Jim, Jesus
J stands for jives and justice too
I love you so much, I don't know what to do
I know about the beatings people put you through
It takes a lot of doing to do what you do
Evil has ways to charge into battle
The glassy-eyed devil, he's a crook
Just check out how many souls he already took
He already took, he already took
"You can't fool me", she said
I laughed and said, "I know"
"You can't sing the blues and live", I said
"I know", she said, "I know"
Children are lost
We're falling to pieces
I know the way and it ain't cool
Judgment has come with an iron rule
Check out your existence or stay a fool
Stay a fool, stay a fool
"You can't fool me", she said
I laughed and said, "I know"
"You can't sing the blues and live", I said
"I know", she said, "I know"
In Kim Milford's song "Justice," the lyrics delve into themes of societal injustice, drug abuse, and the struggle for authenticity. The opening lines pay homage to iconic figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison, who all represent rebellion and the pursuit of justice. The letter "J" is emphasized as it symbolizes both jive (meaning deceitful talk) and justice, suggesting that justice can often be a deceptive concept. The singer expresses immense love for someone, to the point where they are unsure of what to do with their emotions.
The lyrics then shift to a darker tone, warning against the allure of drugs and the destructive forces they can unleash. The "glassy-eyed devil" is a metaphor for addiction, which has already claimed many souls. The artist acknowledges the dangers of substance abuse and the need to stay vigilant against its grip.
The following section features a conversation between two individuals. One person asserts that they cannot be deceived, to which the other acknowledges their understanding. The conversation touches upon the idea that living the blues, which often represents personal struggle and pain, is not an easy path. It suggests that one must have experienced the depths of sorrow to truly sing the blues.
The song concludes with a reflection on the state of society, particularly the loss of innocence and fragmentation of humanity. The artist claims to know the way, insinuating that they possess some wisdom among the chaos. Judgment is described as coming with an iron rule, implying a harsh and unforgiving force. The lyrics urge the audience to examine their existence and avoid remaining fools.
Overall, "Justice" explores themes of social consciousness, personal struggles, and the search for authenticity. It sparks introspection and challenges listeners to question the status quo.
Line by Line Meaning
Jimi, Janis
Referencing iconic musicians Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin
Judy, Jim, Jesus
Mentioning other notable figures, possibly representing diverse influences and beliefs
J stands for jives and justice too
Highlighting the importance of both lively music (jives) and fairness and equality (justice)
I love you so much, I don't know what to do
Expressing overwhelming affection and uncertainty on how to handle it
I know about the beatings people put you through
Awareness of the hardships and mistreatment endured by others
It takes a lot of doing to do what you do
Recognizing the effort and skill required to pursue one's artistic passion
Evil has ways to charge into battle
Acknowledging the presence and methods of wickedness in confronting challenges
Drugs can be fun but watch the hook
Cautioning against the allure and dangers of substance abuse
The glassy-eyed devil, he's a crook
Referring to a deceitful and destructive entity associated with addiction
Just check out how many souls he already took
Highlighting the numerous lives that have been negatively impacted or lost due to addiction
You can't fool me", she said
Being skeptical of attempts to deceive or manipulate
I laughed and said, "I know"
Responding with confidence and understanding to the skepticism
You can't sing the blues and live", I said
Explaining the belief that experiencing hardship and pain is essential for authentic blues music
"I know", she said, "I know"
Affirming the understanding and agreement with the previous statement
Children are lost
Expressing concern for the youth who are misguided or neglected
We're falling to pieces
Describing a state of disarray and deterioration
I know the way and it ain't cool
Having knowledge of a path or solution that may be challenging or unpleasant
Judgment has come with an iron rule
Implying the arrival of strict and unforgiving consequences
Check out your existence or stay a fool
Encouraging self-reflection and thoughtful examination of one's life before continuing in ignorance
Stay a fool, stay a fool
Emphasizing the potential consequences of not seeking enlightenment or growth
Contributed by Gianna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@thirdunkle
one of the most beautiful, obscure songs and performances ever, it makes it very special to those who discover and cherish it. It's nice that it is hard to get and you have to make a real effort to have it in your collection. Those who know know.
@nabomoca3
I get chills every time I listen to this. It's a tapestry with colors so rich that only few performers are blessed with this level of skill
@outonthetiles
Just an incredible song. Makes me think of NY in the early 70’s. Probably because of Ciao.
@bonnacon1610
Oh, we know! Greetings from the hellscape of 2023. This song will never not be relevant.
@meghanndroeger7293
My god. I will never shake this song from my psyche; it will cling to my bones until the end of time thanks to Ciao! Manhattan. RIP Edie, you irreplaceable, sparkly soul. <3
@fuzzballzz36
I love this song so much, and it hits me so hard inevitably I end up in tears. It's about Edie, it's about Jimi Hendrix, it's about Janis Joplin....all the people who were lost shortly after the end of the Sixties. In 1971 it must have seemed like all the heroes were dying.
@aubiecat
I was the first person to share this with the internet, back in 2006. I had e-mailed the address on the Ciao! Manhattan website. It was when they were working on a documentary of sorts, so the moderator simply asked me a few questions about how I felt about Edie and then sent it after I responded. I shared it with people on the Edie Sedgwick livejournal via e-mail...and I am so glad to see that it's still shared. It truly is a gem of a song.
@GORDOTRONIC
lemata I was overjoyed to find it here... I have 2 questions
if you don't mind! Is there a vinyl? or high-quality digital soundwave of this song anywhere?? and yes-joining in the others here: are there more finished songs from Kim available for us to hear?? thank you.@aubiecat
Hi there. I wish I had answers to your questions, but unfortunately--I do not. I would recommend trying to track down the moderator of the Edie: Girl on Fire website, if such is possible, because I imagine it's the same person (maybe it was David who I spoke to so many years ago?). I wish you all the luck in finding more information.
@GORDOTRONIC
lemata I actually had a nice email with David several years ago because I used a sample of dialog from Ciao Manhattan in one of my songs... and he was kind enough to grant me permission! :)