A graduate of St. Andrew's School, Wainwright is best known for a 1972 novelty song hit Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road), with pianist Teddy Wender and for playing Captain Spalding (the "singing surgeon") on three episodes of the American television show M*A*S*H in its third season (1974-1975), but his musical reputation is much deeper. Using a witty, self-mocking style, Wainwright has recorded over twenty albums on eleven different labels. Two of his albums have been nominated for Grammy awards.
He is also a regular actor in Judd Apatow movies. His biggest role was playing the father on Judd's show, Undeclared.
In 2012 his latest offering Older Than My Old Man Now was released.
Official website : http://www.lwiii.com/
New Paint
Loudon Wainwright III Lyrics
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With that smile you couldn't cheat her
A woman that kind is hard to find
It's good to take a girl
In the not so very good world
And walk in the park until it gets dark
Sometimes I feel ugly and old
Excuse me baby if I'm acting bold
Excuse me if you will
Take a breather on a bench
Helps to build up the suspense
Then the two of you go to a movie show
If she's woman there's a chance
That she maybe likes to dance
So you go to the hall and you out step ‘em all
Don't make a hullabaloo I'm not the hoipaloi
I'm try any trick and I'll pull any ploy
I'm a used up twentieth century boy
Excuse me if you will
She takes you home to meet the folks
Laughing at the fathers jokes
Shall we watch TV, it's all right with me
Time to go you're going to miss her
In the doorway try to kiss her
Oh it tastes so good, like you hoped it would
If I was 16 again I'd give my eyetooth
I'm tired and I'm hungry and I'm looking for my youth
I'm a little uncool and I'm a little uncouth
Oh excuse me yes excuse me if you will
At the station you can meet her
With that smile you couldn't cheat her
A woman that kind is hard to find
The song "New Paint" by Loudon Wainwright III is a nostalgic reflection on young love and the excitement of going out on a date. As the singer narrates his experience, he can't believe his luck in finding a woman like her. He suggests taking her to the park and then perhaps to a movie, then to a dance hall where they can outstep everyone. He admits to feeling old and ugly, but somehow the experience is making him feel alive again. The lyrics are a mix of self-deprecation and vulnerability, as the singer worries about whether he's doing everything right, but also revels in the thrill of the moment.
The lines "Don't make a hullabaloo I'm not the hoipaloi / I'm try any trick and I'll pull any ploy / I'm a used up twentieth century boy" reflect a sense of insecurity about whether he's living up to the expectations of this woman. He feels like he's running out of time, as his youth fades further away. As the date ends and he tries to kiss her, he realizes how much he's enjoyed himself, but also that he's "a little uncool and a little uncouth," meaning he's not the perfect romantic hero he wishes he could be.
Line by Line Meaning
At the station you can meet her
Meeting a woman at the train station
With that smile you couldn't cheat her
Commenting on the woman's pleasant expression
A woman that kind is hard to find
Expressing difficulty in finding a woman with a positive personality
It's good to take a girl
Going out with a woman
In the not so very good world
Not having the most perfect world around to do so
And walk in the park until it gets dark
Taking a walk in a park with a woman until nightfall
Sometimes I feel ugly and old
Feeling unattractive and old
Excuse me baby if I'm acting bold
Apologizing for being too forward
My head gets hot but my feet aren't cold
Feeling excited but not nervous about the situation
Excuse me if you will
Asking for pardon to proceed
Take a breather on a bench
Taking a rest on a bench
Helps to build up the suspense
Creating tension in the situation
Then the two of you go to a movie show
Going to a movie together
If she's woman there's a chance
If she's female, there's a probability
That she maybe likes to dance
She might enjoy dancing
So you go to the hall and you out step ‘em all
Going to the dance floor and showing off the dance skills
Don't make a hullabaloo I'm not the hoipaloi
Don't create a scene, I'm not common
I'm try any trick and I'll pull any ploy
I'll try to be charming and come up with any strategy to win her over
I'm a used up twentieth century boy
Feeling aged and outdated
She takes you home to meet the folks
Meeting the woman's family
Laughing at the fathers jokes
Giggling at the father's humorous stories
Shall we watch TV, it's all right with me
Deciding to watch television with the woman
Time to go you're going to miss her
It's time to leave or saying goodbye
In the doorway try to kiss her
Attempting to kiss the woman by the door
Oh it tastes so good, like you hoped it would
Kissing the woman that meets expectations
If I was 16 again I'd give my eyetooth
Wishing to be young again
I'm tired and I'm hungry and I'm looking for my youth
Feeling exhausted and thinking of past days
I'm a little uncool and I'm a little uncouth
Feeling a bit awkward and out of place
Oh excuse me yes excuse me if you will
Expressing apology again and seeking permission
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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