Born in Detroit in 1942, Sixto Diaz Rodriguez came from a working-class background and dropped out of high school at the age of 16. Dividing his time between hanging around the university campus and playing assorted unconventional clubs and bars, he was introduced to Impact's Harry Balk, which led to the recording of his first single, "I'll Slip Away," in 1967. When Balk took off for a career as a creative director at , session players and ardent Rodriguez supporters and Mike Theodore put him under the direction of Clarence Avant. About to set up his label, the latter was genuinely impressed with the artist's take on Detroit street life and supplied Theo-Coff Productions with sufficient means to cut an album's worth of material. Naturally, Theodore and took up keyboard and guitar duties, in addition to employing second-wave for a rhythm section. Recording Rodriguez separately, they matched his voice and acoustic guitar afterwards to a sonic palette of various orchestrations and psychedelic effects. Being 's first release, the resulting Cold Fact was a stone-cold folk-rock classic with an otherworldly feel to it.
Though industry-wise it was met with positive reviews, commercially the album gathered only dust. Theories as to why it didn't catch on in the climate of socially conscientious albums like Cloud Nine and What's Going On range from either not being played by underground radio and thus not meeting its intended public, or insufficient marketing by , with whom had a promotion and distribution deal. Though subsequently concentrating on , Avant offered Rodriguez the chance to record a follow-up in London with Steve Rowland (renowned for Family Dog's "Sympathy"). When 1971's Coming from Reality met a similar fate as its predecessor, the artist left the music business to enroll at university when he wasn't working construction to support his family and wasn't heard from again until 1979, when, much to his surprise,
he was requested to do some small theater shows Down Under, coinciding with the chart success of Australian re-releases of his albums. Fast forward to 1998, when Rodriguez was even more amazed to find vast amounts of mainstream acceptance. Apparently, some South African fans had invested quite a bit of effort in tracking down their long-lost hero. Their excitement at finding him alive and well convinced Rodriguez to play arena-sized venues.
At last, in the 21st century, his genius was acknowledged across America and mainland Europe, his popularity re-sparked by hip-hop-loving-crate diggers like , whose mix compilation Come Get It, I Got It used Cold Fact's opening shot "Sugar Man" for its own eclectic musical journey. In 2008, Cold Fact became more easily available through a lovingly annotated re-release, followed in 2009 by Coming from Reality. To celebrate his umpteenth rediscovery, Rodriguez embarked upon a world tour, meeting old fans and a whole new generation of admirers. This renaissance was spurred by the 2012 Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man and its compilation soundtrack. The success of the film earned Rodriguez a significant audience in the United States, and he began touring in North America, playing the songs he recorded in the '70s for a new and enthusiastic audience. Despite having a fan base in the United States, Rodriguez continued to live a quiet life in Detroit. He passed away on August 8, 2023, at the age of 81. ~ Quint Kik, Rovi
Like Janis
Rodríguez Lyrics
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And you measure for love by the sweet things you're told
And you live in the past or a dream that you're in
And your selfishness is your cardinal sin
And you want to be held with highest regard
It delights you so much if he's trying so hard
And you try to conceal your ordinary ways
But don't you understand, and don't you look about
I'm trying to take nothing from you
So why should you act so put out for me?
'Cause emotionally you're the same basic trip
And you know that I know of the times that you've slipped
So don't try to impress me, you're just pins and paint
And don't try to charm me with things that you ain't
And don't try to enchant me with your manner of dress
'Cause a monkey in silk is a monkey no less
So measure for measure reflect on my said
And when I won't see you then measure it dead
'Cause don't you understand, and don't you look about
I'm trying to take nothing from you
So why should you act so put out
And sit there and wonder and doubt
For me
The lyrics to "Like Janis" by Rodriguez provide a scathing critique of materialism and superficiality in modern society. The opening lines suggest that individuals measure their worth based on material possessions and flattery rather than on deeper values, such as love and introspection. The following lines suggest that individuals may be stuck in either the past or a dream, indicating a resistance to change and growth. In the final lines of the first verse, the singer asserts that selfishness is a major fault in this type of person.
The second verse focuses on a specific individual who craves attention and validation, attempting to mask their mundane qualities with attempts at charm and false image. The singer sees through this façade, pointing out that emotional immaturity is a common trait of those who prioritize external validation over internal growth. The final lines of the second verse warn against trying to impress with material goods or superficial style, saying that ultimately, individuals must reflect on their own worth and growth in order to truly measure up to their potential. The final lines of the song offer a plea for understanding, indicating that the singer is not seeking to take anything from the person in question, but merely wants them to recognize the importance of placing value on deeper qualities of character.
Line by Line Meaning
And you measure for wealth by the things you can hold
You determine your financial worth based on material possessions.
And you measure for love by the sweet things you're told
You gauge love through flattery and compliments rather than actions.
And you live in the past or a dream that you're in
You either dwell on past events or live in a mental fantasy world.
And your selfishness is your cardinal sin
Your self-centeredness is your most significant flaw.
And you want to be held with highest regard
You crave attention and admiration from others.
It delights you so much if he's trying so hard
You take pleasure in your partner's efforts to impress and please you.
And you try to conceal your ordinary ways
You attempt to hide your average personality traits from others.
With a smile or a shrug or some stolen cliche
You use common phrases and gestures to hide your true self.
But don't you understand, and don't you look about
You should realize and acknowledge the truth of the situation.
I'm trying to take nothing from you
I have no intentions of harming or taking advantage of you.
So why should you act so put out for me?
Why are you upset or annoyed with me when I've done nothing wrong?
'Cause emotionally you're the same basic trip
You have the same emotional tendencies and patterns as everyone else.
And you know that I know of the times that you've slipped
You're aware that I'm aware of your imperfections and mistakes.
So don't try to impress me, you're just pins and paint
Don't bother trying to deceive me with surface-level enhancements.
And don't try to charm me with things that you ain't
Don't attempt to impress me with things that aren't true to your character.
And don't try to enchant me with your manner of dress
Your clothing and appearance won't sway my opinion of you.
'Cause a monkey in silk is a monkey no less
Adding embellishments to a basic object or concept doesn't change its inherent nature.
So measure for measure reflect on my said
Take note and consider what I've said to you in response.
And when I won't see you then measure it dead
Our connection or relationship will be over when I no longer want to see you.
'Cause don't you understand, and don't you look about
You should comprehend and observe the reality of the situation.
I'm trying to take nothing from you
I have no harmful intentions or motives towards you.
So why should you act so put out
Why are you displaying negative emotions or reactions towards me?
And sit there and wonder and doubt
You're questioning or unsure about something.
For me
In reference to me or towards me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind