Sexsmith started his first band at 14. After moving to Toronto he formed the Uncool and released his cassette Out of the Duff, and a year later, There's a Way. Meanwhile, he worked as a courier, and released Grand Opera Lane in 1991. On the strength of this album he earned a contract which led to the self-titled album Ron Sexsmith of 1995. Between 1997 and 2001, Sexsmith released three more albums before the acclaimed Cobblestone Runway in 2002.
Some People
Ron Sexsmith Lyrics
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They say "get back dead man get back to your throne"
They were just confessed he was only flesh and bone
Some people some people
Some people just can't leave a dead man alone
They'll go dig up the dirty laundry right after he's gone
A man can't defend himself in the great unknown
Why don't they stay away just let him rest in peace
He's living in Las Vegas on an isle in Greece
He's on the cover of another rag now
He's the father of somebody's child
Wasn't it enough for him to give his own life?
That all is lost and running wild?
Some people just can't leave a dead man alone
They say "get back dead man get back to your throne"
And if to live a lie go where there ain't no telephone
Some people some people
The song "Some People" by Ron Sexsmith is a deep commentary on the society's tendency to constantly dig up the past of people, especially dead ones, and cause unnecessary drama. Some people, according to the lyrics, cannot leave a dead man alone; they keep trying to engage with the deceased, as if expecting a response. This statement is metaphorically both significant and relatable, as people frequently revisit past events, especially ones involving deceased persons, in their minds. It almost seems as if the singer is questioning the emotional intelligence of people who cannot gain closure and move on from the dead.
The song suggests that instead of allowing the dead to rest in peace, some people dig up their secrets, expose their dirty laundry, and create sensational news, even if it means spreading lies. Their underhanded behavior is justified by the fact that the dead cannot defend themselves. The line "why don't they stay away and let him rest in peace" drives this message home by asking a rhetorical question that the listener cannot help but relate to. The song further points out the tabloids' tendency to go looking for salacious stories by reminding the listener of how the father of somebody's child is now a headline rather than a human being who is mourned by loved ones.
In conclusion, "Some People" is a poignant commentary on how our society treats the dead. It highlights the need for closure and the importance of respecting the privacy of the dead without compromising their memory.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people just can't leave a dead man alone
There are certain people who are unable to let a deceased person be in peace.
They say "get back dead man get back to your throne"
Some people feel that past celebrities or influential personalities should return to their former glory even after their death.
They were just confessed he was only flesh and bone
Even though the deceased was once considered great, it is important to acknowledge that they were just like any other human being and were susceptible to weaknesses and flaws.
Some people some people
This line highlights the repetition of the sentiment in the chorus and emphasizes that the type of people Ron Sexsmith is referring to are prevalent in society.
They'll go dig up the dirty laundry right after he's gone
These specific people will immediately try to uncover any possible negative aspects of the deceased in order to tarnish their reputation, even though they cannot defend themselves.
A man can't defend himself in the great unknown
After someone has passed away, they are no longer able to defend themselves from any accusations or speculations made by others.
Why don't they stay away just let him rest in peace
The songwriter is questioning why these individuals cannot let the deceased rest and stop trying to bring them back into the limelight.
"He's living in Las Vegas on an isle in Greece"
The use of this line is somewhat sarcastic, as the dead cannot possibly be living anywhere, but rather resting eternally in peace.
He's on the cover of another rag now
In the media, the focus is constantly shifting from one celebrity to the next, and even after someone has passed away, they might continue to grace the covers of tabloids.
He's the father of somebody's child
This line is likely referring to any hypothetical scandal or speculation about a deceased individual having a secret child, which can be difficult for them to disprove or defend against.
Wasn't it enough for him to give his own life?
The songwriter is questioning why someone who already lived their life and contributed so much must continue to be the subject of gossip and scrutiny even after their passing.
That all is lost and running wild?
This line describes the chaos and confusion that can result from unfounded speculation and rumor-spreading, as well as the tragedy of a person's legacy being tarnished after their death.
And if to live a lie go where there ain't no telephone
The songwriter is suggesting that if someone wants to live a life of falsehoods and lies, they should go somewhere isolated where they can't manipulate others or spread untrue rumors.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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