Silverstein's passion for music was clear early on as he studied for a while at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. As a songwriter, Silverstein kept a low profile but cast a long shadow. He tended to shun publicity and even photographers. Nonetheless, his musical output included many songs which were hits for other artists. Most notably, he wrote the music and lyrics for "A Boy Named Sue" that was performed by Johnny Cash (for which he won a Grammy in 1970); "One's on the Way" (which was a hit for Loretta Lynn), and "The Unicorn Song" which, despite having nothing to do with Ireland nor Irish culture, became the signature piece for The Irish Rovers in 1968 and is popular in pubs all over the world to this day. He wrote the lyrics and music for most of the Dr. Hook songs, including "Cover of the Rolling Stone", "Freakin' at the Freakers' Ball", "Sylvia's Mother", and the cautionary song about VD, "Don't Give a Dose to the One You Love Most". He also wrote many of the songs performed by Bobby Bare, including "Marie Laveau", "Rosalie's Good Eats Cafe", "The Mermaid", "The Winner", and "Tequila Sheila". The song "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan",] recorded in 1979 by Marianne Faithfull and later featured in the films Montenegro and Thelma & Louise, was also by Silverstein.
Liz
Shel Silverstein Lyrics
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And I'll admit my hair is gettin' thin
And I'm gettin' sort of fat
And some other things like that
So do you wonder why I sit and shyly grin
It's just because Liz got around to Nicky Hilton
And Michael Todd and Wilding that made three
And she got around to Burton
So I'm certain that she'll get around to me
So I'm sittin' here just waitin' in the drugstore
As confident and happy as can be
And I never go on dates
I just sit right here and wait
'Cause I know she's got to get around to me
Someday, I know she's got to get around to me!
The lyrics to Shel Silverstein's song Liz speak to the singer's unrequited love for a woman named Liz, who has been with several famous men in the past. The singer admits to not being physically attractive and even lists some of his perceived flaws. However, despite this, he remains confident that Liz will eventually come around to him.
The singer's confidence is interesting because it shows a level of self-assuredness that is not commonly associated with individuals who feel insecure about their physical appearance. It's possible that Liz is seen as the ultimate prize, and the singer is willing to wait for her because he believes that she is worth it. Additionally, the idea of a woman getting "around to" multiple men before finally choosing the singer reinforces patriarchal notions of women as objects to be won or conquered.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, I'll admit that I ain't tall and handsome
I am not tall or conventionally attractive but I am honest about it.
And I'll admit my hair is gettin' thin
I am accepting that I am getting older and my hair is thinning.
And I'm gettin' sort of fat
I am aware that I am gaining weight and becoming more overweight.
And some other things like that
I know there are other things that are not perfect about me.
So do you wonder why I sit and shyly grin
I am embarrassed to talk about my unattractive looks, so I just smile quietly.
It's just because Liz got around to Nicky Hilton
Liz has dated several famous men, including Nicky Hilton.
And Michael Todd and Wilding that made three
Liz has also dated Michael Todd and Michael Wilding, making it three famous men she has dated.
And she got around to Fisher
Another famous man Liz dated is Eddie Fisher.
And she got around to Burton
Liz also dated Richard Burton.
So I'm certain that she'll get around to me
I am sure that Liz will eventually date me too.
So I'm sittin' here just waitin' in the drugstore
I wait in the drugstore hoping to meet Liz.
As confident and happy as can be
I am optimistic and content even though I am aware of my flaws.
And I never go on dates
I do not go on dates because I am waiting for Liz to notice me.
I just sit right here and wait
I spend time waiting for Liz to come into the drugstore and notice me.
'Cause I know she's got to get around to me
I have hope that Liz will eventually date me and I do not want to miss my chance.
Someday, I know she's got to get around to me!
I believe that one day Liz will notice me and we will date.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SHEL SILVERSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind