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.
Yowzah
Shel Silverstein Lyrics
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walked with a hi-dee-ho
And other folks walked around kind of low
Sayin' Yowzah and Sho nuff and Yassuh boss
It was ashes to ashes and dust to dust and they didn't
believe in makin' a fuss
So they quietly moved to the back of the bus
They just say Yowzah and Sho nuff and Yassuh boss
Little arm wavin' and a little bit of swayin'
Didn't do no good they kept right on a sayin'
Sayin' Yowzah and Sho nuff and Yassuh boss
So they all went out and did a little standin' little
less askin' and a lot more demandin'
Little less liftin' and a little less totin' a lot
more thinkin' and a lot more votin'
A lot less hopin' a lot less waitin'
A whole lot more demonstratin'a lot less pearly gate'n'
A lot more fightin' and a lot more walkin' until finally
no one at all was talkin'
Like Yowzah and Sho nuff and Yassuh boss
The end of this story is plain to see they finally achieved equality
And now like you and me they can stand up strong and free
And say Yes sir and Of course sir and Anything you say JB
In the lyrics of "Yowzah" by Shel Silverstein, the singer reflects on a time when some people were treated unfairly and had to endure discrimination. The phrases "Yowzah" and "Sho nuff" were likely used by the marginalized individuals as a way of accepting their situation and showing compliance to authority, as indicated by the term "Yassuh boss." Despite facing adversity, these individuals quietly endured and moved to the back of the bus, accepting their place in society without causing a fuss. The refrain of "Yowzah and Sho nuff and Yassuh boss" emphasizes their submissive attitude in the face of injustice.
As the situation worsened for these individuals, they turned to prayer and gestures of faith, such as arm waving and swaying, to cope with their struggles. Despite their efforts, their circumstances did not improve, and they continued to obediently repeat the phrases "Yowzah and Sho nuff and Yassuh boss." The lyrics suggest a sense of resignation and hopelessness among these individuals as they faced ongoing challenges without seeing any tangible changes in their lives.
However, the lyrics take a hopeful turn as the marginalized individuals begin to take a stand and demand their rights. They engage in activism, becoming more assertive and vocal in their pursuit of equality. They shift from passively accepting their situation to actively fighting for their rights, with a focus on thinking critically, voting, and participating in demonstrations to bring about change. This newfound determination marks a shift from mere compliance to active resistance and empowerment.
Ultimately, the lyrics conclude on a positive note, highlighting the triumph of the marginalized individuals in achieving equality and freedom. Through their perseverance and dedication to the cause, they are now able to stand strong and assert their rights with confidence. The phrases "Yes sir and Of course sir and Anything you say JB" reflect a newfound sense of agency and self-assuredness, symbolizing the individuals' transition from submissiveness to autonomy. The song conveys a message of empowerment and resilience, celebrating the journey from oppression to liberation and the eventual triumph of the human spirit.
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