The Briggs also gained some popularity when they were recommended to the professional hockey/National Hockey League team, the Los Angeles Kings. Their song "This is LA" is played after every home win.
Top 40
The Briggs Lyrics
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Controversial relations keep you on top for a while
At the top of the charts, the bottom of the barrel
Success depends upon the company you keep
Compositions sugar-coated with messages puddle deep
Emotions bought and sold and the going rate is cheap
'Cause I can smile and I can dance
Pull my strings and give me some cash
Because I don't wanna, I don't wanna
Lead a normal life and work like all the others
Top 40 look out, 'cause I'm gonna be number 1
Business tycoons are writing songs in crayon
Consumer reports show what needs good distribution
Appeal to the masses, the best as you can
Radio DJ's spreading your disease
Infectious transmission from sea to shining sea
Music without soul, an empty shell
Gimme gimme gimme a lesson in pop star 101
'Cause I can smile and I can dance
Pull my strings and give me some cash
Because I don't wanna, I don't wanna
Lead a normal life and work like all the others
Top 40 look out, 'cause I'm gonna be number 1
Radio dial, it can be heard for miles
But the only thing coming through is a narrow point of view
Just think one day, this could be you
Gimme gimme gimme a lesson in pop star 101
'Cause I can smile and I can dance
Pull my strings and give me some cash
Because I don't wanna, I don't wanna
Lead a normal life and work like all the others
Top 40 got no soul but it will when I take control
Because I don't wanna, I don't wanna
Lead a normal life and work like all the others
I don't wanna, I don't wanna
Lead a normal life and work like all the others
I don't wanna, I don't wanna
Lead a normal life and work like all the others
I don't wanna, I don't wanna
Lead a normal life and work like all the others
Gimme gimme gimme a lesson in pop star 101
Gimme gimme gimme a lesson in pop star 101
Gimme gimme gimme a lesson in pop star 101
The Briggs's song "Top 40" is a critical commentary on the superficiality and shallowness of the music industry. The lyrics describe a world where success is based on fame, controversy, and popularity rather than genuine talent or creativity. The opening lines, "Idle fame with a plastic smile, controversial relations keep you on top for a while," suggest that success in the music industry is not about genuine artistry, but rather a carefully crafted image designed to generate attention and controversy.
The song also speaks to the cynical nature of the music industry, where emotions and messages are treated as commodities to be bought and sold. The lines "Compositions sugar-coated with messages puddle deep, emotions bought and sold and the going rate is cheap" suggest that artists are willing to compromise their beliefs and values in order to achieve success, and that the music industry is willing to exploit these emotions for profit. The chorus, "Gimme gimme gimme a lesson in pop star 101, 'Cause I can smile and I can dance, Pull my strings and give me some cash," illustrates the willingness of aspiring musicians to conform to the industry's standards in order to achieve fame and success.
The song also takes aim at the music industry's mainstream media outlets, such as radio stations, which are accused of promoting a narrow and homogenized view of music. The lines "Radio DJ's spreading your disease, Infectious transmission from sea to shining sea, Music without soul, an empty shell" suggest that mainstream radio outlets only play music that conforms to a specific set of criteria, and that this music lacks any true artistic or emotional value.
Overall, "Top 40" is a scathing critique of the music industry, and a warning against the dangers of compromising artistry for fame and fortune.
Line by Line Meaning
Idle fame with a plastic smile
Superficial fame that lacks substance and authenticity
Controversial relations keep you on top for a while
Having scandalous or shocking relationships can keep you in the public eye for a short period
At the top of the charts, the bottom of the barrel
Being successful in pop music doesn't necessarily mean high quality music or deep meaning
Success depends upon the company you keep
Being successful in the pop industry requires being connected with the right people
Compositions sugar-coated with messages puddle deep
Pop songs often have simple, shallow messages disguised with sweet melodies
Emotions bought and sold and the going rate is cheap
In pop music, emotions are often exploited for financial gain
Gimme gimme gimme a lesson in pop star 101
The desire to be taught how to become a successful pop star
'Cause I can smile and I can dance
The belief that having good looks and dancing ability is key to success in pop music
Pull my strings and give me some cash
Willingness to be controlled and manipulated by record companies in exchange for money
Because I don't wanna, I don't wanna
Repeating the desire to avoid leading a normal life and working like everyone else
Lead a normal life and work like all the others
Rejecting the idea of living a typical, mundane life while working a regular job
Top 40 look out, 'cause I'm gonna be number 1
The aspiration to reach the top of the pop charts
Business tycoons are writing songs in crayon
Record executives who have no artistic talent are making decisions about what music to promote
Consumer reports show what needs good distribution
Marketing research is being used to determine which songs to promote
Appeal to the masses, the best as you can
The goal of pop music is to appeal to the widest possible audience, even if it requires sacrificing artistic integrity
Radio DJ's spreading your disease
Pop music being promoted by radio DJs as if it's an infectious disease that must be spread
Infectious transmission from sea to shining sea
The spread of pop music across the country like a contagion
Music without soul, an empty shell
Pop music is often seen as lacking emotional depth or authenticity
Top 40 got no soul but it will when I take control
Belief that pop music is currently soulless, but it can improve when the singer takes control
Radio dial, it can be heard for miles
Pop music being widely broadcast through radio signals
But the only thing coming through is a narrow point of view
Pop music being presented with a limited perspective that doesn't represent the full spectrum of human experience
Just think one day, this could be you
A warning that being a successful pop star can lead to becoming shallow and lacking artistic integrity
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MOSE ALLISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind