Current and Former Members include: Pat Fish aka The Butcher (founder), Max Eider (founder), Steve Valentine, Owen Jones, Curtis E. Johnson, Pat Beirne, Gabriel Turner, Dooj Wilkinson, Dave Henderson, Paul Mulreany, Richard Formby, Alex Green, Alex Lee, David J, Graham Fudger aka Felix Fudger, Julian Poole, Kevin Haskins, Kizzy O'Callaghan, Laurence O'Keefe, Nick Burson, Rolo McGinty, Colin, Sonic Boom, Alice Thompson, Peter Astor, Peter Crouch, Rodney Allen, and Joe Allen.
Official Website: http://www.jazzbutcher.com/htdb
Susie
The Jazz Butcher Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And said when she was young
There was fear and loathing driving all the things she did
Learning Latin in a high school in a foreign land
Hating the school teachers most of all
Guess no one told them that you shouldn't ever lie to kids
A girl has to have some breaks When she was 18 Susie saw the Patti Smith Group on T.V.
And she told me that it changed what she wanted to be
Guess that's why we kept on coming back to each other
Over all these years now
And if you don't know what's so good about candy
Don't ask Susie or me
All these smart teenagers
Say "You just believe your own publicity"
But you have to live somewhere don't you see?
Now I'm falling prey to delusions
Stupid and young with all these confusions
People ask me the strangest questions
Such a faith in such an illusion
Meanwhile goodbye to all your friends
So sorry, but goodbye to all your friends
So why despise these simple virtues?
Moneyed eyes on simple virtues
But you can ride your own downtown train
You can play those records again and again
And they can't take that away from you Susie
They can't take that away from you
No they can't take that away from you Susie
They can't take that away from you
And everybody says that its all over now
You're just like Morris dancers anyhow
Oh but I do care
What I could I do but care
Ah and I do care
What I could I do but care
The Jazz Butcher's song "Susie" tells the story of a young woman named Susie who struggled with fear and loathing in her youth. She learned Latin in a high school in a foreign land and hated her school teachers the most because they lied to her. When she was 18, she saw the Patti Smith Group on TV and realized what she wanted to be. Despite the years passing by, Susie and the singer kept coming back to each other. They share a love for candy and music that they hope will not be taken away from them.
The lyrics express Susie's feelings of disillusionment and confusion as a teenager, but also her eventual clarity about her passion for music. The mention of teachers lying to kids and learning Latin in a foreign land suggests that Susie may have grown up in a strict or oppressive environment. The reference to the Patti Smith Group captures the rebellious nature of punk music and how it can inspire young people to pursue their passions. The lyrics also allude to the idea that the singer is struggling with his own identity and beliefs, as he falls prey to delusions and confusions.
Overall, "Susie" is a nostalgic and introspective song that reflects on the struggles and passions of youth. It reminds the listener that the simple things in life, such as music and candy, can bring joy and meaning even in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Susie leaned across the table in her coat
Susie moved close to me while wearing her coat
And said when she was young
She recounted a story from her childhood
There was fear and loathing driving all the things she did
She was motivated by fear and negativity
Learning Latin in a high school in a foreign land
She studied Latin in a foreign school
Hating the school teachers most of all
She despised her teachers the most
Guess no one told them that you shouldn't ever lie to kids
Her teachers lied to her and other students
A girl has to have some breaks
Women deserve some good fortune
When she was 18 Susie saw the Patti Smith Group on T.V.
At 18, she watched Patti Smith on TV
And she told me that it changed what she wanted to be
Her ambition changed after the performance
Guess that's why we kept on coming back to each other
This shared experience kept us connected
Over all these years now
We have stayed in touch for many years
And if you don't know what's so good about candy
If you are unaware of the joys of candy
Don't ask Susie or me
We can't explain the appeal of candy
All these smart teenagers
Many intelligent young people say
Say "You just believe your own publicity"
They accuse others of buying into their reputation
But you have to live somewhere don't you see?
You need a place to call home
Now I'm falling prey to delusions
I'm experiencing confused thoughts
Stupid and young with all these confusions
I feel foolish and unsure
People ask me the strangest questions
I get asked bizarre things
Such a faith in such an illusion
Believing in a falsehood
Meanwhile goodbye to all your friends
You might lose your friends
So sorry, but goodbye to all your friends
Apologies, but you might say farewell to your pals
So why despise these simple virtues?
Why reject basic values?
Moneyed eyes on simple virtues
Those with wealth disregard simple ideals
But you can ride your own downtown train
You have the freedom to take your own path
You can play those records again and again
You can listen to your favourite albums repeatedly
And they can't take that away from you Susie
No one can steal that from you, Susie
They can't take that away from you
Those pleasures belong exclusively to you
And everybody says that its all over now
People have expressed that things are finished
You're just like Morris dancers anyhow
They draw a comparison to Morris dancers
Oh but I do care
Despite that, I still care
What I could I do but care
I can't help but have feelings
Ah and I do care
Indeed, I care deeply
Contributed by Declan I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@philippmetzger1126
Glad to find other people who know and appreciate this fantastic song and band, even 30 years later!
@ianmcgregorhart9354
Great song. My very first girlfriend was a girl called Susan. Very Special & romantic memories of first love. This song reminds of me, nice.
@peteletpatrick2191
magnifique chanson...belle melodie
@CIOMBEI
fantastic song
@Azerod
God damn, I just found out who Susie is and I can't stop the tears.
@ukromany1758
Well come on, spill the beans.....
@ukromany1758
I used to play drums to this song with Pat back in the day but I never did ask him who Susie was. I'd love to know.
@girlgo
"Meanwhile goodbye. ..to all your friends"....
@vickyvictoria2196
Que bonita cancion <3