Compared To What…
The wisdom of Les McCann and Eddie Harris: where we are today — written in 1969!
Some genuine surprises come from the most unlikely Nostradamus’s around. This from jazz musicians Les McCann and Eddie Harris who wrote and performed this song about WHERE OUR COUNTRY WAS in 1969. How relevant today!
The Compared To What lyrics are most interesting. Remember: 1969 by two jazz musicians… Lyrics follow below.
It is really worthwhile to listen to or at least read the Compared To What lyrics. Originally, that was a live recording at the Montreux Jazz Festival. In 1969! This is the same Les McCann who wrote and sang With These Hands, one of the absolute timeless love songs in the history of music.
Their Swiss Movement album, however poorly recorded and produced, including a couple pieces that they performed live for the first time just off sheet music (!), reigned as the best-selling jazz album of all time. Until Kenny G’ recorded Songbird.
Compared To What
Les McCann and Eddie Harris
1969
I love the lie and lie the love
A-Hangin’ on, with push and shove
Possession is the motivation
that is hangin’ up the God-damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut (everybody now!)
Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what? C’mon baby!
Slaughterhouse is killin’ hogs
Twisted children killin’ frogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin’ logs
Tired old lady kissin’ dogs
I hate the human love of that stinking mutt (I can’t use it!)
Try to make it real, compared to what? C’mon baby now!
The President, he’s got his war
Folks don’t know just what it’s for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
We’re chicken-feathers, all without one nut. God damn it!
Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what? (Sock it to me)
Church on Sunday, sleep and nod
Tryin’ to duck the wrath of God
Preacher’s fillin’ us with fright
They all tryin’ to teach us what they think is right
They really got to be some kind of nut (I can’t use it!)
Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what?
Where’s that bee and where’s that honey?
Where’s my God and where’s my money?
Unreal values, crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
Kind of brings to mind ol’ young King Tut (He did it now)
Tried to make it real, compared to what?!
Tryin’ to make it real, compared to what?
Compared to What lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing