Levi Stubbs' Tears

Billy Bragg

About Levi Stubbs' Tears

"Levi Stubbs' Tears" is a song by Billy Bragg. It was the first single released from Bragg's 1986 album Talking with the Taxman about Poetry. The song's title refers to The Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs, whose music remains a source of comfort to the protagonist through years of abandonment, injury, and domestic violence. A guitar riff from the song was sampled by Norman Cook and featured in his 1989 song "Won't Talk About It", also featuring Billy Bragg on "falsetto soul" vocals. When Cook formed Beats International they released their own hit version of the song in 1990. In 2014, NME ranked it at number 207 in their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. more »

Year:: 1986
: 3:28
: 186 Views
Playlists:: #2

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Billy Bragg

Stephen William Bragg (born 20 December 1957) — known as Billy Bragg — is an English alternative rock musician and left-wing activist. His music blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, and his lyrics mostly deal with political or romantic themes. His music career has lasted more than thirty years. more »

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Rock

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Indie Rock

10 facts about this song

Background "Levi Stubbs' Tears" is a song written and performed by English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg. It's the last song on his album "Talking with the Taxman about Poetry."
Genre and Style The music is typically British folk-infused punk rock, a genre which Billy Bragg is associated with. The lyrical style is rough and passionate, yet emotive and tender.
Song Inspiration The song is named after the lead vocalist of the band, The Four Tops. Levi Stubbs is recognized for his distinctive, powerful baritone voice. Bragg admired Stubbs and saw him as a symbol of unacknowledged talent.
Symbolic Representation The song speaks metaphorically about a woman whose emotions are tied to the songs sung by Levi Stubbs. It uses this setting as an allegory of working-class misery and the power of music as a point of solace.
Acclaim Despite not being a chart-topping hit, "Levi Stubbs' Tears" enjoys a spot in Billy Bragg’s greatest songs list, according to most critics. It is lauded for its moving narrative and emotive power.
Cover Versions The song has been covered by musicians like Amanda Palmer, Barb Jungr, and US punk band Government Issue.
Live Performances Billy Bragg often sings this song at his concerts and live performances. He sometimes modifies the lyrics, adapting them to the location of the concert or the surrounding social context.
Award Levi Stubbs' Tears won the Best Solo Artist at the NME Awards in 1986.
Video The video for "Levi Stubbs' Tears" features Bragg performing the song in a recording studio. This minimalist visual design is in character with the raw and stripped-down image of the song.
Impact and Influence The song's raw emotional style has inspired other punk folk artists like Frank Turner and Chuck Ragan.

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