Obvious Song

Joe Jackson

About Obvious Song

"Obvious Song" is a song by British singer-songwriter and musician Joe Jackson, released in 1991 as the second single from his ninth studio album Laughter & Lust. It was written by Jackson, and produced by Jackson and Ed Roynesdal. The song's music video was directed by Marcus Nispel and produced by Marc Rosenberg. Jackson's US debut single for Virgin, "Obvious Song" was selected as a suitable track that would generate play on album, alternative and college radio. Diana Fried, product manager for Virgin, told Billboard of the label's decision to release it: "They felt Joe had had a long, illustrious career, but without a whole lot of radio successes in his recent past. To come out with a more pop single right off the bat might not be the best way to let the fans know he's got a new album out, and also might limit where we go with it." The song reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and No. 28 on Billboard Album Rock Tracks charts. 


Year:
1991
4:11
479 
#1

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There was a man in the jungle
Trying to make ends meet
Found himself one day with an axe in his hand
When a voice said "Buddy can you spare that tree
We gotta save this world-starting with your land."
It was a rock 'n' roll millionaire from the USA
Doing three to the gallon in a big white car
And he sang and he sang 'till he polluted the air
And he blew a lot of smoke from a Cuban cigar
And the stars are looking down
Through a hole in the sky
And if they can see, they cry
That's obvious
And the walls are coming down
Between the west and the east
You don't have to be a hippie to believe in peace
That's obvious...obvious
There was a kid in the city selling crack to get by
Got caught one day with a gun in his hand
When a voice said, "OK, get'em up in the air
You're too young to live like this
But you ain't too fast to die."
Just another foot-soldier in a stupid little war
Another sound-bite on the American scene
Caught between the supplier only dreaming of money
And the demand of the man with the money
Who needs a little help to dream
So we starve all the teachers
And recruit more marines
How come we don't even know what that means
It's obvious
And the walls are coming down
Between the eagle and the dove
You don't have to be a hippie to believe in love
That's obvious...obvious

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Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson (born David Ian Jackson, 11 August 1954) is an English musician and singer-songwriter now living in Berlin, whose five Grammy Award nominations span from 1979 to 2001. He is probably best known for the 1979 hit song and first single "Is She Really Going Out with Him?", which still gets extensive US FM radio airplay; for his 1982 hit, "Steppin' Out"; and for his 1984 success with "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)". He was popular for his pop/rock and New Wave music early on before moving to more eclectic, though less commercially successful, pop/jazz/classical hybrids. more »

2 fans

Written by: JACKSON

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Information
"Obvious Song" was featured on Joe Jackson's 11th studio album called "Laughter & Lust" released in 1991.
Record Label
Jackson's album "Laughter & Lust," which included "Obvious Song," was his first album released under the Virgin Records label after leaving A&M Records.
Music Video
The song was accompanied by a music video, which was relatively rare for Joe Jackson's work and is considered a unique aspect of the song's release.
Unique Composition
"Obvious Song" was noted for its upbeat tempo and pop-rock style, distinct from much of Jackson's earlier, more jazz and classical-influenced work.
Significant Lyrics
The lyrics to "Obvious Song" criticize the commercial, money-focused aspects of the music industry, a recurring theme in Jackson's work.
Chart Performance
The song became a minor hit, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in the U.S.
Change of Style
The song displayed a change in the musical style of Joe Jackson, from jazz-infused melodies and pop to alternative rock.
Critical Reception
Critics had mixed reviews for "Obvious Song;" while some praised Jackson's daring change in musical style, others felt he strayed too far from his original aesthetic.
Jackson on "Obvious Song
Joe Jackson has mentioned in interviews that "Obvious Song," like many of his works, reflects his disdain for mindless pop music and his preference for more innovative and thoughtful compositions.
Live Performances
"Obvious Song," despite its mixed reception, has been a staple in Joe Jackson's live performances, demonstrating its popularity among his fan base.

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