By Jim Hagarty
2015
People criticize my songwriting. Too wordy, they say. Too obscure. Too sappy. Too sad. Just get to the point, already, my critics say. And I know what they say is right. I could definitely keep things more simple.
There is a catchy song on the radio these days which uses this simple refrain: “Take your clothes off!” When I think about it, that’s probably all I ever wanted to say in all my love songs anyway.
And even though I envy the simplicity of the chorus, “Take your clothes off,” I feel that the writer of that song sort of ruined her chances for economic gain by blurting it all out at once. She could have manufactured several hits out of that sentiment. Songs with titles such as, “Take your socks off,” “Take your shirt off,” “Take your pants off”, etc. Seven or eight great hits at minimum.
Now having made fun of the chorus, I thought I would look up the lyrics and ridicule them too. Why not? Any song with such a simple, straightforward title had to be good for a laugh.
I found the song was written by a Canadian singer by the name of Ria Mae. This is her first hit song. As I copied out the lyrics, I listened to the song about three times. Now I love it and if she knocks on my door and sings it to me, I will take my clothes off. I promise.
Also, to my surprise, as someone who tries to write songs, I found it to be pretty well written. And catchy as hell.
I am happy to be wrong about all this. May you have a long and happy career Ria. And my offer to shed my clothes should you show up at my door and sing your song still stands.
