OPINION

Music: Frustrated by "F*ck It"

Written by Mac Diva
Published March 01, 2004
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Eamon's single is currently number one on Billboard's R&B charts. It is being hailed as being the most explicit chart topper for the genre ever. Though youths are the most prolific music buyers, millions of people are purchasing, and apparently like, the eponymous album the single is from, too. It is rising fast.

Pat Healey, writing for the Weekly Dig, explains how that can happen.

Take Eamon. When you hear Eamon's No. 1 smooth R & B hit “F**k It (I Don't Want You Back)” on the radio, you don't hear the word “fuck” 25 times. What you do hear is the F-sound, which seems to be an increasing trend in hip-hop and pop music. Rather than inserting a bleep to make absolutely certain that the listener knows some sort of swear has been edited out, radio edits either mute the word entirely or mute right before the first vowel comes along. Why is it that they think the vowel sound in a swear word is the most offensive?

. . .But maybe that's why hip-hop is still selling well in this day and age - because the radio plays the edited versions and the only way to have the unedited versions is to buy them.

My response to "Fuck It" is not to cursing per se. I don't curse much myself, but accept profanity as a legitimate form of expression. When has a 'fuck' or a 'damn' ever caused anyone real harm? I think my discomfort with the profanity is twofold. There is too much of it. The use of profane words is a significant component of the content of the song. Consider the repetitiveness of the rest of the words and that uses up even more ear time. One could be hearing words that say more than 'fuck' and 'shit.' Second, I believe Eamon, who is 19, but looks 12 in some photographs, has unwittingly thrown up a barrier to older listeners. He seems to be all about posturing for his immediate peer group. If he wants to not just grab, but hold the attention of older music buyers, he needs to pen lyrics that communicate universal thoughts instead of lyrics that will impress only listeners who haven't taken the SAT yet.

Note: An issue I haven't explored in this entry is the misogyny in this artist's work. It is worthy of discussion.

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Music: Frustrated by "F*ck It"
Published: March 01, 2004
Type: Opinion
Section: Music
Filed Under: Music: Hip-hop
Writer: Mac Diva
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Comments

#1 — March 1, 2004 @ 12:03PM — Tom Johnson [URL]

Eamon's single is currently number one on Billboard's R&B charts. It is being hailed as being the most explicit chart topper for the genre ever.

And that is definitely something to be proud of . . .

Second, I believe Eamon, who is 19, but looks 12 in some photographs, has unwittingly thrown up a barrier to older listeners. He seems to be all about posturing for his immediate peer group. If he wants to not just grab, but hold the attention of older music buyers, he needs to pen lyrics that communicate universal thoughts instead of lyrics that will impress only listeners who haven't taken the SAT yet.

The last concern of most music aimed at kids is keeping their attention - once parted with their money, the labels and, unfortunately, the artists as well seem to have no use for their buying public. The smart ones, however, will pick up on this scheming attitude and will hopefully be smart enough to seek out music from artists who choose to reward their fans with challenges that keep them coming back for more - and keep them buying every release. One can hope, I guess . . .

#2 — March 1, 2004 @ 14:25PM — Mac Diva [URL]

I've talked with some late teens/early 20-somethings in the days since I wrote that entry. They provided some insight. One of them, my blog friend Lauren, a young mom and college student, says that even though she is in the age group Eamon's work is targeted to, she is done with that sort of thing, Outgrew it. Another, Gail, says that girls have pulled a switcheroo and are dedicating "Fuck It" to boys, since they are more likely to be 'hoes'--:). I've noticed the Amazon reviews have become more balanced, with fewer people impressed with Eamon's ability to cuss like a sai-, rapper.

#3 — April 10, 2004 @ 20:02PM — Césa Guel

Hello to all!
My point about this song!

When i listened this song on the radio, i say, ooh! itīs another hit!!
and it is....
I Live in Mexico, and the mexican teenagers like me, like this music kind, but much times, we dont know what means all the song, and less if on the radio donīt play the FUCK!!!!
Oh my god!!
This is a really depriment young material musically,
A song is a inspiration.
The true SONGS, when try to exprees, trough the worst experience, never say this type of words, 'cause the soul, and our feelings, still being the most dark, never expresself with this words...
think about it!
itīs true...

see ya
!!
comments at my email.
im 19 years old.

#4 — April 21, 2004 @ 00:34AM — Just A Dad

Frankly the song is catchy. I'm 29 and have been married for going on 10 years but I've had my share of situations where I've felt what this song portrays. The same thing applied to eminems music for me, as well as some of rock groups popping up.(Nickelback, Creed, Limp Bizkit, etc..)

Simple, catchy phrases that sum up an emotion with catchy beats to push them.

And as you had said about your friend Lauren... I too once "outgrew" the current trend of music. Eminem's 2nd album sucked me back into popular music and I've been hooked since.

I'm sure eamon could have went into some long tirade about exactly everything that happened and all the circumstances that brought this feeling on... but then it would be more of a ballad michael bolton style.

Sometimes you just wanna tell someone to f***off. Have a listen to limp bizkits "Hot Dog" from the "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water" album for another perfect example of this.

So ... umm.. yeah.. thats what I have to say.

By the way. If you check out that song by limp bizkit. I'd love to know your interpretation of the lyric " You wanna F*** me like an animal ". That particular part is still lost on me.

-Clint

#5 — April 21, 2004 @ 05:31AM — Mac Diva [URL]

I agree that the music is catchy and the kid has a good soul voice, it is the lyrics I can't fathom. It seems to me Eamon could have said the same thing in a much less off putting way.

I've now heard the female version of "Fuck It." Talkin' about covering a song that did not need another go. . . .

I've also listened to the LB song. I think they mean what the lyric says. Not biologically logical, but, hey!

#6 — April 21, 2004 @ 05:43AM — Sandra Smallson

Even if u listen to the clean version, it's still a fucking catchy tune. I like the song with and without the "Fucks"..plus, I have heard the response by the gal he allegedly sang it for or to...that too is hilarious and will probably go down a storm with ladies the same way Beyonce's version of In Da Club by 50cents was greeted with glee by gals.

#7 — April 21, 2004 @ 06:31AM — jadester [URL]

have you heard Killing In The Name Of by Rage Against The Machine? the last chorus is just something like 26 repeats of "f**k you i won't do what ya tell me"
doesn't stop it being a great track (tho it may come close)

#8 — April 21, 2004 @ 08:52AM — Aaron, Duke De Mondo [URL]

jadester, my fave killing in the name story is when it was riding high in the UK top 40. radio 1 were doing their sunday afternoon chart show, and i believe the dj may have been Dr Fox, who since went on to even greater heights as one of the folks off of Pop Idol. but anyway. he obviously had never heard the song, and played it without checking. Anyway, couple minutes in poor old foxy audibly shat himself. It was terribly amusing.

#9 — April 21, 2004 @ 20:45PM — Mac Diva [URL]

The "Fuck It" controversy made the Washington Post, after I wrote the entry above. Also, Billboard has done an update. For a fun look at the topic, check out this blogger's take.

I still don't get it, but the popularity of the song is definitely being confirmed.

#10 — September 25, 2004 @ 10:21AM — Boly

Eamon Online is a great resource for loads of stuff like downloads... check it out

#11 — March 22, 2006 @ 18:10PM — catherine [URL]

i love this song is the better i have ever hear

#12 — March 23, 2006 @ 05:49AM — Christopher Rose [URL]

Where I live the song was called "Fuck You", which is what it ought to be, right?

Oh yeah, I have an awesome mp3 of the Manchester United fans version of this which is absolutely fucking great!


See I will always love the Reds so much
We are the team nobody else can touch
United, I love them,
They're the only team alive
The other ones are shite
And now I'm gonna tell you
How I feel
Fuck Peter Kenyon and Abramovich
Fuck you Mourinho you son-of-a-bitch

and so on.

Oh to be in England for the football season.

We love it!

#13 — April 7, 2006 @ 17:18PM — andreiano man utd from sweden

Hey Christopher,
Where can i get that awsome mp3 with the Man Utd version?
btw check the link:

#14 — April 10, 2006 @ 09:16AM — roanldo lover

i have heard the man u version. my mate has it on her phone. she wont send it me though. i was wondering if anyone knew where i could get it from or if they could type out all of the lyrics for me. please reply.

cristiano ronaldo's no.1 fan x x x x

#15 — May 17, 2006 @ 12:36PM — spinnin

hey i also like that song but i cant seem to find it anywhere. would someone please be able to tell me where to get it from as i cannot find it anywhere. ive searched loads of sites alredy, cheers

#16 — May 30, 2006 @ 15:44PM — tash06

plz wil sum 1 rite the lyrics 2 man u 1 lol plzplzplzplzplz

#17 — July 7, 2006 @ 22:01PM — Stu2k

The link has the Man U version of the song, just go to the date 27/05/06 it has it their.

#18 — July 25, 2006 @ 04:24AM — Mitko

Do you know how to find this lyrics?

#19 — August 27, 2006 @ 10:41AM — x-gb-x

See I will
Always
Love the Reds so much
We are the team nobody else can touch

United
I love them
They?re the only team I like
The other ones are shite
And now I?m gunna tell you how I feel

Fuck Peter Kenyon and Abramovich
Fuck you Mourinho you son of a bitch
Fuck Kevin Keegan and fuck Brandon Lee
Fuck Steve McClaren and fuck Man City
Fuck Leeds United you?re down in your day
Fuck Norman Hunter and fuck Eddie Gray
Fuck Everton and fuck you Liverpool
Fuck all you Scousers cos Manchester rule

Ronaldo, van Nistelrooy play for the baddest team
With Ferdinand and super Roy Keane
Silvestre and Ryan Giggs we?ve never looked so bad
Dressed in red, white, and black
We don?t give a damn about no one else

Fuck Peter Kenyon and Abramovich
Fuck you Mourinho you son of a bitch
Fuck Kevin Keegan and fuck Brandon Lee
Fuck Steve McClaren and fuck Man City
Fuck Ars讥 Wenger and fuck Arsenal too
Fuck all the Cockneys we fucking hate you
Fuck Everton and fuck you Liverpool
Fuck all you Scousers cos Manchester rule

Rule rule United x4

Now I hate the Scousers and I hate Liverpool
They?re fucking shite and United rule
And Chelsea who do you think you are
It?s been 50 long years
It?s gunna end in tears
You?ll never be as big as Man United

Fuck Barcelona and fuck Real Madrid
I?ve loved United since I was a kid
Fuck Bayern Munich and AC Milan
Fuck Deportivo and Vasco De Gam

Fuck Kevin Keegan and fuck Brandon Lee
Fuck Steve McClaren and fuck Man City
Fuck Everton and fuck you Liverpool
Fuck all you Scousers cos Manchester rule

Rule rule United x8

#20 — September 11, 2006 @ 02:59AM — krish

hey guys.....does any1 no the name of the man u version of fuck it by eamon???.....im tryin to download it but i cant get the name...n the fuck of it i cant even find the song on any site....plzzzz does any1 noe where i can get the song frm??

#21 — September 11, 2006 @ 03:22AM — krish

hey guys...thnx to stu2k i got the song...thnx buddy.........owe u alot.....cant wait to listen to it now.....

#22 — October 12, 2006 @ 19:47PM — craig

hey guys the link above for the man u version of eamon is broken. Does anyone know of another place to get it from? thanx

#23 — October 14, 2006 @ 02:26AM — Mat

Ronaldo, van Nistelrooy play for the baddest team
With Ferdinand and super Roy Keane
Silvestre and Ryan Giggs we?ve never looked so bad


Can anybody explain why "the BADDEST team", if this is a ManUtd song, please???

#24 — October 15, 2006 @ 16:28PM — james

thanks stu2k i gat da song

#25 — October 26, 2006 @ 11:41AM — Dave [URL]

Its baddest cuz that means amzing in chav launguage :D

#26 — October 26, 2006 @ 16:49PM — larry [URL]

this f word has lost its shock value a long along ago. no one cares except the speaker

#27 — November 29, 2006 @ 08:11AM — kafula

Hey pipo!!!!!Thanks x-gb-x for the lyrics you put forward on the 'MANCHESTER RULE'hit song. Peace to y'all MAN-U fans coz we rule, rule & no one can say damn thing against that!!!!!!!

#28 — December 17, 2006 @ 11:25AM — Lisa Laser

i love your song fuck it[i don't want uoi back] Its the best song, no wonder it hip the charts in r and b hits. But i have been hearing that your gay and i want to know if it is true?

#29 — April 12, 2007 @ 11:26AM — JepZ
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