Short People
Randy Newman's strange hit song from 1977 consisted, at least in part, of "a prejudiced attack on short people" (as Wikipedia puts it).
Two stations in Boston refused to play the song because of a flood of calls and letters from listeners who thought it was insensitive. The 5-foot-7 station manager of both stations explained that children might begin to see themselves as "creepy little folks." . . .
Then there are those fans who, understanding their favorite artist's genius, have interpreted the song as being a satire on short-sighted people — spiritual midgets, you might say.
Then there are those fans who, understanding their favorite artist's genius, have interpreted the song as being a satire on short-sighted people — spiritual midgets, you might say.
Lexington Herald - Jan 15, 1978
Comments
Catchy tune. Newman sang it on The Smothers Brothers show, and he explained that it's a satire about prejudice (and nothing to do with physically short people). Then he added, "For those who can't understand this, I can say only one thing: Thbbbbbt !!! (raspberry)." Ha.
Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 02/18/23 at 06:02 AM
I don't like being around short people. Seriously! I'm well over six foot, and a higher-than-average percentage of that is legs. Midgets and dwarfs don't bother me at all, but someone between 4'8" and 5'6" usually has pointy elbows at the right height to inflict serious injury. In my high school and college years, it seemed like a month didn't go by without someone giving me a jab in the privates.
Posted by Phideaux on 02/18/23 at 03:01 PM
I remember how popular this song was when it came out. Like most novelty songs, it was kind of funny the first couple of times you heard it, but then it just got annoying.
Posted by Brian on 02/21/23 at 11:35 AM
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Category: Little People | Music | 1970s