By Maki
Obstinacy or stubbornness are neither virtues nor vices, they are I feel, more of an outlook on life; sometimes helpful, others maybe not so much so. They are useful in both the pursuit of an aim and resistance to outside influence, fuelling internal drive and repelling the onslaught of unsolicited advice or the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Or the pricks that so often have to put their oar in, it must be said.
Marvin Gaye is clear about what he wants and will do what it takes to get it: “I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow, got my mind made up to love you.” James Brown’s inspiration is Muhammad Ali and his refusal to be broken. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee and move to that groove!
Stubbornness can drive us to achieve the love we need but it can also stop us from doing what we know to be right, even when we really want to and it is probably in our best interests. The Lumineers masochistically hang in there despite having their faces rubbed in it at every turn. Theirs is a truly Stubborn Love. And the Quireboys whose Stubborn Kinda Heart just won’t let them apologise even when “I know you must be hurting from all the bad things that I've said” balance the equation quite neatly.
Obstinacy and stubbornness are sometimes nothing more than a desire not to conform, a sort of allergy to the status quo and the herd mentality. The Kinks aren’t like everybody else. Neither is Adrian Borland as he obstinately Walks in the Opposite Direction.
Obstinacy and anger don’t always go hand in hand but when they do the results can be quite explosive, as they are here both musically and lyrically. In Hush, Tool don’t so much ignore advice as stuff it in a Molotov cocktail and fling it back in the faces of the dispenser:
People tell me what to say
What to think and what to play
I said, people tell me what to say
What to think and what to play
Even the most cursory listen to the lyrics will leave you in no doubt as to how much that rubs them up the wrong way!
Pauline from Penetration isn’t in the mood for advice or interference either. Don’t Dictate sounds great more than forty years on from its release and there are still just as many reasons to be angry, I fear.
H.E.R. demonstrate the power of a short answer. I won’t. No more no less. Obstinacy doesn’t have to be wordy, a refusal doesn’t have to be explained. I won’t. Nothing to misunderstand there.
The list of things people want to give you advice about can seem endless. Robyn’s having none of it as people reel off the list of standard recommendations for a clean, healthy life. Is it well meaning advice or interference? It really makes no difference. Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do is sometimes the only response available. The bad news here, Robyn, is that the older you get, the longer the list grows.
The Adamant A-List Playlist:
Marvin Gave – Stubborn Kind of Guy
James Brown – I Refuse to Lose
The Lumineers – Stubborn Love
The Quireboys – Stubborn Kinda Heart
The Kinks – I’m Not Like Everyone Else
Adrian Borland – Walking In The Opposite Direction
Tool – Hush
Penetration – Don’t Dictate
H.E.R. – I Won’t
Robyn – Don’t Fucking Tell Me What to Do
The Bullheaded B-List Playlist:
The Grateful Dead – Playing in the Band
Richard Thompson – I’ll Never Give It Up
They Might Be Giants – Boss of Me
Kirsty MacColl – My Affair
The Sex Pistols – EMI
Rod Stewart – You’re My Girl (I Don’t Want to Discuss It)
Paco Ibáñez – Me lo Decía Mi Abuelito
Veerapandiya Kattabomman – Pogaathe Pogaathe Song
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – Almost Cut My Hair
Mia Sheard – Stubborn Bastard
Guru’s Wildcard Pick:
Mayte Martín - Ten Cuidado
Mayte stubbornly refuses to heed the advice of others regarding her lover’s reputation (Be Careful!). love and passion are her reward.
These playlists were inspired by readers' song nominations from last week's topic: I'll do it my way: songs about being stubborn and ignoring advice. The next topic will launch on Thursday at 1pm UK time.
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