I like this because it shows where Patti was at by 1978. She did poetry over seminal rock on HORSES; here her work is overdubbed on her own audience, and every track here is original in both music and lyrics. She had successfully segued, in three years, from a clubland critics' darling to an arena performer, able to do written and improvisational material in any venue. I've seen her several times after this was released, and both large halls and CBGB (R.I.P.) were worthwhile experiences.
you ppl are so clueless. this is a separate track BEFORE, not PART OF, Rock 'n' Roll Nigger. sheesh. and it's amazing... just fucking incredible. so cheers, and quit your bitchin.
this is one of my favourite poems and performances of all time. but don't you think it's unlikely that Patti Smith wrote an absurd line like "scroll of ancient lettuce"? I think it's more probably "scroll of ancient letters" and she just pronounces it "lettuce" because of her accent. it rings on my Canadian ears as a strong Joisey type accent making "letters" sound like "lettahs"/lettuce. thanks for posting this! it's just so beautiful and ugly it gives me shivers still, every time I hear it.
plus: i cannot believe she wrote a trite line like "spared the child and spoiled the rod". it's way too obvious and unpoetic, IMO. I think the line is "he spared the child and spoiled the broad". it would fit much better lyrically and poetically with the lines immediately before. listen close and maybe you'll agree. :)
No, it's definitely Lettuce, in her original published poem "Babelogue" it is written as lettuce, and I can hear clearly in her voice that it is lettuce, having taken into account her accent. Personally I think it's a beautiful line, of course it is absurd but a lot of the stuff she is inspired by is absurd, be it Baudelaire or Bob Dylan
I like this because it shows where Patti was at by 1978. She did poetry over seminal rock on HORSES; here her work is overdubbed on her own audience, and every track here is original in both music and lyrics. She had successfully segued, in three years, from a clubland critics' darling to an arena performer, able to do written and improvisational material in any venue. I've seen her several times after this was released, and both large halls and CBGB (R.I.P.) were worthwhile experiences.
amerikanprincess 7 months ago
Patti Smith is a Goddess... <3
soren1435 10 months ago
Wow O.O
Rosesfan1 11 months ago
lol people will literally argue about anything on youtube
derapfelstrudel 1 year ago
Do not 'dis' the goddess. Patti is an icon and inspiration, poet fiirst, and musician second. And, an amazing person.
CallumCakes 1 year ago 3
FUCKING SICK!!
kutthroat84 2 years ago
is that the original track ? xD
XHeyrockoverX 2 years ago
GODDAMN.
she is so perfect.
alixiisthefusion 2 years ago 7
the Godmother of punk
louiseduvee 2 years ago 6
you ppl are so clueless. this is a separate track BEFORE, not PART OF, Rock 'n' Roll Nigger. sheesh. and it's amazing... just fucking incredible. so cheers, and quit your bitchin.
heartagram021 2 years ago
hah, yeah, and you're a bitch.
ifbei 2 years ago
did you not get the quit your bitchin part? Patti Smith is a goddess, anyone who believes that knows babelogue is an intro.
heartagram021 2 years ago
This is great, but its so disappointing that you left out the climax - "Rock-n-Roll Nigger."
Where was this taken from?
tonebenderx 3 years ago
nah, it's an intro; and rock 'n roll nigger is allready uploaded on youtube
derapfelstrudel 3 years ago
This is supposed to be a medley. You cut off "Rock 'n Roll Nigger."
kenp3L 3 years ago
this is one of my favourite poems and performances of all time. but don't you think it's unlikely that Patti Smith wrote an absurd line like "scroll of ancient lettuce"? I think it's more probably "scroll of ancient letters" and she just pronounces it "lettuce" because of her accent. it rings on my Canadian ears as a strong Joisey type accent making "letters" sound like "lettahs"/lettuce. thanks for posting this! it's just so beautiful and ugly it gives me shivers still, every time I hear it.
Medusaesque 3 years ago
plus: i cannot believe she wrote a trite line like "spared the child and spoiled the rod". it's way too obvious and unpoetic, IMO. I think the line is "he spared the child and spoiled the broad". it would fit much better lyrically and poetically with the lines immediately before. listen close and maybe you'll agree. :)
Medusaesque 3 years ago
AGREED!
heartagram021 2 years ago
No, it's definitely Lettuce, in her original published poem "Babelogue" it is written as lettuce, and I can hear clearly in her voice that it is lettuce, having taken into account her accent. Personally I think it's a beautiful line, of course it is absurd but a lot of the stuff she is inspired by is absurd, be it Baudelaire or Bob Dylan
Jellyonyourshoulder 2 years ago
The actual, spoken lyrics are on my site on My Space---I'm submitting them to Google. Definitely 'lettuce'.
louiseduvee 2 years ago
this is like ...i dont know ..this wow me soo much and i love it
ykonstanza 3 years ago 2