Graham Parker "You Can't Be Too Strong" Live in HD

[unRompecabezas]

I've been a Geep fan since high school and I've always hated this song. In the middle of "Squeezing Out Sparks," a fantastic album full of snarling rock and roll, this maudlin ballad is woefully out of place. Right after Parker bitch-slaps you with the harsh reality that "Nobody hurts you harder than yourself," his sensitive act comes across as phony and overwrought. I won't even address the incoherent politics.

It's even worse that Parker trots this out at every show, like it's "My Way."

[ArchangelAdnachiel]

Yes! No dislikes!



[Midano13]

Lyrical evidence of subculture intelligence. Musical expression overcoming dominant repression. Melancholical reverence, recollected in deference.

Recommend "Sallys Pigeons" by Cyndi Lauper

[soniafag]

It's even more poignant when you know it was written about his sister's experiences.

It's a skilful bit of writing and a beautiful song.

[theblakeman]

No song has ever captured the complicated feelings around abortion better. There are no politics in this song for me- it shows the anguish around everyone involved, without putting judgement on anyone. "You decide what's wrong".

[hilfri1]

First heard this in the late 70s, obviously, it was about abortion. An artist sings about topics of human life which includes some large dose of suffering, and he captures all the nuances.....esp. when you are young, sometimes there is bad choice a and bad choice b........life is complicated.

[briteness]

This gets at the anguish and horror of abortion very economically. It seems pretty clear that it is a pro-life song, but before I listened to the words of the verses, I didn't hear the irony of the chorus. It sounds like he really is praising 'strength'. (Bruce Springsteen did a somewhat similar thing on the song "Born in the USA".) Abortion is a difficult issue, and this song reflects that. I know no other song on the subject that comes close to being this powerful.

[eqsmooth]

@briteness No reason to analyze. no one gives a shit. i've been listening to this song since 1988 and ever gave it a second thought. It is just a beautiful song. Please Leave it at that.

[middaymoses]

All those years ago in late 70's ,A song that actually sends a message , It's what the best music is all about .

[occams50]

It is a woman's choice, but, one with great moral implications. I remember years ago, my wife and I confronted with the news of another child... it crossed our minds, but that was all. I knew she had a choice and so did she... but we went ahead with the birth and it was a blessing that we cherish today. Our marriage dissolved, but not our love for that child.

Sometimes it's better, not to be,... too strong.

[atman100]

I'm for the right to an abortion but that act has got some emotions in it and Graham captured one of them really well

[robperry11]

Thanks for KShellnut for posting this ... great audio/video of one of my favorite songs of Graham's! Cheers ...

[HippieJimi]

Jolly Good there Graham.....Jolly good in deed.....:-)

[erinnx27]

Saw the "Live Alone in America" tour in DC, great show. Felt like you were in on something no one else knew about.

[stellapitbull]

i saw him on his stuck by lightning tour and his squezing out sparks tours was jsut so great --- pesonally , he is the ultimate british rocker of the period , --- he smokes elvis costello

[Elmtree01]

an honest song that makes you think

[jezzamy]

g.p. is fantastic. one of the most honest, clever and downright wonderful singers the world has ever seen. he's one of the few that i immediately will buy anything new by, and there's a new album coming out in a week in the uk....yes!

[simfliss]

Class..

[RamBozo3]

Really a nice version of this song.... I find one of his best CDs is "Alive and alone in America", if you can find it.... BUY IT. Every song is a classic.

[RussRamz]

@RamBozo3 Yes... absolutely the best.

[ielkhoury]

Thanks for posting a good video of one of my favorite songs. Even though Parker apparently worry about how this is taken in some circles, I think he struck a perfect balance here.

[shhhtya]

ps. Wish 2 see Graham performing live "Lunatic Fringe"..!! ( he sings it on his live cd Japan, or Live in America ) ROCK ON, Graham..

[shhhtya]

thx 4 adding this in here!!!! Parker's been my Favorite singer since "Squeezin' Out Sparks" ps. This song is gettin' better and better the more i listen 2 it.... PARKER 4ever!!!!!!