Can't Think Straight - An Ode to Domestic Violence

***Warning: The contents of this video are graphic***

While I am and always have been a fan of Gilbert O'sullivan's, I am absolutely not a fan of this song. In fact, I think this song is possibly one of the worst songs ever written. "I Can't Think Straight" is a song which gyrates through every possible excuse for spousal abuse and domestic violence. Ms. Lee's part is nothing short of shocking! I do not wish to offend anyone, which is why I am writing this warning.

I will repeat that "Clair" and "Out of the Question"..."Get Down"..."Nothing Rhymed"..."Alone Again"...all are classic gems which I regard with warmth and nostalgia, but this song makes me ill. It, and "A Woman's Place" are horrible. Just my opinion.

Thank you.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Gilbert
• O'Sullivan
• domestic
• violence
• spousal
• abuse
• against
• women
• peggy
• lee
• clair
• out
• of
• the
• question
• alone
• again

[mohawk3881]

This is just a harmlees Gilbert song with ONE LINE being pounced on . What about the ultimate " ode to domestic violence " song DELILA by tom jones ? " She stood there laughing - I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more " That`s ok is it ?  Puts Gilberts " slap " into context.

[RodneysKid]

I agree with you about Delila. In fact, I think it's an ode to murder...not domestic violence. BUT, that doesn't excuse this song. And I disagree that it's just one line being "pounced on." The entire song hinges on that one line. It's the reason that Mary won't speak to him. Peggy's quick excuses for the slap is infuriating. The idea that it's Mary's fault that she got slapped borders on insanity. It really is an inexcusable action.

Thank you for taking the time to post a comment.

[mohawk3881]

The entire song ? " what about people other than me, what about those with nothing to eat - isn`t it crazy looking so fine , knowing that in as much time as it takes to make a drink we could all become as the dinosaurs as nothing but extinct - and to top it all i hear that my rent is to be raised ......

Sorry but i don`t get it !

[RodneysKid]

Just my opinion, which is no more valid than anyone else's I admit, but all of that sounds like a bunch of jibber jabber designed to make the act of physical abuse seem small & insignificant. In particular the lines you quote make me angry: Why get hung up on a little slap when we could become extinct? There are more important things to think about.

I think once a guy slaps his spouse the mask is off, rent being raised or no.

Again, no offense meant. Maybe I'm wrong.

[walkerandwilliam]

dont care about the sentiment.an amazing melody you must admit..

[SAK59]

Powerful video. Well done!

[schreibmaschine2008]

Gilbert said in interviews and some of his songs (on Irlish, I think) that it's okay to slap children in the face when they made something bad. Such a point of view is dangerous if it is spread. It makes me sad that such a genious songwriter has such opinions. In other songs he is so right ("It's so easy to be sad" and others).

Don't mind. I like his music furthermore, but these kinds of lyrics nevermore.

[Bobberdolf]

Think so ;-) If you put these awfull pictures to this beautiful song, it says more about YOU than about Mr. O'Sullivan ;-) Something traumatic from the past maybe?

[ThePetergard]

Just a song with a comment, this ain't woman beating!

Chill and enjoy the song!

[RAYalized]

But it's important to spread this well known problem to STOP it!