I had big thoughts about little people the other day. You know, being unemployed and all, I have tons of time for thinking. I’ve been jobsearching, sightseeing and going on dates too, but more on that tomorrow. Today, we’re talking about midgets. Little people. In particular, a song about little people. I’d actually never heard of the term “little people” before I saw a random documentary on dwarfism. And, I can’t remember if the word midget has fallen out of fashion or if the term is actually offensive. Perhaps, much like using the word “broad” to refer to a woman, it’s a bit of both?
At any rate, back to the topic at hand. The song. Do you remember that show Ally McBeal? If I remember correctly, Randy Newman’s song Short People was featured on an episode. A woman sang a soulful rendition of it at the funeral of a man who hated little people. Now, I’m no amazon woman; with my shoes on, I’m only 5’7” / 1.68 meters. Maybe Short People is about me? Below are the lyrics. Here are my questions: (1) Do you know if the song was written about LITTLE people or just us SHORT folks? (2) How tall are YOU?
Short People
Short People got no reason
Short People got no reason
Short People got no reason
To liveThey got little hands
Little eyes
They walk around
Tellin’ great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feetWell, I don’t want no Short People
Don’t want no Short People
Don’t want no Short People
`Round hereShort People are just the same
As you and I
(A Fool Such As I)
All men are brothers
Until the day they die
(It’s A Wonderful World)
Short People got nobody
Short People got nobody
Short People got nobody
To love
They got little baby legs
That stand so low
You got to pick ‘em up
Just to say hello
They got little cars
That go beep, beep, beep
They got little voices
Goin’ peep, peep, peep
They got grubby little fingers
And dirty little minds
They’re gonna get you every time
Well, I don’t want no Short People
Don’t want no Short People
Don’t want no Short People
‘Round here
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
http://www.shortsupport.org/TheMedia/music/shortpeople-sgoldsmith.html
and
http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,945893,00.html
As for me, I can see over you with your shoes on and mine off.
Stolie, you and I are the same height (without the high heels)! LOL
Okay, I think I speak for most short people (I’m a barefoot 5’2 3/4″, and I take that extra 3/4″ very seriously) when I say:
Stolie, we heart you, but you can’t be part of our club. Maybe honorary. Definitely honorary. But you are at the bottom end of model height. That’s ackshully tall, dude. Oh, unless the shoes you refer to are 4″ heels. In that case, welcome! LOL
HA!! i’m taller than ALL YA’LL!!! so everyone is short to me….:-P
I’m tiny…5’2!! trust me stolie you are tall next to me, anyone is tall next to me!
My mom is under 5 feet. Thank GOD I take after my Dad.
I love all 5’9″ of me!
I never really thought about the actual lyrics of the song… I think it is pretty rotten, although I have known some short men who have the Bany Rooster syndrome…. you know they make up for what they think they lack in height by being total PITA.
I’m 5’6″… and with the exception of my 3 year and 7 year old nephews (and my mom who is 5′), I’m the shortest one in my family Like JAY we seem to take after our dad
I remember that song!:) Hmm, Ally MCBeal, that is a long time ago though.. :) Back when I was a teenager :p
AWE: Thanks for the link tall man!! :) I wondered where that song came from …
Tonito Bandito: I don’t get it … are you telling me that you don’t wear high heels?! :)
Sid: Okay, okay, it’s time for me to come clean. When I said “with my shoes on” those are high heel shoes. If I stand barefoot against a tape measure, I’m actually 5’5 1/2. (But, I almost ALWAYS wear heels; most people *think* I’m 5’7″.) So, now can I be in the club???? :)
Miss A.: Tall women ROCK! :)
Darwin: All of the women in my family are your height or taller. (I take after my father.)
Jay: Under 5 feet? She’s probably the same height as my sister. Sophie is TINY.
Nerd Girl: Three cheers for tall, amazon women!!! Men always say that tall women are sexy, you know …
ET: The first time that I heard the song, I laughed out loud. Especially that “you have to pick them up just to say hello” part. Later, when I wondered if the guy was making fun of midgets, I felt a little guilty. Glad to know it’s all in fun.
Logi: You were a TEENAGER when Ally McBeal was on television?!?!?! Wow! :)
Hey Surly Girl,
I know what you mean. There’s something about a 6’0″ (or taller) man that just, well, down right SEXY! :) At the same time, most of the men that I’ve dated are shorter than that and they were still pretty sexy too. I LOVE MEN!!! Tall ones and shorter ones. :)
i always thought i was 5’6 but it turns out i’m 5’5. don’t care though, as the other half is a studly six-footer and makes me feel all fragile and small (and that’s lovely)
I’m a 5’1”er happily with a 6’2”er. ;)
Hey Kelly,
Wow! Almost a foot of difference? Tall *IS* sexy!!! :-)
Does anyone have an audio clip of this? I really want to hear it.
email me: spicemuncher@yahoo.com
Welcome to the blog!! :)
I just shot you an email. I’m not sure where to find the song online. (I don’t own an iPod yet, so I’m kind of a dinosaur when it comes to downloading music.)
You might want to check out iTunes, Kazaa or one of the other download sites. The song is called “Short People” by Randy Newman. Good luck!! :-)
PS: If anyone else knows where to find the song, help a brother out and email the spicemuncher … ;)
In a world of ladies who can't be without their tall men, what's a 67 inch bloke like me to do??