Onomatopoeia
John Prine · Other Songs - John Prine
Sixty-five agents sitting on a fence
Saying, hey little brother look what we got for you
We're gonna rope off an area and put on a show
From the Canadian border down to Mexico
It might be the most potentially gross
Thing that we could possibly do
Yeah, little buddy gonna get your chance
Make them pubescent all wet their pants
We'll record it live and that's no jive
Hold it, stop it, no, no, no, no
Bang went the pistol, crash went the window
Ouch went the son of a gun
Onomatopoeia, I don't wanna see ya
Speaking in a foreign tongue
Knock, knock, hello, can I come in?
Gee, it was a wonderful show
Oh, you haven't gone on yet?
Well, how was I supposed to know?
Hey we got a great date, it's really downtown
We're gonna get the grand canyon to do the sound
It's a boxing ring, but it might be the thing
To really put you in the dough
Well listen little brother, don't you get us wrong
Why we even know one of the words to your song
Just say I do and we'll lay it on you
You, you, and me, me, me, me
Bang went the pistol, crash went the window
Ouch went the son of a gun
Onomatopoeia, I don't want to see ya
Speaking in a foreign tongue
Hey little buddy gonna get your chance
Make them pubescent all wet their pants
We'll record it live and that's no jive
Hold it, stop it, no, no, no, no
Bang went the pistol, crash went the window
Ouch went the son of a gun
Onomatopoeia, I don't want to see ya
Speaking in a foreign tongue
Onomatopoeia, I don't want to see ya
Speaking in a foreign tongue
Onomatopoeia
John Prine's 'Onomatopoeia' stands as a testament to his unique ability to blend whimsical wordplay with profound emotional resonance. A staple of his extensive discography, the track showcases the songwriter's signature blend of folk and country influences, characterized by sharp observational humor and tender vulnerability. Prine often employed inventive titles and phrasing to capture the essence of everyday life, and this recording exemplifies that approach without relying on cliché. The song remains a cherished element of his body of work, reflecting the enduring appeal of his storytelling. Listeners encounter a masterful performance that highlights Prine's distinct voice and his capacity to turn simple sounds into meaningful artistic expression within the American songwriting tradition.