Useless Begging
Todd Rundgren · Other Songs - Todd Rundgren
Look who's on the skids this time
Bitchin' 'bout her place in line
And all you really want is attention
'Cause you're like every other girl uptown
Who wants to ride her face around
And wave about that power you have to put me down
And so I'll tell ya
To see you like this is nearly tragic
But it's like Ruby says our dreams have magic
But I know useless begging won't help me
Yes it's you
You leave me nothing left to say
'Cause I thought that we'd return one day
Together to a great sphere of knowledge
But that would never do for you
'Cause you thought you knew a thing or two
But you don't even know what is and isn't true
And so I'll tell ya
I was a fool that's why I got burned
But in all that time there's one thing I learned
And that is useless begging won't help me
About Useless Begging
Todd Rundgren's "Useless Begging" stands as a defining track from his 1972 album *In the Land of Grey and Pink*, showcasing his unique ability to blend progressive rock structures with pop sensibilities. The song features Rundgren's signature multi-instrumental approach, where he handles vocals, guitar, and keyboards within a single performance, creating a dense and intricate soundscape that was revolutionary for its time. Thematically, the track explores the frustration of pleading for attention or resources without success, delivered with a melodic yet slightly melancholic tone that contrasts with the upbeat rhythm. As a staple of the early 1970s progressive rock era, it highlights Rundgren's versatility and his role in shaping the genre's evolution through complex arrangements and distinct vocal delivery.