Monday, June 10, 2024

“I See Red” by Jim Rafferty – A Song Feature

 
      It is a song that’s been with us for more than 40 years. Now, the writer is getting performance credit. Jim Rafferty recently released a 7’’ single having his song “I See Red.” ABBA’s Anni-Frid Lyngstad’s (aka “Frida”) 1982 solo album included the song, as did a 1983 album from the Irish band Clannad. Jim’s brother, Gerry Rafferty of “Baker Street” fame, covered the song in 1992.
 
     The Jim Rafferty release of “I See Red” features megaphone-like vocals and appealing guitar plucking. No disrespect to his brother’s and other artists’ versions of the track, but this latest release is superior.
 
     “I See Red” by Jim Rafferty

Lyrics of “I See Red” by Jim Rafferty
Back in my schooldays, acting the fool days
One and one and one makes three
And a man said: "Boy, come and cut yourself a piece of the big time."
 
Armour-clad horses, riding Trojan horses
Never made sense to me
I didn't want to be a part of the great debate on moonshine
 
"Stop, pay the price," they said to me
Take this advice “You're out of your head”
I said: "Stop, hold the phone, this has to be
Cut to the bone. Too bad I see red”
I see red, I see red, I see rеd
 
When the sly man stumbles, twists, and hе tumbles
He always lands on his feet
And he sets his face towards the far horizon
Won't you come this way, can't you go that way?
But his rhythm don't miss a beat
'Cause he's doing everything he can to keep surviving
 
"Stop, pay the price," they said to me
Take this advice, “You're out of your head”
I said: "Stop, hold the phone, this has to be
Cut to the bone. Too bad I see red”
I see red, I see red, I see rеd
[Repeat]
 
So who wants a riot? People should be quiet
Don't we give them good T.V.?
You can learn to love your lifetime of distraction
 
Nothing on the inside, nothing on the outside
All the way from A to Z
I can live without that kind of satisfaction
 
"Stop, pay the price," they said to me
Take this advice “You're out of your head”
I said: "Stop, hold the phone, this has to be
Cut to the bone. Too bad I see red”
I see red, I see red, I see rеd
[Repeat]

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