This is the story of not just Janis' real-life experience, but of millions of school age girls that are considered "ugly" by cruel classmates. Very sad story. It's been happening since kids have been going to school.
I would compare Janis Ian to Tracy Chapman. They both have the courage to be vulnerable with their audience and they have true, no frills necessary, talent.
Janice Ian had an amazing song she wrote at 13, and performed on national television at 14, called Society's Child. The song was released in 1966, became a hit in my area of the country, but was banned from radio in other areas of the US.
This song was the anthem of me and my friends in high school. We were not part of the privileged few who got invited to dances and were asked out by the "cute" boys. It is the number one reason most of us do not show up to our high school reunions. Funny thing is, we all turned out pretty good. We found love, we have families, we got good jobs and have had good lives. But man, high school can really suck if you're not one of the "pretty people".
I'm glad that someone of your age is not just listening to new music but hearing the music ! It shows you the talent of the lyricist back in the day! Because they don't write lyrics like this anymore !
I was nowhere near 17 (7) when this came out but somehow I still was able to relate to it. Sadness and loneliness of growing up is pretty universal I think ❤
This song was so popular with the girls in H.S. My three sisters all thought it was not true with all the girls, but many could relate to that era in their lives.
This song hit so hard with me. I was in high school and the lyrics were right on the money about how I felt. It still makes me tear up thinking about how I treated in school.
"Their small town eyes will gape at you in DULL SURPRISE when payment due exceeds accounts received at seventeen." Such incredibly good writing throughout -- but that "dull surprise" always got me -- it so perfectly describes a certain kind of condescending and yet blase shock that registers on the faces of those who play the role of the arbiters of taste and goodness in these parochial settings. I know JUST what she's talking about. Love this song. Always wondered if maybe her dad was an accountant -- or maybe she took accounting in high school -- lol -- all those references to debentures and payments due and accounts received. Fascinating, beautiful and heartbreaking.
I just watched a documentary about her last week (Janis Ian: Breaking Silence) This video is included in the film. BTW I have male friends who say they relate to this song, especially "choosing sides for basketball". I also recommend her autobiography. A fascinating woman!
Beautiful song, she was/is beautiful just not what society had us believe. It still happens today with the ‘mean girls’ syndrome. I’m really glad you found this. I probably see it a little differently but it’s your reaction and we all interpret things in our own way. The Old Grey Whistle Club in London (I think) had some of the most amazing artists play there. Does anyone know if it is still going? Thanks for another great reaction 😊
Thanks, JM - I remember this song.. I was not a "popular" girl in school... shy and awkward from moving around a lot, always the "new kid"... so this rang a bit true to me.... appreciate your sensitive reaction... BTW, Janis was beautiful and talented.. I'm glad she found her musical outlet to show that off!
React to society's child Janice wrote it when she was 13 and when she recorded it Michelle controversial that have the radio stations in the country Banned it
I was at my mother’s shop in Nashville and a woman came up and said she was there to pick up a case of armpit pads. The manager came over and took her to pickup area. He swings by a few minutes later and said “that was Janis Ian”. I thought to myself, of course it was. Poor thing she can’t catch a break. Of course she’s very pretty and so incredibly talented but when you write one of the most heartbreaking songs ever written, things like picking up armpit pads takes on a new meaning. LOL
I simply cannot image her being a “ugly duckling” at 17. I have no doubt she was the most beautiful girl in school before she blossomed into the beautiful woman she still is ❤
I was that short girl with ugly brown fuzzy hair never chosen for teams in gym class and bullied. I radically changed in early high school but the trauma always remained. I am now 64 but the trauma still remains. This kind of treatment never heals.
a really nice (and quite funny) lady ...... and a heck of a good guitar player ...... scaled back on her touring recently but still hasn't lost her 'edge' ..... for those interested check out "I'm Married in London" .....
I've always referred to Janis Ian as "the other great Janis "...cause she truly was . This is probably her signature hit song but she had several albums and many many beautiful songs like this...............
Obviously, you couldn't relate to this song. That explains why your review was more a dissection the words in each sentence but really understanding the true meaning behind them. Very disappointing review JMBOY.
This is Janis Ian. Please remove my name and my song title from your pitches for your Patreon account. I am being polite about this but you are capitalizing on my name in an effort to make money and that is not okay.
This is the story of not just Janis' real-life experience, but of millions of school age girls that are considered "ugly" by cruel classmates. Very sad story. It's been happening since kids have been going to school.
not just girls as well....
You took the words right out of my mouth
@@tomschmitz-dj1fg Anyone who is "different", "shy", "awkward", "unpopular", or in any other category that people can put each other in.
I know that was pretty much me ✌️& ❤️
Those girls were the best, and always my best friends, so life was good. F the others.
And yet...we can all clearly see how beautiful she is.
I would compare Janis Ian to Tracy Chapman. They both have the courage to be vulnerable with their audience and they have true, no frills necessary, talent.
Janice Ian had an amazing song she wrote at 13, and performed on national television at 14, called Society's Child. The song was released in 1966, became a hit in my area of the country, but was banned from radio in other areas of the US.
I loved that song.
Oh, yeah, Jon - I had forgotten that one... what a great song! Thanks for the reminder...
Done.... in Playlist
Same will have a listen to that one thx
It's a MUST listen!!!
This song gives me chills everytime I hear it.
She won the Grammy for the best pop vocal by a female with this song. WTG Janis !
There are some lines in this song that just rip your heart out. Janis was inspirational and totally relatable. 🎶🎶💖💖
This song was the anthem of me and my friends in high school. We were not part of the privileged few who got invited to dances and were asked out by the "cute" boys. It is the number one reason most of us do not show up to our high school reunions. Funny thing is, we all turned out pretty good. We found love, we have families, we got good jobs and have had good lives. But man, high school can really suck if you're not one of the "pretty people".
one of the most well-written songs of all time... tells the story of how society treats the less visually-attractive.. and, it's pretty pathetic..
I'm glad that someone of your age is not just listening to new music but hearing the music ! It shows you the talent of the lyricist back in the day! Because they don't write lyrics like this anymore !
A quintessential 70s classic. In recent years, I discovered Stars, which is also superb.
Great request! I've always loved this song and Janis' voice. Enjoyed your comments too! Thanks for the reaction!
Beautiful song! I’ve always loved it. She is brilliant. Thanks for another great reaction! ☮️💙😎
This is a real nice version, and I'm not sure I've seen it before. Thanks ✌️❤️🤟🥁
I was nowhere near 17 (7) when this came out but somehow I still was able to relate to it.
Sadness and loneliness of growing up is pretty universal I think ❤
I LOVE this song! It really resonates with a whole lot of us out there. Thanks for the reaction!
So touching and beautiful
I haven't heard this in decades
Emotional and beautiful 🎶👏🏽❤️
Janis was similar to Dylan that most all her songs were deep in Social Commentary and thought provoking.
Just so well written and a great bossa nova feel.
I remember this from when I was in High school.
It came out when I was in junior high. So simple and so beautiful. Sort of an anthem for non A listers.
New subscriber, thanks for the channel.
This song was so popular with the girls in H.S. My three sisters all thought it was not true with all the girls, but many could relate to that era in their lives.
The whole “Between the Lines” album was fire!
This song hit so hard with me. I was in high school and the lyrics were right on the money about how I felt. It still makes me tear up thinking about how I treated in school.
I’ve always thought Janice was so beautiful ❤
It's all about growing up.
Great lyrics with an angelic voice.
I was 15 when this song came out. It hit me hard 😢
"Their small town eyes will gape at you in DULL SURPRISE when payment due exceeds accounts received at seventeen." Such incredibly good writing throughout -- but that "dull surprise" always got me -- it so perfectly describes a certain kind of condescending and yet blase shock that registers on the faces of those who play the role of the arbiters of taste and goodness in these parochial settings. I know JUST what she's talking about. Love this song. Always wondered if maybe her dad was an accountant -- or maybe she took accounting in high school -- lol -- all those references to debentures and payments due and accounts received. Fascinating, beautiful and heartbreaking.
THANKS! THIS IS A MOSTLY FORGOTTEN, AWESOME PIECE OF OUR MUSICAL HERITAGE
I love that you always recap the lyrics-keeps me coming back-never stop🧐😉🫡✌️🙏
Actually that part I can really do without.
Great analysis. I am subscribed and I'm glad I did.
one of my favorite songs from back when I was younger (20 to be exact)
She won a Grammy for best female pop performance 1976. Beat Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton John, Linda Ronstadt and Judy Collins. Pretty incredible!
Hell of a crop we had to choose from back then, wasn't it?
@@farmhome904 Yes, what amazing talent!
I just watched a documentary about her last week (Janis Ian: Breaking Silence) This video is included in the film. BTW I have male friends who say they relate to this song, especially "choosing sides for basketball". I also recommend her autobiography. A fascinating woman!
I read her autobiography last year. Absolutely epic.
Any chance you have a link please? I can’t find it 😊
I even question whether those girls are 'beautiful.' Society told us what that means but I reject that definition.
Beautiful song, she was/is beautiful just not what society had us believe. It still happens today with the ‘mean girls’ syndrome. I’m really glad you found this. I probably see it a little differently but it’s your reaction and we all interpret things in our own way. The Old Grey Whistle Club in London (I think) had some of the most amazing artists play there. Does anyone know if it is still going? Thanks for another great reaction 😊
This is a fantastic song. ❤
I practically wore the lip out because I played it so much. I haven’t heard this song in 50 years.
36K..... with Roy doing Pretty Woman followed by Janis doing a song about ugly girls.... That's Life.
Thanks, JM - I remember this song.. I was not a "popular" girl in school... shy and awkward from moving around a lot, always the "new kid"... so this rang a bit true to me.... appreciate your sensitive reaction... BTW, Janis was beautiful and talented.. I'm glad she found her musical outlet to show that off!
React to society's child Janice wrote it when she was 13 and when she recorded it Michelle controversial that have the radio stations in the country Banned it
Done.... In Playlist
I was at my mother’s shop in Nashville and a woman came up and said she was there to pick up a case of armpit pads. The manager came over and took her to pickup area. He swings by a few minutes later and said “that was Janis Ian”. I thought to myself, of course it was. Poor thing she can’t catch a break.
Of course she’s very pretty and so incredibly talented but when you write one of the most heartbreaking songs ever written, things like picking up armpit pads takes on a new meaning. LOL
Great song by Janis Ian. You must also react to Society's Child, her first big hit.
Done... In Playlist
Great song.
in a way , reminds me of "I am" from Niel Diamond.
I hear that. One of Neil's best tunes
never had a date in high school, but I was good in sports...I had something
Check out Brass Construction, Get Up To Get On Down! Jammin!
I simply cannot image her being a “ugly duckling” at 17. I have no doubt she was the most beautiful girl in school before she blossomed into the beautiful woman she still is ❤
I was that short girl with ugly brown fuzzy hair never chosen for teams in gym class and bullied. I radically changed in early high school but the trauma always remained. I am now 64 but the trauma still remains. This kind of treatment never heals.
a really nice (and quite funny) lady ...... and a heck of a good guitar player ...... scaled back on her touring recently but still hasn't lost her 'edge' ..... for those interested check out "I'm Married in London" .....
Good review on this song dude!
❤
For the holiday spirit check out Bing Crosby, David Bowie- Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy. Will blow your mind.
I was in the awkward, ugly-duckling club also. High school was not a fun time at all.
Kadi Feat Miyagi - Turn up the light! Reaction
Great song. Nothing wrong with this version, but I really like the studio version with the flugelhorn solo.
This makes me feel very sad.
As usual the studio version is much better.
Janis is another artist influenced heavily by Joan Baez, following in her footsteps like many others did.
I've always referred to Janis Ian as "the other great Janis "...cause she truly was . This is probably her signature hit song but she had several albums and many many beautiful songs like this...............
Aa
Obviously, you couldn't relate to this song. That explains why your review was more a dissection the words in each sentence but really understanding the true meaning behind them. Very disappointing review JMBOY.
This is Janis Ian. Please remove my name and my song title from your pitches for your Patreon account. I am being polite about this but you are capitalizing on my name in an effort to make money and that is not okay.