Good Evening Dialophiles!
Tonight’s selection from airwaves (and jukeboxes) past is a
catchy little ditty that skewers American materialism while also tossing in
jabs at religion and the Cold War. Sit back and enjoy as the Dial proudly
presents Jackson Browne’s 1983 hit “Lawyers
in Love”!
“Lawyers” was a tune I completely forgot about until around
15 years after its release, when I caught its music video on an eighties themed
segment on VH-1. As soon as the opening rhythm began, memories of hearing the tune
at the age of nine flooded back to me. Once I started really examining to the
lyrics, I was greatly amused at its sarcasm and condemnation of the
materialistic American persona, something I certainly hadn’t grasped upon first
listen. Shockingly, the song really has nothing to do with lawyers, whether in
love, or otherwise…
Observing Browne’s near-transfixed state, at eating his TV
dinner while watching events unfold on his set, holds just as much sardonic
weight now (late 2012 going into ’13), as it did on that late ‘90s viewing, and
during its original release. It’s clear that some things never change.
Of course, given that I was watching this very video on TV
(while enjoying some sort of a snack, myself), the irony wasn’t lost on me. Was
I no better than Browne’s TV junkie? It’s an unsettling thought, but I sure was
humming the melody, complete with catchy “oooooh
– sha la la” refrain for days afterwards.
“Lawyers” served as the first single from Jackson’s “Lawyers
in Love” LP. The scathing song peaked at #13, making it his fourth most
successful top 40 hit, behind…”Running on
Empty”, “Doctor My Eyes”, and the
“Fast Times at Ridgemont High” soundtrack contribution “Somebody’s Baby”.
So spin this underplayed chart hit, and pay close attention
to the main character in the video… see if he doesn’t remind you of some people
you may know...
“I can’t keep up with
what’s been going on… I think my heart must just be slowing down… Among the human
beings, in their designer jeans…
Am I the only one who
hears the screams… and the strangled cries of…
Lawyers in Love”
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