I admit that It’s kind of strange that I’m using a song from an Australian band to celebrate Independence Day but there is a connection. Moving Pictures enjoyed brief popularity in the early 80s and this was their biggest international hit by far. It was number one for seven weeks in Australian and reached #29 in the USA. “What About Me” became an anthem of sorts for expressing that you’ve had enough and wanted your share, as illustrated in the lyrics below. I guess one could say our revolutionary forefathers had the same feelings when they had enough of British rule in 1776? Ok, I didn’t say it was a good connection to the fourth of July! 🙂
Moving Pictures split up in 1987 but enjoyed a revival when an Australian Idol enjoyed huge success with a cover version of “What About Me” in 2005. Here’s an excellent “Where are they now” article on Moving Pictures.
Here’s a live performance of the song with an excellent sax solo and moving audience participation.
Here’s the official music video of the song
***Update**
Here’s a performance from 2013!!!
Here are the lyrics:
WHAT ABOUT ME (1982)
Well there’s a little boy waitin’ at the counter of a corner shop
He’s been waitin’ down there, waitin’ half the day
They never ever seem to have the time
He gets pushed around, knocked to the ground
He gets to his feet and he says;
“What About me, it isn’t fair
I’ve had enough now I want my share
Can’t you see? I wanna live!
But you just take more than you give…”
Well there’s a pretty girl servin’ at the counter of a corner shop
She’s been waitin’ back there, waitin’ for her dream
And dreams walk in and out, they never stop
Well she’s not too proud to cry out loud
She runs to the street and she screams;
“What About me, it isn’t fair
I’ve had enough now I want my share
Can’t you see? I wanna live!
But you just take more than you give…” (More than you give)
Take a step back and see the little people
There’s nothin there but the words that make the big people big
So listen, as they whisper;
“What about me? …”
Now we’re standin’ on the corner of a world gone home
Nobody’s changed, nobody’s been saved
And I’m feelin’ cold and alone
I guess I’m lucky, I smile a lot
But sometimes I wish for more than I’ve got…
“What About me, it isn’t fair
I’ve had enough now I want my share
Can’t you see? I wanna live!
But you just take more – What about me?!
It isn’t fair!
I’ve had enough now I want my share!
Can’t you see? I wanna live!
But you just take more,
You just take more,
You just take more than you give…
What about me?
What about me?
What about me?