It’s #SongLyricsSunday! The prompt for this week is free choice. This has to be the trickiest prompt ever because I didn’t know what to pick as I had so many to choose from! The sky was the limit!
Yet, I had an idea: choose something on my “On Repeat” playlist on Spotify. What was the top track? Alexander O’Neal’s 1987 song “Criticize”. Though it is only October, this 80s song is easily my #1 song of this year as I have listened to it over and over. The chorus is really catchy and the lyrics really drive home for me. It is something I can really relate to.
What is “Criticize” by Alexander O’Neal? Continue on to find out and listen to the tune!
(This is part of a #SongLyricsSunday challenge, which is hosted by Jim at An Unique Title For Me. Anyone can join! Details on how to participate are found at the end of this post!)
Don’t Criticize My Lifestyle
“Criticize” by Alexander O’Neal is a song released from his second solo album Hearsay. Fun fact is that Alexander was supposed to be the lead vocalist for Prince‘s project The Time. But, he was replaced by Morris Day due to disagreements. After a brief career as a lead vocalist for the band Alexander, O’Neal went on to record various single and albums as a solo artist. Many of his albums were produced by the infamous 80s hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
O’Neal sings most of “Criticize”, but the distinctive female vocals are provided by prominent backing vocalist Lisa Keith. The song was penned by O’Neal and former The Time drummer Jellybean Johnson (who is famous for writing songs like Janet Jackson’s “Black Cat”). Jellybean Johnson, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis produced this 80s tune, which hit #4 on both the UK charts and the US R&B charts.
Don’t Criticize My Ideas
“Criticize” is such a great tune with its catchy hooks, Lisa Keith’s smooth vocals, Alexander O’Neal’s soulful singing, and the upbeat tempo. But, what I like most about this song is the lyrics as it really hits home for me. The lyric’s theme is about a person who his lover to stop criticizing him/her for whatever they do. But for “I am single” self, it is an anthem for myself and others around me to stop criticizing or judging me on my unorthodox lifestyle. I’m odd, I’m unique, and that is ok.
Listen to the song below and tell me what you think in the comments!
Lyrics to “Criticize” by Alexander O’Neal
Can’t you find something else to talk about?
Is this song the only one you sing?
Makes you look better when you put things down
Value your opinion
Don’t criticize my friends
Criticize my ideas
Don’t criticize my lifestyle
I’m fed up ’cause all you wanna do is criticize
Don’t just close your mind
Ooh ooh (Criticize, yeah)
You don’t realize (All you wanna do is criticize)
I just want what is right
Still you say
Criticize
Now can’t we start this over?
‘Cause your conversation ain’t right
We can make our love stronger
You don’t have to think twice
Don’t criticize my friends
Criticize my ideas
Don’t criticize my lifestyle
I’m fed up ’cause all you wanna do is criticize
Don’t just close your mind
Ooh ooh (Criticize, yeah)
You don’t realize (All you wanna do is criticize)
I just want what is right
Still you say
Criticize
Don’t just close your mind
(All you wanna do is criticize)
Ooh ooh (Criticize, yeah)
You don’t realize (All you wanna do is criticize)
I just want what is right
Still you say
Criticize
Don’t criticize my motive
Criticize my feeling
Don’t criticize my business
I’m fed up ’cause all you wanna do is criticize
Don’t just close your mind
Ooh ooh (Criticize, yeah)
You don’t realize (All you wanna do is criticize)
I just want what is right
Still you say
Criticize (Criticize, yeah)
Don’t just close your mind
(All you wanna do is criticize)
Ooh ooh (Criticize, yeah)
You don’t realize (All you wanna do is criticize)
I just want what is right
Still you say
Criticize
Gotta be your man
Stand beside me, baby
Don’t you go walking out that door
No no no, no, baby
Don’t just close your mind
(Baby, don’t criticize)
Ooh ooh (Oh, criticize me)
You don’t realize
(Ooh wee, baby, gotta have your love)
I just want what is right
Still you say
Criticize
Don’t just close your mind
Ooh ooh
You don’t realize
I just want what is right
Still you say
Criticize
If you want to participate, here are the rules:
- Post the lyrics to the song of your choice, whether it fits the theme or not.
- Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due.
- Make sure you also credit the singer/band and if you desire you can provide a link to where you found the lyrics.
- Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song.
- Ping back to this post will eventually work, as long as you are being patient, but you can also place your link in the comments if you don’t like to wait.
- Read at least one other person’s blog, so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process.
- Feel free to suggest future prompts.
- Have fun and enjoy the music.
