Violent Femmes

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Crossed the path, then I followed your face
It was hard to believe, it was hard to trace
Uh, I saw you today
Seem like I see you every day
But there's somethin' I figured out about you

[Pre-Chorus]
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Yeah

[Chorus]
You're so ugly, I'm tellin' you straight
You're so ugly, don't make no mistake
'Cause you ugly, you can bet it on the bank
Say why, why, why would I lie to you?
Why would I lie? Why would I lie?
You're so ugly all the time
(Ugly) You ain't no friend of mine
'Cause you ugly, you can bet it on the bank
Say why, why, why would I lie to you?
Why would I lie? Why would I lie?

[Verse 2]
With a smile or a frown
I'm so tired of you bein' around
Engaged in some sexual acts
Well, now I'm just gonna have to tell you all the facts
"What could that be?" Well, here's a clue
[Pre-Chorus]
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Yeah

[Chorus]
You're so ugly, I'm tellin' you straight
You're so ugly, don't make no mistake
'Cause you ugly, I'm tellin' you that
I said why, why, why would I lie to you?
Why would I lie? Why would I lie?
You're so ugly all the time
(Ugly) You ain't no friend of mine
(Ugly) And you can bet it on the bank
Say why, why, why would I lie to you?
Why would I lie? Why would I lie?

[Outro]
You're so ugly, a-la-la-la-la
You're so ugly, a-la-la-la-la
You're so ugly, a-la-la-la-la
You're so ugly (Ugly)
So ugly, so ugly
You're so ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly
(Ugly) Ugly
(Ugly) Ugly
(Ugly) Ugly
(Ugly) Ugly
(Ugly) Ugly
(Ugly) Ugly
(Ugly) Ugly
(Ugly) UglyEmbed

Ugly by Violent Femmes is a raw and upfront track that tackles the concept of self-doubt and self-criticism. The song, with its catchy and emotive lyrics, has remained a fan favorite for several decades with its powerful instrumentation and intense vocal delivery.

About Ugly

The song Ugly is one of the best-known tracks by the American rock group, Violent Femmes. The track first appeared on their 1991 album, Why Do Birds Sing?. The song starts with a simple yet undeniable drumbeat followed by the bassline and then the strong vocals of lead singer and songwriter Gordon Gano.

With its raw and unpolished sound, the song draws the listener in with its unrelenting rhythm and hypnotic lyrics. The song provides an authentic and moving portrayal of how society's unrealistic expectations of physical beauty inflict self-doubt and criticism.

The song's lyrics capture the frustration and desperation that comes with the pressure to meet society's expectations, with lines like "Am I making myself clear, ugly?/Get down on your knees and pray, ugly." These lines emphasize the pressure that people face due to their looks and make them feel inadequate, undesirable, and inferior.

What sets Ugly apart is its high energy, frantic strumming, and the loud, screeching violin sounds that fill the entire track. Lead singer Gordon Gano's voice is coarse and passionate, adding to the song's intensity. The band's instrumentation style on this song and the others in the album create a unique blend of punk, folk, and rock music, making them stand out in the music industry.

As the track progresses, it becomes more and more intense, with the addition of an even faster-paced violin solo that adds to the overall chaotic and frenzied feel of the song. Despite the intensity, however, the song's message and purpose remain crystal clear, making it a powerful anthem for self-love and acceptance that fans have resonated with for decades.

With its unique and distinctive sound and message, Ugly by Violent Femmes has become an influential song and an iconic track in the group's songbook. The band's talent, passion, and sincerity of the track continue to make it a music staple that fans of all ages can connect with.

In a world where society's ideas of physical beauty are constantly changing and being put under the microscope, Ugly provides a poignant commentary on the pressure and stress that these standards can cause. With its high-energy music and heartfelt lyrics, the song acts as a reminder of the importance of self-love, acceptance, and staying true to oneself.

Wrapping Up

In terms of lyrics and music, Ugly is a masterpiece track that shows the range and skill of Violent Femmes. The band's instrumentation, passion, and heartfelt delivery are evident throughout the song with its perfect mix of punk, folk, and rock music. The song remains a relevant and essential anthem in the music industry, promoting self-love and self-acceptance in a world where society's standards can sometimes be overwhelming.

As music fans, listeners, and enthusiasts, Ugly is a must-listen to track that provides a powerful message and showcases the best of its band.

• Release Date: December 1983
• Artist: Violent Femmes