Ego Is Not a Dirty Word

Skyhooks

About Ego Is Not a Dirty Word

Ego is Not a Dirty Word is a 1975 song by Australian band Skyhooks. Released as a single from the album of the same name, it was a top 10 hit in Australia. The lyrics of the song discuss - inter alia - the egos of Jesus and Richard Nixon. The song has been described as a "Skyhooks classic... with a strong beat and annoying tune."


Year:
1975
2:58
2,104 
#3

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If I did not have an ego I would not be here tonight
If I did not have an ego I might not think that I was right
If you did not have an ego you might not care the way you dressed
If you did not have an ego you'd just be like the rest

Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Don't you believe what you've seen or heard

If Jesus had an ego he'd still be alive today
And if Nixon had no ego he might not be in decay
If you did not have an ego you might not care too much who won
If I did not have an ego I might just use a gun

Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Don't you believe what you've seen or heard

Some people keep their egos in a bottom drawer
A fridge full of Leonard Cohen
Have to get drunk just to walk out the door
Stay drunk to keep on goin'
So if you got an ego
You better keep it in good shape
Exercise it daily
And get it down on tape

Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Don't you believe what you've seen or heard

Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Don't you believe what you've seen or heard

Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Ego is not a dirty word
Don't you believe what you've seen or heard

Ego

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Skyhooks

Skyhooks were an Australian rock band formed in Melbourne in March 1973 by mainstays Greg Macainsh on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Imants "Freddie" Strauks on drums. They were soon joined by Bob "Bongo" Starkie on guitar and backing vocals, and Red Symons on guitar, vocals and keyboards; Graeme "Shirley" Strachan became lead vocalist in March 1974. Described as a glam rock band, because of flamboyant costumes and make-up, Skyhooks addressed teenage issues including buying drugs ("Carlton (Lygon Street Limbo)"), suburban sex ("Balwyn Calling"), the gay scene ("Toorak Cowboy") and loss of girlfriends ("Somewhere in Sydney") by namechecking Australian locales. According to music historian, Ian McFarlane "[Skyhooks] made an enormous impact on Australian so… more »

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Written by: GREGORY J MACAINSH

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Information
"Ego Is Not a Dirty Word" is a song by the Australian rock band "Skyhooks". It is from their second studio album of the same name, which was released in 1975.
Chart Performance
Despite being a controversial song due to its lyrics, it still reached #2 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart.
Band Information
Skyhooks was known for their outrageous visual image, flamboyant live performances, and intelligent lyrics laced with satire. The song "Ego Is Not a Dirty Word" serves as an example of their lyrical wit and ability to commentate on social and personal issues.
Songwriting
The song was written by Skyhooks' keyboardist, Greg Macainsh. It addressed the fluffy side of fame and adulation, a controversial topic which the band themselves were experiencing at the time.
Cover Versions
There is a cover version of "Ego Is Not a Dirty Word" by the Australian band "Frenzal Rhomb". It was part of a tribute album titled "This Is the Show: A Tribute to Red Symons".
Music Video
The music video for "Ego Is Not a Dirty Word" illustrates the band's penchant for theatricality, with members dressed extravagantly and performing in front of a crowd that joins in singing the song's chorus.
Lyrics Controversy
The lyrics of "Ego Is Not a Dirty Word" were provocative for their time. They address themes of fame, ego, and the Australian cultural tendencies towards "tall poppy syndrome", a social phenomenon in which individuals with high standings are cut down due to their perceived arrogance.
Album Sales
The album "Ego Is Not a Dirty Word" was a dramatic commercial success as well. It spent11 weeks at the top of the Australian album charts and sold over 200,000 copies.
Critical Reception
Despite the challenges faced during its release, the song and its album were met with critical applause. It was praised for its potent lyrics, compelling melodies, and the band's distinctive musicianship.
Cultural Impact
The song is considered a classic in Australian rock music. It has maintained its cultural significance over the years, often being played on classic rock radio stations and featured in various music compilations.

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