Levi Stubbs' Tears
Billy Bragg
Lyrics currently unavailable…
10 facts about this song
Background"Levi Stubbs' Tears" is a song written and performed by English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg. It's the last song on his album "Talking with the Taxman about Poetry."
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Genre and StyleThe music is typically British folk-infused punk rock, a genre which Billy Bragg is associated with. The lyrical style is rough and passionate, yet emotive and tender.
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Song InspirationThe song is named after the lead vocalist of the band, The Four Tops. Levi Stubbs is recognized for his distinctive, powerful baritone voice. Bragg admired Stubbs and saw him as a symbol of unacknowledged talent.
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Symbolic RepresentationThe song speaks metaphorically about a woman whose emotions are tied to the songs sung by Levi Stubbs. It uses this setting as an allegory of working-class misery and the power of music as a point of solace.
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AcclaimDespite not being a chart-topping hit, "Levi Stubbs' Tears" enjoys a spot in Billy Bragg’s greatest songs list, according to most critics. It is lauded for its moving narrative and emotive power.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by musicians like Amanda Palmer, Barb Jungr, and US punk band Government Issue.
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Live PerformancesBilly Bragg often sings this song at his concerts and live performances. He sometimes modifies the lyrics, adapting them to the location of the concert or the surrounding social context.
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AwardLevi Stubbs' Tears won the Best Solo Artist at the NME Awards in 1986.
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VideoThe video for "Levi Stubbs' Tears" features Bragg performing the song in a recording studio. This minimalist visual design is in character with the raw and stripped-down image of the song.
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Impact and InfluenceThe song's raw emotional style has inspired other punk folk artists like Frank Turner and Chuck Ragan.
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Citation
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"Levi Stubbs' Tears Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15829858/Billy+Bragg/Levi+Stubbs%27+Tears>.
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