Short People

Randy Newman

About Short People

"Short People" is a song by Randy Newman from his 1977 album, Little Criminals. The verses and chorus are lyrically constructed as a prejudiced attack on short people. In contrast, the bridge states that "short people are just the same as you and I." Newman interprets the song to be about prejudice, as was widely thought, but added, "The guy in that song is crazy. He was not to be believed." As with many of his songs such as "Rednecks", Newman wrote the song from the point of view of a biased narrator. The song was misunderstood by many listeners who wrongly assumed that it reflected Newman's personal viewpoint. 


Year:
1990
2:56
1,030 

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Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason
To live

They got little hands
And little eyes
And they walk around
Tellin' great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feet

Well, I don't want no short people
Don't want no short people
Don't want no short people
'Round here

Short people are just the same
As you and I
(A fool such as I)
All men are brothers
Until the day they die
(It's a wonderful world)

Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody
To love

They got little baby legs
And they stand so low
You got to pick 'em up
Just to say hello
They got little cars
That got beep, beep, beep
They got little voices
Goin' peep, peep, peep
They got grubby little fingers
And dirty little minds
They're gonna get you every time

Well, I don't want no short people
Don't want no short people
Don't want no short people
'Round here

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Randy Newman

Randall Stuart "Randy" Newman (born November 28, 1943) is an American singer-songwriter,arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his mordant (and often satirical) pop songs and for film scores. more »

5 fans

Written by: Randy Newman

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


16 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Short People" by Randy Newman is classified as Pop, Rock, and Soft Rock.
Year of Release
The song was released in 1977.
Chart Performance
The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Controversy
Despite its success, "Short People" was met with controversy due to lyrics seemingly making fun of short individuals. However, Newman intended it as a satire against prejudice.
Album
The song is included in Newman's album "Little Criminals."
Grammy Nomination
"Short People" was nominated for the Record of the Year at the 21st Grammy Awards.
Misinterpretation
Many people misunderstood the song's satirical nature which led to some US radio stations refusing to play it.
Instrumentation
The song is known for its notable instrumentation including piano, synthesizer, and bass guitar.
Banned in some Areas
In Maryland, a state delegate attempted to have the song officially banned, successfully stirring some more controversy around the track.
Backup Singers
The song features backup vocals from Eagles' members Don Henley and Glenn Frey.
Length
The track lasts for a duration of 2 minutes and 54 seconds, placing it in the typical range for pop songs of the era.
Music Video
While many music videos were not common in the 70s, a promotional video was made for Newman's song.
Cover Versions
Several artists, including Donny Osmond and Neil Sedaka, have covered "Short People."
International Success
Despite its controversial status in the USA, the song also charted internationally, reaching number fourteen in Canada.
Sales Achievement
"Short People" is Newman's biggest commercial hit and has been certified Gold by the RIAA.
Satire Appreciation
Over time, the song has been recognized for its clever satirical elements and is regarded as a comedic classic mocking unreasoned prejudices.

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    Short People

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    22,181     2,094

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1978

    Billboard #2


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