What the fuck happened to Sophie B. Hawkins? “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” was the jam back in 1992, and I mean that with the utmost sincerity. It was one of those songs that came out of nowhere and hinted at something promising. Another hit followed a year later (“As I Lay Me Down”), preventing Ms. Hawkins from the “dreaded” one hit wonder label, but then she was gone.
There was some rumbling about creative differences with the label, but by that time we’d forgotten about her.
Of course, we played the single version at the radio station, but I preferred the full-length album version, the one that starts with the N.Y.C. ambience at the beginning. Then, the sexy drum loops and gentle synthesizer begin and Sophie coos “That old dog has chained you up alright.”
Is it about a dude? Another chick? Is it about domestic abuse? Fuck if I know. The only thing I know is that it’s damn sexy and it’s perfect mirror of longing after something that isn’t really isn’t yours to have….at that moment anyway.
I love the song’s hints at the object of her infatuation, and how said infatuation is stuck in a dead-end relationship with a lifeless companion (“Sleep beside an empty rage”) and how her pussy is the drug that’s addicting (“Come inside my jungle book”).
In reality, the thing that’s really addicting is how it all comes together and creates this wonderful pop masterpiece from the early 90’s that’s going through my head as of late.
Sophie never created another track as good as this one, but then again, with a track this good she didn’t need to.
Here's the original banned version of "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover." I think you'll agree that 1.) The video version that was released was much better than this artsy "fuck me" come on and 2.) Someone needs to turn off the fucking fan.
1 comment:
Yeah--great song. I always wondered if it was secretly written by Prince.
Although that plaid shirt in the other video wasn't the most glamorous, I don't think the diaper she's wearing here is much of an improvement.
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