These old eyes have seen it all, now the hands of time are writing on the wall
November 18, 2009 | Music
I saw Taylor Swift on Saturday Night Live the other night. While she played her guitar and sang, I thought, ah, to be 19 again. How exciting things must be for her right now. Typical thoughts of someone old enough to be her mother, I suppose. But, wow. She’s getting hit from all sides these days.
- Kanye West hijacked her VMA moment in the spotlight when he jumped on stage, grabbed the microphone from her and told the world (or at least that part of it that still watches MTV) she shouldn’t have won.
- Wynonna Judd said too much when Swift swept the CMA Awards, calling it “too much of a good thing too soon” for Swift.
- George Jones accused Swift (and Carrie Underwood) of stealing traditional country music’s identity.
Really? What happened to dignity?
I’m not sure what kind of problems West has, but a 32-year-old man stealing the thunder from a 19-year-old? Shame on you, Kanye.
Wynonna? Since when did you decide what’s best for someone else? Come on. You were in your teens when you started out. You “drove your car” the first year you were out? Swift delivered demo tapes to producers her first year out … when she was 11. Yes, you “apologized” later, but you know what? Instead of smelling like desperation, you really should have acted like the older professional you are and shared some encouraging words with the next, great, young talent. Shame on you, Wynonna.
Let me just get this out of the way. Mr. Jones, it’s amazing that you’re still walking the earth, considering all you’ve been through in your almost 80 years, and I’m glad you are. You’re a legend. The end. Amen. However … you really should pick on somebody your own size. Shame on you, George.
Y’all? Just because you have an opinion, doesn’t mean you have to express it out loud, whether you’re on the record or off. (I’m looking at you, too, Mr. President.) Silence really can be golden. Or at least it can save you from making an a$$ out of yourself. Just saying.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:02 am
This business of entertainers dissing each other in public does seem like a new phenom. I agree with you – show some dignity.
November 19th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Becky, you really got me thinking with this one. One of my daughters is very taken with Taylor Swift, and I know I misjudged her when I first heard about her because let’s face it – this is a culture of overnight fame and ‘making it’ because of looks, not talent. But Ms. Swift is gifted, hard-working, comparatively humble, and a nice person who is loved by millions of young women — and she’s clean-living compared to the manufactured teen superstars out there. So anyone bad mouthing her is showing their own lack of grace. Can we say sour grapes? Thanks for writing this one.
November 21st, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Kanye West IS a Jackass… there is the difference.
November 21st, 2009 at 8:38 pm
What difference?
November 24th, 2009 at 10:00 am
While I may agree with several of those opinions, you highlight some of the pitfalls of advancing technology and some disturbing social trends. Don’t forget how Martha Stewart has been dissing the ladies, too.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Great point, Cyndi. I’ve been avoiding the Martha Stewart thing, hoping it will go away. So much ugliness.
November 30th, 2009 at 1:10 am
I love Taylor’s music. That’s what it’s all about. Agreed with your post 100%.