Buxton here: "You Call My People" was born in a Brunswick Project jam sessions a few weeks ago. We were jamming on the tempo of 120 bpm in an effort to creat a more upbeat song. I came up with the simple chord progression and Steve started doing this really cool staccato spoken word thing. Other than a lyric in the second verse, it pretty much came out fully formed in that first jam.
We almost called this tune "We Are The One Percent," but decided against it because, well, that's kind of a sucky title. And also, this song isn't a straight condemnation of wealth, rather taking a look at how money changes people's attitudes.
Both of us are singing about the same person, a guy who's sacrificed his humanity for material trappings. Steve's part of the verse show his arrogant, show-offy side, and my lyrics reflect the confusion and anger he feels when his money can't buy forgiveness.
The sample in the bridge is from the excellent film Boiler Room.
lyrics
There are only so many minutes in every hour, so many hours in every day
There are a lot of people tryin' to have time with me I don't have time to hear what you have to say.
So why don't You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
Just give my people a call
Hey boss, here's fifty bucks, hey boss I own you now.
Hey boss you're comin' over, hey boss please help me out
Help me build up an empire to take you
Down down down down down down
Down down down down down down
So:
You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
You call my people, ha ha ha ha
I'll get you courtside at the New York Knicks any time that you want I don't even give a shit
I got my company car and my company credit card and I'm pretty much set
Hey girl, let's talk about it, hey girl, please settle down
Hey girl can you forgive me, hey girl, we'll work it out
I don't need you at all, you need me baby, I'm the one who wears the pants in this town
Can I not buy you a rose can I not buy you a ring
Can I not buy you a thing to keep everything
down down down down down
down down down down down
So why don't You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
You call my people and I'll call your people (you call my people)
You call my people
credits
from Brunswick Project Beta (Week 10-17),
released December 19, 2012
Music and Lyrics: Steve Cruickshank and Joel Buxton
Production: Steve Cruickshank
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