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Natalie Merchant — Golden Boy
Album: Motherland
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1558









Released: 2001
Length: 4:03
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Top of the fold
Toast of the town
Everyone stops when you come around
They hold their breath for you

Heroes are born
Idols are made
We're all fools for this factory fame
And you've got the brand new face
And you've got the brand new face
Golden boy

Beauty untamed
Stupid and wild poster boy you're society's child
Cut your teeth, cut your mouth, cut it out

Meteor rise from obscurity
All it took was a killing spree
And the whole world was lying at your feet
Golden boy, golden boy

I know my place, stick to my lines
Stay in your shadow, don't block your light
So you can shine divine
So you can shine divine
Golden boy, golden boy, golden boy
Comments (78)add comment
Posted 3 months ago by Ipse_Dixit    [ Reply ]
 HMS_Beagle wrote:

Am I the only one that hears her saying "Goddamn boy"?



If anything, it sounds to me like she's saying, "Go down, boy" which sort of changes the direction of the song a bit. 
Posted 4 months ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
On both the web player and my Echo speaker, Natalie Merchant's "Golden Boy" and Bobby Darin's "Mack the Knife" were playing over each other. It was very strange. 
Posted 1 year ago by mikebdoss    [ Reply ]
Wasn't looking at my screen when this came on and would have bet good money it was 90s Norfolk songstress Beth Orton. Great song, great voice, both of them.
Posted 2 years ago by EffjayUK    [ Reply ]
Oh My! 
Mack the Knife to this.  
Nowhere else 
LLRP
Posted 2 years ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
This entire album is marvellous, beginning to end.
Posted 2 years ago by Fiddlefye    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

To my ears, this is more appealing than more recent NM singing. Her voice is flatter, more nasal and lower these days.

I think she's a better singer than Beth Orton at any age. Just my two cents.  
believe I read that she left 10,000 Maniacs due to the strain of singing out of her range. Totally understand that and can sing along with her since! I also find her lyrics and choice of music more interesting, despite liking her with the band.

Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 HMS_Beagle wrote:

Am I the only one that hears her saying "Goddamn boy"?



I hear it, but given the subject, maybe both "Golden" and "Goddamn" apply...
Posted 2 years ago by forthbrdge    [ Reply ]
No matter what you think of her voice, the story is always beautiful.
Posted 3 years ago by meatmike    [ Reply ]
I'd just like to say  I make love with my lover..I know it's not to everybody's liking but we like it
Posted 3 years ago by 69Grace_M    [ Reply ]
Fabulous band working with her on this.
Twirlin' in the kitchen.
Posted 3 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 HMS_Beagle wrote:
Am I the only one that hears her saying "Goddamn boy"?
 No, she sings "golden". I think it depends on the equipment you use for listening.

Posted 4 years ago by ivan_cheban    [ Reply ]
Heard this while at the gym. Made the workout worthwhile!! Wish it had segued into My Skin!
Posted 4 years ago by mediamarv    [ Reply ]
i really like your peaches wanna shake yer tree
Posted 5 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
"Go down for..."

But I like the song anyway!!!
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Was a bit surprised to hear Dido being played here. Maybe now I've realised why.
Posted 5 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
I am in-love with her voice
Posted 5 years ago by ashtmclean    [ Reply ]
 davidsavop wrote:
Sorry all, but with the exception of a few exceptional tunes, I find her music droll and self-absorbed, and her voice monotonous, monotoned, and depressing. 

With that said, she is obviously very appealing to a bunch of fans out there, and has a very long and successful career. Just not my cup of tea. 
 

I'm not a big fan of her music either, especially her limited range, but "droll" means "oddly humorous" or "comical"; I'm not sure if that's what you meant to say.
Posted 6 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Absolutely love this album.  But then again, I love any album Natalie puts out.
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
Ignoring the haters in the comments and just soaking up Natalie's rich voice. What a singer! I've been a fan since the Maniacs early days. 
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
I agree, but like with Beth Orton, I think NM is good for 2-3 songs in a sitting, but then I find myself losing interest...but I enjoyed the 2-3 songs.
 
cattgirl813 wrote:
The lyrics are beautiful (as they are to most of her songs before and after the 10K Maniacs), but her voice has that Beth Orton quality that drives me buggy. Something about the tone rubs me the wrong way.
 


Posted 6 years ago by TravelRat    [ Reply ]
 cattgirl813 wrote:
The lyrics are beautiful (as they are to most of her songs before and after the 10K Maniacs), but her voice has that Beth Orton quality that drives me buggy. Something about the tone rubs me the wrong way.
 
To my ears, this is more appealing than more recent NM singing. Her voice is flatter, more nasal and lower these days.

I think she's a better singer than Beth Orton at any age. Just my two cents.  
Posted 7 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 HMS_Beagle wrote:
Am I the only one that hears her saying "Goddamn boy"?
 
She doesn't speak to me at all.  Anyhow, when she calls you that she probably means it affectionately.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Bill I had no idea this was about River
Posted 8 years ago by NorthernLad    [ Reply ]
I like it
Posted 8 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
This is not one of her best {#Sleep}
Posted 8 years ago by MJ_STRONG    [ Reply ]
Sorry all, but with the exception of a few exceptional tunes, I find her music droll and self-absorbed, and her voice monotonous, monotoned, and depressing. 

With that said, she is obviously very appealing to a bunch of fans out there, and has a very long and successful career. Just not my cup of tea. 
Posted 8 years ago by davidsavop    [ Reply ]
Dredged from the past.. an interesting spat some years back, hope we're all now able to agree how good this is?
Posted 11 years ago by Boy_Wonder    [ Reply ]
Viva Natalie! Love love love Golden Boy ...
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Am I the only one that hears her saying "Goddamn boy"?
Posted 18 years ago by HMS_Beagle    [ Reply ]
Too bad this wasn't followed with Golden Lady or Golden Year or Golden Brown...
Posted 18 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
g1lgam3sh wrote:
Holborn, you reach a level of vituperation I can only stand back and admire. The fact that your vitriol was matched, nay outmatched, by your perspicacity and judgement is, of course, an unlooked for bonus. No words I could find would not sound worse if she SANG them.
Ah, but that was cleverly parsed.
Posted 18 years ago by rluking    [ Reply ]
The lyrics are beautiful (as they are to most of her songs before and after the 10K Maniacs), but her voice has that Beth Orton quality that drives me buggy. Something about the tone rubs me the wrong way.
Posted 18 years ago by cattgirl813    [ Reply ]
I like the song and I think the pic on the front of her album is v sexy. Please dont abuse me. Its just my opinion
Posted 18 years ago by Paul_in_Australia    [ Reply ]
NM sure can rattle cages, can't she? I've said it before, I liked her with the Maniacs, but am not crazy over her solo stuff. I've looked over the lyrics to this one and have to ask: is this about GW? Just a thought. Now, back to your fighting.
Posted 18 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Good song. Not going to rock my word but good nonetheless. I think Natalie Merchant is one of the sexiest women in music.
Yikes
Posted 18 years ago by noelbarnes    [ Reply ]
always really liked her, a sexy mystery voice, and genuine loving heart...
Posted 18 years ago by godspeed    [ Reply ]
Good song. Not going to rock my word but good nonetheless. I think Natalie Merchant is one of the sexiest women in music.
Posted 18 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
give her a break... she's one of the best, most thoughtful artists around. Her music is original, deep, intense and not for ordinary pop-music taste. Her voice is unusual but her music fits it.
Posted 18 years ago by biking_chick    [ Reply ]
holborne wrote:
God, she's awful. Totally unmusical, and a terrible, droning voice.
I'm kinda thinking the disdain fits the refrain. Appropriate tone for the theme and all that good stuff. High times for minor figures.
Posted 18 years ago by bmo    [ Reply ]
9
Posted 19 years ago by kerr    [ Reply ]
coldatlantic wrote:
NM's voice does nothing to impress me, but I don't think the lyrics are thoughtless at all. It meditates, if briefly, on our obsession with the superficial in our awarding of fame to superstars. Captures that mix of jealousy and bitterness we feel sometimes when we think of the famous. Reminds me of Ani's "32 flavours": "Everyone harbours a secret hatred / for the prettiest girl in the room"
i don't have much to say about the song or nm, but i don't think that hatred is terribly secret...
Posted 19 years ago by th3boon    [ Reply ]
brandog wrote:
Empty useless thoughtless lyrics - no better than the "Ophelia" album - probably worse.
NM's voice does nothing to impress me, but I don't think the lyrics are thoughtless at all. It meditates, if briefly, on our obsession with the superficial in our awarding of fame to superstars. Captures that mix of jealousy and bitterness we feel sometimes when we think of the famous. Reminds me of Ani's "32 flavours": "Everyone harbours a secret hatred / for the prettiest girl in the room"
Posted 19 years ago by coldatlantic    [ Reply ]
funny... I hated 10,000 maniacs back in the day. but I started to like Natalie Merchant, not knowing she was their lead singer. funny huh? Definitely a voice that divides.
Posted 19 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
brandog wrote:
GolTen Boyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.......hhhhhhhhhhhh Empty useless thoughtless lyrics - no better than the "Ophelia" album - probably worse. AND Whomever it was mangled their way through the lead guitar "licks" (more like slurps) here should be ashamed!
There are none so deaf as those who will not listen
Posted 19 years ago by MrKite    [ Reply ]
Natalie... c'mon, you can hit those notes... g'head.
Posted 19 years ago by Old_Pool_Skunk    [ Reply ]
g1lgam3sh wrote:
Holborn, you reach a level of vituperation I can only stand back and admire. The fact that your vitriol was matched, nay outmatched, by your perspicacity and judgement is, of course, an unlooked for bonus. No words I could find would not sound worse if she SANG them.
He, (Holborn), really should cut back on the caffeine.
Posted 19 years ago by Coppertop    [ Reply ]
This is the first time I've knowingly heard her. I love this kind of enigmatic chanteuse, would make me think of Marianne Faithfull and Kate Bush. More wispy chanteuses please!
Posted 19 years ago by stornoway    [ Reply ]
So many better NM songs, no?
Posted 19 years ago by mrmojorisin    [ Reply ]
Grantus wrote:
Holborn Wrote: Well, Myrrh, since you're interested in deconstruction, let's deconstruct your post, shall we? I myself am pretty curious to know when "opinion" became synonymous with "music review." I certainly never said my one-line opinion was to be considered any sort of "music review" (either with or without sneer quotes). If you decide to impose standards that I neither meant nor implied, that's your problem, not mine. And who the f*** brought up Britney Spears or "high volume"? Only you -- certainly not me. I sure as hell am no fan of Britney Spears. My low opinion of Ms. Merchant's voice has nothing to do with its volume or with its lack of resemblance to that of Britney Spears, nor did I say that it did. Careful with that straw man, Myrrh -- it's so big that you're in danger of starting a forest fire. As for the assertion that Merchant is musical because she writes her own music and plays: the ability to write music or play an instrument doesn't make you musical, any more than the ability to type and spell makes you a writer. (Danielle Steel, anyone?) To be musical, you need an understanding of phrasing and tone -- something Merchant utterly lacks. But hey, if you don't believe me, listen to her butcher "Because the Night." But if you like: IN MY OPINION, Natalie Merchant is unmusical, with a terrible, droning voice that sounds like nothing so much as an accordian that's been dropped from a sixth-story window. She wouldn't be able to phrase properly if you spotted her the p, h, r, and the s, and then let her buy two vowels. The high esteem in which she seems to be held in some quarters seems to come mostly from people who think anyone with a poor voice must a fortiori be a good musician, as long as she sings with "emotion" (vide Melissa Etheridge). But emoting means jacksh*t. The ability to emote on stage or in a studio doesn't mean you have musical talent; it means that you can emote, nothing more. I agree with Holborn. I was dragged to a concert of Merchant's and was amazed at how many people were so enamored of her. Her ego far outweighs her abilities. When 10,000 Maniacs emerged, I thought they were somewhat original, but I was in my early 20's, so a lot sounded new to me then. Her voice is grating, in my opinion, and on this track, it sounds like she's getting too old to sing. However, as Holborn stated so well, this is merely my OPINION, not a review. That is what this post is for, I believe. We're all here 'cause we love music. We may not agree on specifics, but it's great to have a forum where we can comment on what we hear on the "radio".
Holborn, you reach a level of vituperation I can only stand back and admire. The fact that your vitriol was matched, nay outmatched, by your perspicacity and judgement is, of course, an unlooked for bonus. No words I could find would not sound worse if she SANG them.
Posted 19 years ago by g1lgam3sh    [ Reply ]
Much of my admiration bleeds over from her stint with Maniacs, which was a very musical creation. I also groove on the unique vocal; keep putting it out, Natalie...
Posted 19 years ago by JJAB    [ Reply ]
Holborn Wrote: Well, Myrrh, since you're interested in deconstruction, let's deconstruct your post, shall we? I myself am pretty curious to know when "opinion" became synonymous with "music review." I certainly never said my one-line opinion was to be considered any sort of "music review" (either with or without sneer quotes). If you decide to impose standards that I neither meant nor implied, that's your problem, not mine. And who the f*** brought up Britney Spears or "high volume"? Only you -- certainly not me. I sure as hell am no fan of Britney Spears. My low opinion of Ms. Merchant's voice has nothing to do with its volume or with its lack of resemblance to that of Britney Spears, nor did I say that it did. Careful with that straw man, Myrrh -- it's so big that you're in danger of starting a forest fire. As for the assertion that Merchant is musical because she writes her own music and plays: the ability to write music or play an instrument doesn't make you musical, any more than the ability to type and spell makes you a writer. (Danielle Steel, anyone?) To be musical, you need an understanding of phrasing and tone -- something Merchant utterly lacks. But hey, if you don't believe me, listen to her butcher "Because the Night." But if you like: IN MY OPINION, Natalie Merchant is unmusical, with a terrible, droning voice that sounds like nothing so much as an accordian that's been dropped from a sixth-story window. She wouldn't be able to phrase properly if you spotted her the p, h, r, and the s, and then let her buy two vowels. The high esteem in which she seems to be held in some quarters seems to come mostly from people who think anyone with a poor voice must a fortiori be a good musician, as long as she sings with "emotion" (vide Melissa Etheridge). But emoting means jacksh*t. The ability to emote on stage or in a studio doesn't mean you have musical talent; it means that you can emote, nothing more. I agree with Holborn. I was dragged to a concert of Merchant's and was amazed at how many people were so enamored of her. Her ego far outweighs her abilities. When 10,000 Maniacs emerged, I thought they were somewhat original, but I was in my early 20's, so a lot sounded new to me then. Her voice is grating, in my opinion, and on this track, it sounds like she's getting too old to sing. However, as Holborn stated so well, this is merely my OPINION, not a review. That is what this post is for, I believe. We're all here 'cause we love music. We may not agree on specifics, but it's great to have a forum where we can comment on what we hear on the "radio".
Posted 20 years ago by Grantus    [ Reply ]
What has happened to her voice? Sounds like she's half swallowed something while singing. This so lacks the emotion of her Maniacs recodings.
Posted 20 years ago by pdhski    [ Reply ]
I have never heard this before, she sounds a little like Beth Orton on this one. I like it.
Posted 20 years ago by damien    [ Reply ]
NM seems like most polarizing of all the musicians on RP. I bought the album and I love it, but after seeing the range and depth of dislike/outright hatred of it on RP, I've realized just how strong people's feelings are when it comes to here. So I've stopped saying to friends "Isn't this great?" when it's playing at my place. Even though it is great :nodhead:
Posted 20 years ago by phineas    [ Reply ]
It is nice to see such an interest in Natalie, such an extended comment denotes a clear interest in her work. I myself I ammvery content with her music and singing abilities, always enjoying her appereance in RP. Thank Bill, and keep including her music on your programming!!!! holborne wrote:
Well, Myrrh, since you're interested in deconstruction, let's deconstruct your post, shall we? I myself am pretty curious to know when "opinion" became synonymous with "music review." I certainly never said my one-line opinion was to be considered any sort of "music review" (either with or without sneer quotes). If you decide to impose standards that I neither meant nor implied, that's your problem, not mine. And who the f*** brought up Britney Spears or "high volume"? Only you -- certainly not me. I sure as hell am no fan of Britney Spears. My low opinion of Ms. Merchant's voice has nothing to do with its volume or with its lack of resemblance to that of Britney Spears, nor did I say that it did. Careful with that straw man, Myrrh -- it's so big that you're in danger of starting a forest fire. As for the assertion that Merchant is musical because she writes her own music and plays: the ability to write music or play an instrument doesn't make you musical, any more than the ability to type and spell makes you a writer. (Danielle Steel, anyone?) To be musical, you need an understanding of phrasing and tone -- something Merchant utterly lacks. But hey, if you don't believe me, listen to her butcher "Because the Night." But if you like: IN MY OPINION, Natalie Merchant is unmusical, with a terrible, droning voice that sounds like nothing so much as an accordian that's been dropped from a sixth-story window. She wouldn't be able to phrase properly if you spotted her the p, h, r, and the s, and then let her buy two vowels. The high esteem in which she seems to be held in some quarters seems to come mostly from people who think anyone with a poor voice must a fortiori be a good musician, as long as she sings with "emotion" (vide Melissa Etheridge). But emoting means jacksh*t. The ability to emote on stage or in a studio doesn't mean you have musical talent; it means that you can emote, nothing more.
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
Knat o lee makes my skin crawl.. But I'd buy this disc if I hadn't already developed a harshly critical close minded opinion about her approach to songwriting and singing.. I like this song and performance so much... I just might pick it up. Can I still justify hating her other stuff? I'll ask my therapist... nothing to see here move on...
Posted 20 years ago by halcatus    [ Reply ]
I'm not sure when, but I think Natalie Merchant started a lyric-writing club with Delores O'Riordan of The Cranberries, and they started competing over who could repeat the same words and sounds the most in one song... Sad to say, I consider myself a former fan rather than current.
Posted 20 years ago by DBCinCA    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Myrrh: For today's exercise, let's deconstruct this "music review." M.
How about this for a review: Natalie Merchant sucks my ass!
Posted 21 years ago by eric    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by hibbyduck: Extremely well put, all of it. Thanks.
Well, Myrrh, since you're interested in deconstruction, let's deconstruct your post, shall we? I myself am pretty curious to know when "opinion" became synonymous with "music review." I certainly never said my one-line opinion was to be considered any sort of "music review" (either with or without sneer quotes). If you decide to impose standards that I neither meant nor implied, that's your problem, not mine. And who the f*** brought up Britney Spears or "high volume"? Only you -- certainly not me. I sure as hell am no fan of Britney Spears. My low opinion of Ms. Merchant's voice has nothing to do with its volume or with its lack of resemblance to that of Britney Spears, nor did I say that it did. Careful with that straw man, Myrrh -- it's so big that you're in danger of starting a forest fire. As for the assertion that Merchant is musical because she writes her own music and plays: the ability to write music or play an instrument doesn't make you musical, any more than the ability to type and spell makes you a writer. (Danielle Steel, anyone?) To be musical, you need an understanding of phrasing and tone -- something Merchant utterly lacks. But hey, if you don't believe me, listen to her butcher "Because the Night." But if you like: IN MY OPINION, Natalie Merchant is unmusical, with a terrible, droning voice that sounds like nothing so much as an accordian that's been dropped from a sixth-story window. She wouldn't be able to phrase properly if you spotted her the p, h, r, and the s, and then let her buy two vowels. The high esteem in which she seems to be held in some quarters seems to come mostly from people who think anyone with a poor voice must a fortiori be a good musician, as long as she sings with "emotion" (vide Melissa Etheridge). But emoting means jacksh*t. The ability to emote on stage or in a studio doesn't mean you have musical talent; it means that you can emote, nothing more.
Posted 22 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
God, she\'s awful. Totally unmusical, and a terrible, droning voice.
Posted 22 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
Hated her *whimpy* version of "Because the Night".. but this one is cool. My wife keeps asking "is this the new Beth Orton?".. probably why it sounds good.
Posted 22 years ago by MM    [ Reply ]
You know. Jerry\'s next telethon ought to be for Natalie -- to get the marbles out of her mouth and give her some diction lessons.
Posted 22 years ago by ndanger666    [ Reply ]
This is one of the best NM songs I\'ve heard played here on RP. Her latest stuff sounds really baaaad! I love her when she sings within her range.
Posted 22 years ago by laprincessa    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Stuart: I thought she was singing "Go Down Boy". That, combined with the title of the CD and the way she is singing it gives me the creeps! <>
Yep Stuart, that would be rather creepy. Good thing the song and album titles are displayed above! Natalie's voice is very well suited to this type of song-I agree with you PhotoshopGuy. I too like this.
Posted 22 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
I thought she was singing \"Go Down Boy\". That, combined with the title of the CD and the way she is singing it gives me the creeps! <>
Posted 22 years ago by Stuart    [ Reply ]
I love it, way to go Bill! :)
Posted 22 years ago by PierreP    [ Reply ]
Always love Natlie\'s stuff. So thoughtful, engaging. Lyrics are always right on. This song is no exception.
Posted 22 years ago by bdmorgan72    [ Reply ]