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Barenaked Ladies — Call and Answer
Album: Stunt
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2770









Released: 1998
Length: 5:41
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I think it's getting to the point
where I can be myself again
I think it's getting to the point
where we have almost made amends
I think it's the getting to the point
that is the hardest part

and if you call, I will answer
and if you fall, I'll pick you up
and if you court this disaster
I'll point you home

You think I only think about you
when we're both in the same room
You think I'm only here to witness
the remains of love exhumed
You think we're here to play
a game of who loves more than whom

and if you call, I will answer
and if you fall, I'll pick you up
and if you court this disaster
I'll point you home

You think it's only fair to do what's
best for you and you alone
You think it's only fair to do the same to me when you're not home
I think it's time to make this something that is
more than only fair

so if you call, I will answer
and if you fall, I'll pick you up
and if you court this disaster
I'll point you home

But I'm warning you, don't ever do
those crazy, messed-up things that you do
If you ever do,
I promise you I'll be the first to crucify you
Now it's time to prove that you've come back
here to rebuild
Rebulid...
Comments (224)add comment
Up from 7 to 8 for now ...
this is a fantastic song…  BNL doesn’t get enough airplay here
 Iggis wrote:

sound like  Beautiful South



They purposely emulate their lead singer in their song Happy Hour 
Thought it was The Beautiful South when I first heard this. Very easy on the ear
Very close to my personal relationship with someone.  Could have written it myself.  I owe BNL a debt of gratitude.  Thank you for capturing the essence of redemption.
My favourite Barenaked Ladies song :)
 Iggis wrote:

sound like  Beautiful South



Totally agree. I thought it was Paul Heaton singing . Decent easy-listener though
Oh man I'm gonna miss "Stairway to Heaven"!
 Btravelen wrote:
Cannot believe the low rating for this awesome song.. I did my part bring it up  


I find it quite surprising myself. 
Nerd Rock at it's finest.
Wow! My office mate and I were JUST talking about BNL and suddenly this song comes on! Bill? Are you listening to my conversations, now?
Great song! Steven Page was incredibly creative, and his voice was distinctive - hough my wife never liked it. It was a shame when Steven went over the top (or whatever it was). I don't know much of the story, but his departure  was a huge loss. 
The new website is amazing and far out.
I like a lot of BNL, but this is my favorite by far.
Steven Page's voice is soooo good. Takes me back to early 90's at the Winnipeg Folk Festival.  The young  version of the Barenaked Ladies were such great performers. 
 brighteyedblasphemer wrote:

One of my favourite songs from an underrated band. This song always gets to me. It's simple, it's genuine, and very beautiful. I adore it, and never tire of hearing it. I think, it's getting to the point where I can be myself again. I think, it's getting to the point where we have almost made amends. I think, it's getting to the point that is the hardest part...



Despite veering close to novelty territory at times, they had a couple of those. I always really loved the song "Jane." 
As a general rule, I'd say that their deeper tracks have more to offer than the pocket-lint type fluff that got all the commercial radio play... definitely worthy of an album dive or two...
 Canadese wrote:

Too soppy



It seems more bitter and jaded than sweet, especially with that last bit.
"Yooouuuuu stink."
 brighteyedblasphemer wrote:

One of my favourite songs from an underrated band. This song always gets to me. It's simple, it's genuine, and very beautiful. I adore it, and never tire of hearing it. I think, it's getting to the point where I can be myself again. I think, it's getting to the point where we have almost made amends. I think, it's getting to the point that is the hardest part...



I'm not so certain about Barenaked Ladies being underrated, as they sold over 15 million albums
Too soppy
 Fiddlefye wrote:



We always called it 'Outer Scarberia'.


We just called it Scarberia!!!
Rebulid...
Bill's got a 1998 thang goin on here
Brilliant song from the BNL.  Known more for their lighter material they are great songwriters. Still going strong in Canada.  
 OhCanada67 wrote:



Scarborough boys!!!!!



We always called it 'Outer Scarberia'.


"Morning Has Broken" is a hymn that was included in many of the church hymnals after it first appeared in 1931. The author was Eleanor Farjeon who lived from 1881 to 1965 and had a number of poems and other literary works to her credit. It was relatively unknown until 1971 when Cat Stevens featured it on his album ”Teaser and the Firecat”.

Cannot believe the low rating for this awesome song.. I did my part bring it up  
 ThePoose wrote:

Love my Ontario (Canada, not California) homies!




Scarborough boys!!!!!
sound like  Beautiful South
All Class 10
 murdog wrote:
As Canadians, we're trained to hate those who sell out and go down south, but c'mon, this song is lovely, though I'll admit I haven't listened to anything after Gordon, which is a stellar album, start to finish.
 Different ears, different thoughts.  I thought Gordon was painful.  This I can listen to.

As Canadians, we're trained to hate those who sell out and go down south, but c'mon, this song is lovely, though I'll admit I haven't listened to anything after Gordon, which is a stellar album, start to finish.
I saw them at Milwaukee Summerfest just before they really blew up in the 1990's. They were in a smaller stage and on during the day. I wandered over as they were warming up and stayed for the entire performance. I was up against the stage and arms length away from one of the speakers. A pleasant memory, mac n' cheese shower and all...
Not the first Barenaked Ladies song I would pick to play but...whatever...
 brighteyedblasphemer wrote:
One of my favourite songs from an underrated band. This song always gets to me. It's simple, it's genuine, and very beautiful. I adore it, and never tire of hearing it. I think, it's getting to the point where I can be myself again. I think, it's getting to the point where we have almost made amends. I think, it's getting to the point that is the hardest part...
 

Completely agree, except this isn't a simple song at all. Complex harmonies and song structure. But I get your point. 
BNL is great. This is extra poignant for them. Good for a Friday morning.
Pre-9/11 melancholy does not resonate. 
Addiction?
Very very nice tune!! ❤️🎶❤️
As said below, one of their best, one of those songs that makes you stop what you're doing and listen
One of their best.
I recently caught a few episodes of Steven Page's "The Hilarious World of Depression" and thought it was quite good. It gave me a new perspective on the band and their music, and how some of their seemingly upbeat songs had a bit of a darker tone. I think the podcast was recently discontinued, but the episodes are funny, poignant and real. Worth a listen for sure
nice piano work there near the end
Had to up my score all the way to Godlike, because this song is absolutely perfect...
 Jamer2k41 wrote:
first time i have heard this band....lovely...
 
they are really good!
 brighteyedblasphemer wrote:
One of my favourite songs from an underrated band. This song always gets to me. It's simple, it's genuine, and very beautiful. I adore it, and never tire of hearing it. I think, it's getting to the point where I can be myself again. I think, it's getting to the point where we have almost made amends. I think, it's getting to the point that is the hardest part...
 
My first time hearing this one! Wow! What a gorgeous song!
first time i have heard this band....lovely...
Great band, wonderful song!
I absolutely love this song. A simple melody and some poignant lyrics from a band that had fun and had some chops too. They disapeared far too quickly.
 dabeyc wrote:
i enjoy hearing this. 
 

Me too.
 brighteyedblasphemer wrote:
One of my favourite songs from an underrated band. This song always gets to me. It's simple, it's genuine, and very beautiful. I adore it, and never tire of hearing it. I think, it's getting to the point where I can be myself again. I think, it's getting to the point where we have almost made amends. I think, it's getting to the point that is the hardest part...
 
They are def underrated.
 ThePoose wrote:
You have not heard about them because they are Canadian. Takes far longer for us talented Canucks to get recognized in the United Snakes, right, Neil, Leonard, and Joni?

 
justin4kick wrote:
Never heard them before. Now I know that I rather see barenaked ladies than hear them.
 

 
United Snakes, eh?  At least in Washington Snake we think highly off our friendly neighbors to the (Great White) North, except in Bellingham (and surely other border areas) at the Costco gas station...that's when our snakiest comes out ;-) 
i enjoy hearing this. 
You have not heard about them because they are Canadian. Takes far longer for us talented Canucks to get recognized in the United Snakes, right, Neil, Leonard, and Joni?

 
justin4kick wrote:
Never heard them before. Now I know that I rather see barenaked ladies than hear them.
 

Love my Ontario (Canada, not California) homies!
 easmann wrote:
Not generally a fan of these guys but I was struck by the beauty of this song. Nice.
 
Yes, it's a well-crafted song, nice chords.  I not a big fan of these guys either but I admire that they don't take themselves too seriously - they make music and have fun.
Difficult to rate this.

I was tempted to give it a 6 but the lyrics push it to a 7.

And I agree with the earlier comments about seeing them in concert. Extremely tight band.

I haven't seen them in many years but I remember a weird highlight of one concert was a funny, almost spoken word poem set to music about the lead singer having missed his ride to the show that night and having to drive a rental in a snow storm to make it.
I am a fan of the band. I have seen them live a couple times and Gordon is one of my favorite albums. This song just bores me though. Sorry, not a fan of this one.
I've always been impressed that the Barenaked Ladies could write a song like, If I Had a Million Dollars, and then write a soulful lament like this.  Now that's what I call a wide range in songwriting!  And I like their rendition of Lovers in a Dangerous Time as much as Bruce Cockburn's original.  Truly a talented group of musicians!
Never heard them before. Now I know that I rather see barenaked ladies than hear them.
Finally claimed a tear from the Bristol office.  Gets a firm 10 now.  Superb stuff.  Simple production yet beautifully presented.
21 years old. Wow.
This makes me feel good, even though it is "down".  You pick me up....
And, now it's time to prove that you've come back here to rebuild.  What more can we ask?  And now...it is your turn.  Rebuild.  


Despite some triumphs, they never surpassed “Jane” for me
 melzabutch wrote:
They are awesome in concert.  Rarely do you show up at concert see a trully tight band playing and having fun, and making the audience laugh.  Look forward to the next time I can see them.

 
Like
 easmann wrote:
Not generally a fan of these guys but I was struck by the beauty of this song. Nice.
DaidyBoy wrote:

Same here.  This a lovely piece of work.  8 from me today.

 
Agreed 100% with both of you - and I have this at an 8 too.  I also like the last verse; lyrics like these make me think of Bob Dylan's influence and expansion of themes of the typical "love" song. 

But I'm warning you, don't ever do
Those crazy, messed-up things that you do
If you ever do
I promise you I'll be the first to crucify you
Now it's time to prove that you've come back here to rebuild

And had I listened to this when it came out in 1999, it easily would have been dedicated to my soon-to-be ex-GF (who would also be my GF and ex-GF again in a year, and who would still "visit" me even after she was married) cuz that was for sure some crazy and messed-up things.

...or maybe this should have been her (1st) husband's song to her....

(and in a few songs BillG plays the somewhat lackluster Oasis offering "Champagne Supernova" - with lyrics that seem to sum-up some certain feelings but ultimately feels like a grade school attempt at poetry.)  Still...PEACE and Long Live RP!!
I've always thought this song and "In the Car" were their high point. Great songs.
Lone them, almost everything they do. Love Aluminum the best, and The Old Apartment. They are truly, genuinely talented. Something for Everyone is one of their strongest albums after this one. Live, they are amazing, have seen them 3 times, and took our kids once.
 easmann wrote:
Not generally a fan of these guys but I was struck by the beauty of this song. Nice.

 
Same here.  This a lovely piece of work.  8 from me today.
Brilliant in concert, and rarely do you show up at a music venue and laugh your ass off as well.  Tight musicians and great showman.  Saw them two days in a  row when I worked security at Jones Beach in 1990's and each night was totally different.  
Not generally a fan of these guys but I was struck by the beauty of this song. Nice.
They are awesome in concert.  Rarely do you show up at concert see a trully tight band playing and having fun, and making the audience laugh.  Look forward to the next time I can see them.
 fitzworld wrote:

Love "asshat"! Thanks for the laugh!

 
Love the sound of asshat,,, but what is it....
 Hannio wrote:
I dunno.  This guy just comes across like a total asshat.
 
Love "asshat"! Thanks for the laugh!
Good to hear this is still in the rotation !

 
I dunno.  This guy just comes across like a total asshat.

I think I'm over these guys.

 shayde wrote:
I adore this track... talk about something that's fantastic to sing along with particularly on long road trips.  :)  

Still gives me chills.
 
 
{#Clap}

I adore this track... talk about something that's fantastic to sing along with particularly on long road trips.  :)  

Still gives me chills.
 
beautiful voice, great song
 cosmiclint wrote:
I guess this song has been around long enough to bump up to 9. Think this is one of their strongest efforts.
  AGREED! This is one of my favorites of theirs. A solid 9! {#Biggrin}


I've never been a fan of this band (with the exception of their cover of Bruce Cockburn's "Lovers in a Dangerous Time") but I saw them recently on Leno sans their lead singer, who got dumped from the band after a drug conviction, and I thought their new song was excellent. As for this one, it does nothing for me.
I guess this song has been around long enough to bump up to 9. Think this is one of their strongest efforts.
Sounds like a mixture between Beatles and U2, but not bad!
not so much
The only song of theirs I can stand... 
govna wrote:
     
no. no. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
nalle wrote:


yes. yes. YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
...touchais.

whoa dude get over the navel gazing.
 Lonestar wrote:
Stephen Page recently left the band — wonder if they'll continue on without him?
 
What took him so long? IMHO BNL has been pretty much Page's vehicle since Born on a Pirate Ship. BNL was a too highly talented a band to labor under the influence of one member only, but indeed it did for too long. Let's see if Robertson, Stewart, et al., can soldier on in the best Ladies' tradition.

 alanthecowboy wrote:

I guess it's insight like this that separates the record producers from the corporate trainers. 

 
{#Lol}


Stephen Page recently left the band — wonder if they'll continue on without him?
 bobrk wrote: 
I wonder If next song will be..."did you get my message" from Jason Mraz.

 wferrier wrote:
 

This would have been really nice had they played the rhythm guitar on a Martin acoustic, hired someone who knew how to bring the best out of that instrument, ran it through a tubehead, and slowed the tempo down a hair.



 

Hilarious!   You sound like an obsessive editor who automatically rewrites everything read.  LOL!  Actually most really good editors do that.... to begin with, and then learn to shut it off.

That said, I think I see your point.... notwithstanding that this ain't a bad song and nobody in my books gets a free pass for simply being a "Canadian".    (Especially, and I mean especially in the world of popular music.)


 Shimmer wrote:

Huh? The words are: But I'm warning you, don't ever do
those crazy, messed up things that you do
If you ever do, I promise you
I'll be the first to crucify you
How is that a heartfelt plea for anything? Sounds like a threat to me - shape up, or I'll rip you apart.
 
The melody and those sarcastic lyrics remind me a lot of "Beautiful South"
Nice song! really relaxing :)
always liked the simple melody, slightly melancholy flow of this one...
 wferrier wrote:
 

This would have been really nice had they played the rhythm guitar on a Martin acoustic, hired someone who knew how to bring the best out of that instrument, ran it through a tubehead, and slowed the tempo down a hair.



 
I guess it's insight like this that separates the record producers from the corporate trainers. 

 dunno wrote:
another band that is a fraud. none of be good tanyas is named tanya, none of the whailin jennys is named jenny, and the barenaked ladies are neither naked nor ladies. what has become of this world ?

 
I should point out that all of your examples are only 'half' frauds.  The Be Good Tanya's might be viewed by some as 'good', The Wailin Jenny's sort of 'wail', and the Barenaked Ladies are presumably naked at some point during the day.

 

This would have been really nice had they played the rhythm guitar on a Martin acoustic, hired someone who knew how to bring the best out of that instrument, ran it through a tubehead, and slowed the tempo down a hair.



One of the first songs I uploaded after joining nearly 7 years ago.  Glad to see it still gets some play time, it's still one of my favorites.
These guys just never lived up to the excitement promised in their name.

 govna wrote:
no.  no.  NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

yes. yes. YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
no.  no.  NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
another band that is a fraud. none of be good tanyas is named tanya, none of the whailin jennys is named jenny, and the barenaked ladies are neither naked nor ladies. what has become of this world ?
E_A_D_G wrote:
Shimmer wrote:
The vocal line at the end is beautiful, even if the words are nasty.
A heartfelt plea for reconciliation sans the original catalyst for hearts torn asunder. Beautifully stated indeed.
Huh? The words are: But I'm warning you, don't ever do those crazy, messed up things that you do If you ever do, I promise you I'll be the first to crucify you How is that a heartfelt plea for anything? Sounds like a threat to me - shape up, or I'll rip you apart.
Taraincognito wrote:
Ever love somebody who was too self destructive to love you back?
Yes, and whenever I hear this song I wish he would hurry up and call so I can answer!
Ever love somebody who was too self destructive to love you back?
raw lyrics smooth tune beautiful
The new CD is out today
Shimmer wrote:
The vocal line at the end is beautiful, even if the words are nasty.
A heartfelt plea for reconciliation sans the original catalyst for hearts torn asunder. Beautifully stated indeed.
Not bad for the first of the year on a cold gray winter's day. Normally don't love these guys but this song is pretty good. If only they didn't do the NY lotto theme song, I could take them about as seriously as I do Cracker!
I'm always amazed at how crass and untastefull most on this board seem to be when they don't like a song... if you don't like it....great I'm happy you have tastes that differ from the writer of the song that offends you so......but the world we live in could use a little civility.
The vocal line at the end is beautiful, even if the words are nasty.
What's not to like. That vocal hook could stop a clock.
LizDeines wrote:
... Beautiful. I'm glad I discovered RP.
Me too! Love this trak!
TJOpootertoot wrote:
That's funny - they were one of my fave bands WHEN I discovered indepedent music. But I guess you had to be in Toronto in 1991.
...ditto! ...was at University in Guelph, Ontario in 1991 and these guys came to play! talk about a good band to party to (when your of that particular University age) ...awesome and so full of talent and energy you just had to love these guys, and the music they have produced since continues to impress me ...even though I am no longer of that particular University age :-(
My favorite Canadian band is the Guess Who, but these guys have a just chillin', dont take oneself too seriously acoustic feel to them that is nice...
What makes this song a 9 for me is that all vocals are done by one guy. Steven Page does both the lead and the background, and somebody did a hell of a mixing job.