You Handsome Devil

Maggie says:
While Marjorie's talking race and Willie Wonka and Mikaela's working hard on her thesis across the table from me, I'm feeling unfocused. As usual. But really, wouldn't it be tough for you to write about organizing in ABQ when there are things like election results coming in, playoff scores to mourn, and a surprisingly good mix of music being randomly selected by your computer... all while you're trying to write? That's what I thought.

What I love about having loads of music on my laptop is that it gives me what I least expect. Like Damien Rice for starters, followed by the Buena Vista Social Club, then the Red Hot Chili Peppers, then Iron and Wine. I just heard a Smiths classic that reminds me exactly why I love the Smiths so much: not because they kept me company in adolescence (which they did), but because they make me laugh. And not a belly laugh, but a wry chuckle and smile at how damn clever they are.

So to my M-comrades who are working harder than me right now, here's one of my old faves, the Smiths' ode to being smart and lustful and juvenile and academic at the same time. A combination we should all stir around in once in a while, I'd say. Here's to just sitting in it.

You Handsome Devil
All the streets are crammed with things
eager to be held
I know what hands are for
and I'd like to help myself
you ask me the time
but I sense something more
and I would like to give you
what I think you're asking for
you handsome devil
you handsome devil

Let me get my hands
on your mammary glands
and let me get your head
on the conjugal bed
I say, I say, I say

I crack the whip
and you skip
but you deserve it
you deserve it, deserve it, deserve it

A boy in the bush
is worth two in the hand
I think I can help you get through your exams
oh you handsome devil

Let me get my hands
on your mammary glands
and let me get your head
on the conjugal bed
I say, I say, I say

I crack the whip
and you skip
but you deserve it
you deserve it, deserve it, deserve it

And when we're in your scholarly room
who will swallow whom?
and when we're in your scholarly room
who will swallow whom?
you handsome devil

Let me get my hands
on your mammary glands
and let me get your head
on the conjugal bed
I say, I say, I say

There's more to life than books you know
but not much more
oh you handsome devil