I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore

Album: Dusty in Memphis (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was one of the first songs written by Randy Newman, who became one of the most popular songwriters in the industry. He was working as a staff writer at Liberty Music. Newman writes in a variety of styles, and "I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore" is a story song, about a kid living in a small apartment building who hears the disputes of the neighbors through the thin walls.
  • Jerry Butler was the first to record this song. The Soul singer released it as a single in 1964, but it failed to chart. The most popular version of the song was released in 1969 by Dusty Springfield. It "bubbled under" on the Hot 100 chart at #105, and was an integral part of her famous album Dusty in Memphis.
  • Shelby Lynne recorded this for the 2008 Dusty Springfield tribute album Just A Little Lovin'. It didn't take much prodding for Lynne to record it, as she felt a connection with the late singer that made it easy to slip into her songs. "She has such a kind of sultry way of tellin' a poignant story," Lynne said. "That's the great thing about Dusty, she could tell a story. A great interpreter can always make you believe what they're saying, and that's one of the things that sold me about Dusty's singin'. Her heart, her soul believed what she was singin'. That's what makes great singers."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.