Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)

Album: not on an album (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lauryn Hill pleaded guilty in 2012 of failing to report income of more than $1.8 million between 2005 and 2007. The former Fugees singer signed a last minute deal with Sony to record five new songs plus an album, which enabled her to partly repay her debts. This cut, in which Hill dismisses 2013 as "a joke time, [a] metaphorical coke time," was her first release under the agreement, her first new music since "Repercussions" leaked in 2010.
  • The song was made available by Hill on May 4, 2013, dubbed by the singer as the "Compulsory Mix." She added a link in which Hill stated that she would not have made the tune public so quickly had it not been for her legal problems.
  • Hill was sentenced to three months in prison a couple of days after the song's release for her failure to pay taxes. The sentence also came with three months of home confinement.
  • Such lyrics as "greedy men and pride fiends," followed by "drag queens" sparked controversy for its seemingly anti-gay message. Hill addressed these issues in an open letter on her Tumblr page saying that the song is "not targeting any particular group;" adding that is "targeting everyone in our society who hides behind neurotic behavior, rather than deal with it."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

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.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

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.