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Michael Penn — No Myth (acoustic)
Album: March
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2739









Released: 1988
Length: 3:46
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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So, she says it's time she goes
But wanted to be sure I know
She hopes we can be friends
I think, yeah, I guess we can say I
But didn't think to ask her why
She blocked her eyes and drew the curtains
With knots I've got yet to untie

What if I were Romeo in black jeans
What if I was Heathcliff, it's no myth
Maybe she's just looking for
Someone to dance with

See, it was just too soon to tell
And looking for some parallel
Can be an endless game
We, we said goodbye before hello
My secrets she will never know
And if I dig a hole to China
I'll catch the first junk to Soho

What if I were Romeo in black jeans
What if I was Heathcliff, it's no myth
Maybe she's just looking for
Someone to dance with

Sometime from now you'll bow to pressure
Some things in life you cannot measure by degrees
I'm between the poles and the equator
Don't send no private investigator to find me please
'Less he speaks Chinese
And can dance like Astaire overseas
Okay

What if I was
So, what if I was
Maybe she's just looking for
Someone to dance with

What if I was Romeo in black jeans
What if I was Heathcliff, it's no myth
Maybe she's just looking for
Someone to dance with
Comments (197)add comment
His first few albums were/are spectacular. Still sound fresh today. What happened to him? Hanging with brother Sean under a rock somewhere?
Posted 1 day ago by tripp1    [ Reply ]
The song reminds me of the end of 1989 when I was 25 years old and the man I passionately loved told me he didn't feel the same way. Not long after, he met the woman who would be come his wife.

When I look back, I feel such tender affection for the young woman I was.
Posted 2 months ago by Lucinda805    [ Reply ]
John Lennon influences
Posted 1 year ago by saamusic    [ Reply ]
 TLynneHenry wrote:


Close. This one has a brother as well.


i think 2 brothers, i believe.

sean and chris - though i think i heard chris passed away? he was a great actor.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:

Sounds like a Finn brother.



Close. This one has a brother as well.
Posted 2 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
 eye4u wrote:

Hi SirLars, it's from the album  Twee Meter Sessies vol 1 (1991). I have a few of those albums. It were the first Unplugged sessions by Jan Douwe Kroeske (I think).
Here is the link.

I also found this on ebay in the form of a promotional cd they released to promote the original album. Pretty rare, but it's out there...
Posted 2 years ago by wd_schocke    [ Reply ]
I really love this version of the song -- enough that I learned how to play it on guitar.  One of the first songs I learned that wasn't just a simple chord progression.

Posted 2 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
I love this!
Posted 3 years ago by dw    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:




I think a lot of women find a pudgy orange cat an irresistible romantic partner.  With many exceptions, of course. 
Posted 3 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
I loved Michael Penn when this came out… Super talented song writer.
Posted 3 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
 DaMoGan wrote:

Well, at least from a quick look at his Wikipedia page, it seems like he's done some film/TV music work.  He's also married to Aimee Mann, so maybe he's doing some collaborations with her, or just enjoying being the husband of Aimee Mann.




I would not say his talent went to waste. He gave us a great album and we are grateful. 
Posted 3 years ago by darrenwwwa    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:

Sounds like a Finn brother.



Definitely has a Crowded House Vibe.
Posted 3 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:




Wuthering Heights
Posted 3 years ago by lindaurq    [ Reply ]
Sounds like a Finn brother.
Posted 3 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Michael Penn released a new single two weeks ago. Both the song and the video are absolutely amazing. Please take a look on YouTube by searching "michael penn revival"

Posted 4 years ago by MIkePogo    [ Reply ]
Great segue from El Mountain by Gaye Delorme!
Posted 4 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
It'd be interesting to also play the original non-acoustic version once in a while.   This is a great track though.
Posted 4 years ago by Harlock    [ Reply ]
 bruceandjenna wrote:
Lovely.

Jeez, once again I can't get anything done when I'm sitting listening to RP thru the phones.  Particularly under a certain influence.
 

I know exactly what you mean.  
Posted 4 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
Lovely.

Jeez, once again I can't get anything done when I'm sitting listening to RP thru the phones.  Particularly under a certain influence.
Posted 4 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
 cbrandtbuffalo wrote:

I always assumed it was a reference to Wuthering Heights, but it's just a guess.
 
Accurate guess.


Posted 4 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

 
I always assumed it was a reference to Wuthering Heights, but it's just a guess.
Posted 4 years ago by cbrandtbuffalo    [ Reply ]
 the_jake wrote:
Who or what is Heathcliff referring to?
 Likely the same Heathcliff that Kate Bush was referring to in her song "Wuthering Heights", which is from the novel of the same name.  As ziggytrix posted earlier, it's probably not the cartoon, orange tabby.
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 the_jake wrote:
Who or what is Heathcliff referring to?


Of the top two Google results for Heathcliff, I'd guess its the OTHER one... but I might be wrong!
 

Posted 5 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 SirLars wrote:

I'm having the same problem... I love this track but can only find the full band version and this version is by far the best
 
 
Hi SirLars, it's from the album  Twee Meter Sessies vol 1 (1991). I have a few of those albums. It were the first Unplugged sessions by Jan Douwe Kroeske (I think).
Here is the link.
Posted 5 years ago by eye4u    [ Reply ]
 SirLars wrote:

I'm having the same problem... I love this track but can only find the full band version and this version is by far the best
 
 
Yes! It's not on March. I'd pay good money for a mp3 of this song.
Posted 5 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
Who or what is Heathcliff referring to?
Posted 5 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
This entire record is fantastic in my opinion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4xfE9OFq_A
Posted 5 years ago by lbaltz    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
This reminds me of a Beatles song.....   can't put my finger on which one.  

 
There's a lot of Beatles influence in his music.
Posted 7 years ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
I heard "What if I rodeoed in black jeans?". Not a problem at all...
Posted 7 years ago by mdnlsn    [ Reply ]
i love this song!
Posted 7 years ago by hellomarleen    [ Reply ]
 rpdevotee wrote:
Whatever happened to this guy?  I remember seeing Michael Penn do a free noon concert in San Francisco back in the mid 90's.
His album won "best new album" when it came out and then he virtually disappeared musically...sad.  I mean Penn wasn't just a one hit wonder because he had more than one hit on that first album.  I guess you could call him a "one album wonder", maybe.  Too bad, I was looking forward to hearing more good music from him—so much talent and potential gone to waste.  {#Ask}

 
Well, at least from a quick look at his Wikipedia page, it seems like he's done some film/TV music work.  He's also married to Aimee Mann, so maybe he's doing some collaborations with her, or just enjoying being the husband of Aimee Mann.


Posted 7 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
Sheesh, to me he drained the life right out of the original. 'BUM bumbum bumbum bumbum...'
Posted 7 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
Whatever happened to this guy?  I remember seeing Michael Penn do a free noon concert in San Francisco back in the mid 90's.
His album won "best new album" when it came out and then he virtually disappeared musically...sad.  I mean Penn wasn't just a one hit wonder because he had more than one hit on that first album.  I guess you could call him a "one album wonder", maybe.  Too bad, I was looking forward to hearing more good music from him—so much talent and potential gone to waste.  {#Ask}
Posted 7 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
This reminds me of a Beatles song.....   can't put my finger on which one.  

 
It might be "It's Only Love"; this song has a C - Am phrase which is also used in the intro to that song.  It's a standard, harmonic progression.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
has Romeo in Black Jeans done anything since?
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
This reminds me of a Beatles song.....   can't put my finger on which one.  

 
Norwegian wood?
Posted 8 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of a Beatles song.....   can't put my finger on which one.  
Posted 8 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
So Finn. And so good.
Posted 8 years ago by zedstation    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
Wonder if Sean Penn ever says, "You've probably heard of my brother ..." 

 
...or "or one of my ex-wives."
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I've heard this song a thousand time and I still do not know what "Synclafits no med" means.
Posted 9 years ago by BarrettBonden    [ Reply ]
Bumping an 8 up to a 9.  Love this song
Posted 9 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:
Love the Finn brothers.  But this isn't them.

 

But it is one of the Penn Brothers,,,,will that do?
Posted 9 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
Mr. Aimee Mann
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 helloitsme wrote:
Good song and interesting version.  Funny: I'm usually a fan of stripping away production in favor of a more open sound.  This, when compared with the original version, reminds me that really strong production can really "make" a pop song.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

 
I've often agreed with your point of view, except for Layla...but this I kind of like ...
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhh, spring and summer of 1990. Good times. Lots of good times and some sad ones, with this clever little song as accompaniment.
Posted 11 years ago by randyblew    [ Reply ]
So. Good. 
Posted 11 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
Love the Finn brothers.  But this isn't them.
Posted 11 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Good song and interesting version.  Funny: I'm usually a fan of stripping away production in favor of a more open sound.  This, when compared with the original version, reminds me that really strong production can really "make" a pop song.

And there's nothing wrong with that.
Posted 11 years ago by helloitsme    [ Reply ]
The wrong cover art displayed shouldn't annoy me when this version comes on...but it does...and I don't have the correct one to offer. I suppose I should find more important things to annoy oneself, huh?
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
I forgot how much I like this song...  {#Daisy}
Posted 11 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
Interesting the previous comment, last time this song followed Florence and the Machine, whose histrionic yodeling seems specific to whatever she is trippin on .... followed by a much more accessible artist, in a universal sense. Maybe Tori Amos On Steroids is a demographic now.


cShaggy wrote:
..nice follow to Flo's 'Breaking Down' acoustic..fits right in..
 


Posted 11 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
Wonder if Sean Penn ever says, "You've probably heard of my brother ..." 
Posted 11 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
..nice follow to Flo's 'Breaking Down' acoustic..fits right in..
Posted 12 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
If I remember correctly, the original radio version of this song was a demo that Michael Penn made himself.
Posted 12 years ago by dejapete    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:
Just tuned in, I almost mythed this one. {#Redface}
 
i almost said that.

i love this. both versions. he's great. 
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:
This version is so good but can't find it legally or otherwise.
 
I'm having the same problem... I love this track but can only find the full band version and this version is by far the best
 
Posted 12 years ago by SirLars    [ Reply ]
Just tuned in, I almost mythed this one. {#Redface}
Posted 12 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Nice. Nice sound, Lovely song
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
This version is so good but can't find it legally or otherwise.
Posted 12 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
 MiracleDrug wrote:
anybody that wants to kill Mike on here...

HE'S married to Aimee Mann...

YOU'RE not...

 
Lucky guy!
Posted 12 years ago by Euskadita    [ Reply ]
I saw Michael Penn at a free concert in San Francisco back when this was popular.
It was great.

This was a really good album with a lot of good songs on it...
I believe Michael wonbest new musician of the year at the time it came out.  
Unfortunately, nothing came after...sad.  Such potential! 
Posted 12 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
Whoa, major flashback.
Heard this a gazillion times, 20 years ago, but not since. Yes, acoustic.
Nice.
I'm probably good for another 5 years or so.

Posted 13 years ago by ce    [ Reply ]
 whtahtefcuk wrote:
Good... But over played to my ears...
 
Maybe two decades ago.  But not now.  And certainly not this version.
Posted 13 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Good... But over played to my ears...
Posted 13 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
So good. 
Posted 13 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
anybody that wants to kill Mike on here...

HE'S married to Aimee Mann...

YOU'RE not...

Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
Hard to believe that it's almost as many years (22) from this album till now as it is from Rubber Soul (the previous track) to this album (24 years).
Posted 13 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 johnjconn wrote:
Huey - the only painful item here is your review. A "3"??
Lady Gaga gets a 3!
This isn't 10, but maybe a 7 or 8,,,, never a 3

 Huey wrote:
I find this painfull. Sorry. 3.
 
 
Don't feel too bad; Dewey gave it an 8 and Louie gave it a 9.

Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I find this painfull. Sorry. 3.
Posted 13 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
He did a fine job with this version, nice interpretation and rearrangement.{#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
he's got a serious Kevin Danzig thing going on, that's a real good thing
Posted 13 years ago by spigolli    [ Reply ]
Kissing my fingertips!!!!
Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 Businessgypsy wrote:
Apropos of? Really like Michael Penn's writing (and that of the Mann he's married to). A match made in my-name-ends-in-double-nn heaven. Wish they wouldn't assume having a deft hand with a tune qualifies them to bark political direction, but it seems to be going around.

 
Yeah, Toby Keith and Zak Wylde really get on my nerves, too! {#Roflol}
Posted 13 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
thought i was hearing a crowded house track i hadn't heard before; not bad though
Posted 13 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]
 RonaldH wrote:
The version I heard today (9/16) is originally from the cd collection '2 meter de lucht in' (2 meters into the air), a beautiful collection of acoustic songs performed on the dutch radio. I hope to hear a lot more from these!
 
Wish I could find it somewhere.
Posted 14 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
lemmoth wrote:
His brother is a huge star and his woman is a better songwriter than he...
Apropos of? Really like Michael Penn's writing (and that of the Mann he's married to). A match made in my-name-ends-in-double-nn heaven. Wish they wouldn't assume having a deft hand with a tune qualifies them to bark political direction, but it seems to be going around.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
His brother is a huge star and his woman is a better songwriter than he.  But this is a good tune.

I also like Michael and Aimee's version of Two of Us from the I Am Sam soundtrack
Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 cathenley wrote:
Always loved this song - and this version!

- Thanks Rebecca and Bill (am now going to always put Rebecca in front of Bill because she deserves just as much acknowledgement as he does!! Rebecca Rocks {#Dancingbanana_2} )

 
Second that! {#High-five}  And I like this version much better than the lame A.M. hard-sell version.   He's got a lot of other good stuff, too. If I can find it in my library, I'll try to upload a few cuts for review.  Don't hold your breath. {#Daisy}

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
sure do love to dance
Posted 14 years ago by peacockangel    [ Reply ]
Always liked this song, and this version is even better.
Posted 14 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
Baby_M wrote:
This one's always been a little hit and myth for me.

{#Cheesygrin}
 
{#Lol} Well done!
Drop and give me 20, right now! Both of you! {#Naughty} {#Roflol}{#Yes}
Posted 14 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 rluking wrote:
This version isn't from March.  Anyone know where it came from?
 
 RonaldH wrote:
The version I heard today (9/16) is originally from the cd collection '2 meter de lucht in' (2 meters into the air), a beautiful collection of acoustic songs performed on the dutch radio. I hope to hear a lot more from these!
  

Posted 14 years ago by themotion    [ Reply ]
love this song; any version!{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
his literary allusions made me fall in love with him way back when ... the song still casts a spell and makes me stop and sigh and wax nostalgic {#Lol}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
1989.  living at home.  parents away. in my (dark) living room.  ahhhh the memories...  love this adult version!
Posted 15 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
This version isn't from March.  Anyone know where it came from?
Posted 15 years ago by rluking    [ Reply ]
Wow, never heard this version before.  I like it!
Posted 15 years ago by mrandrew    [ Reply ]
 Baby_M wrote:
This one's always been a little hit and myth for me.

{#Cheesygrin}
 
{#Lol} Well done!

Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
This one's always been a little hit and myth for me.

{#Cheesygrin}
Posted 15 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
More Penn genius.
His catalog is rich and intoxicating !

Please.
Posted 15 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
Always loved this song - and this version!

- Thanks Rebecca and Bill (am now going to always put Rebecca in front of Bill because she deserves just as much acknowledgement as he does!! Rebecca Rocks {#Dancingbanana_2} )

Posted 15 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]
I just watched the New Year arrive in New York on the NBC.  I turned it on about 3 mins before the hour, and turned it off about 2 mins after.  Back to RP.  Happy New Year everyone!
Posted 15 years ago by Zeito    [ Reply ]
Can't believe this song is almost 20 years old!
Tempus fugit.....
Posted 15 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
Great Version !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by KennyShabs    [ Reply ]
 jameyp wrote:
this is and always will be a really GOOD SONG {#Sunny}
 

True dat! Great job!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
this is and always will be a really GOOD SONG {#Sunny}
Posted 16 years ago by jameyp    [ Reply ]
Weird. Second time today I've heard an acoustic cover and thought, "Hmm, I like the original studio version better."

Posted 16 years ago by vivakitty    [ Reply ]
Jacksonstat wrote:
Love it.
my upload! me too. ok it wasn't an upload. it was a cd sent in. but still.
Posted 16 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
joshfm wrote:
Sean Penn: Kick-ass rable-rouser Chris Penn: Faded Glory Michael Penn: One-hit Wonder
One hit wonder? Maybe. But he has had some great songs since then. Oh, are you one who thinks only the good stuff makes it on clear channel?
Posted 16 years ago by mfassett    [ Reply ]
Love it.
Posted 16 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
i love grown up versions of songs from my youth!!!!!! ewwww it's giving me the chills!
Posted 16 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
"This n That" should be on the playlist too...
Posted 17 years ago by fudgeland    [ Reply ]
joshfm wrote:
Sean Penn: Kick-ass rable-rouser Chris Penn: Faded Glory Michael Penn: One-hit Wonder
Chris Penn died a few years ago, dude
Posted 17 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Sean Penn: Kick-ass rable-rouser Chris Penn: Faded Glory Michael Penn: One-hit Wonder
Posted 17 years ago by joshfm    [ Reply ]
Always loved this song. Strange he released this version...
Posted 17 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
I don't think he had met Aimee when he recorded this one. lmic wrote:
I love this. And call me crazy, but I also hear the influence of his wife Aimee Mann's sort of staccato vocal pacing in this version. Nice. 8
Posted 17 years ago by KermitDfrog    [ Reply ]
Nicely re-done
Posted 17 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
The version I heard today (9/16) is originally from the cd collection '2 meter de lucht in' (2 meters into the air), a beautiful collection of acoustic songs performed on the dutch radio. I hope to hear a lot more from these!
Posted 17 years ago by RonaldH    [ Reply ]
let's not forget the late chris penn as well. hcaudill wrote:
Huh - never knew Michael Penn is Sean Penn's brother. AllMusic
Posted 17 years ago by Augustus    [ Reply ]
Well, we're having quite the unplugged morning. I always liked this song, no matter how many times I heard it on the radio.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
I love this. And call me crazy, but I also hear the influence of his wife Aimee Mann's sort of staccato vocal pacing in this version. Nice. 8
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
JWU42 wrote:
Never heard this version before... This is an oldie but goody!
This is from the "No Myth" CD single, not "March".
Posted 17 years ago by bigB_3    [ Reply ]
ciabates wrote:
I love you for playing this song.
I love you even though you are playing this song.
Posted 17 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
Could you please stop playing music for a while so I can go get some lunch? Thank you.
Posted 17 years ago by MtnGoat    [ Reply ]
Never heard this version before... This is an oldie but goody!
Posted 17 years ago by JWU42    [ Reply ]
"Romeo in black jeans"--yeah, I get it, and I would like to like Michael Penn, but the vocal quality says to me, "Ah, whatthehell, better sing before I fall asleep."
Posted 17 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
Though I prefer the original this is still damn good. Just a great song any way you slice it up.
Posted 17 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
I love you for playing this song.
Posted 17 years ago by ciabates    [ Reply ]
This song is still good. There needs to be more acoustic sounding songs like this out there...
Posted 17 years ago by koryreagan    [ Reply ]
I agree, I miss the original's energy. I have the original on 90s collection, too.
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]