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Tori Amos — Playboy Mommy
Album: from the choirgirl hotel
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 774









Released: 1998
Length: 4:04
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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In my platforms I hit the floor
Fell face down didn't help my brain out
Then the baby came before I found
The magic how to keep her happy
I never was the fantasy
Of what you want wanted me to be

But don't judge me so harsh little girl
So you've got a playboy mommy
But when you tell them my name and
You want to cross that bridge all on your own

Little girl they'll do you no harm
Because they know your playboy mommy
But when you tell them my name
From here to Birmingham, I got a few friends

I never was there, was there when it counts
I get my way you're so like me
You seemed ashamed, ashamed that I was
A good friend of American soldiers
I'll say it loud here by your grave
Those angels can't ever take my place

Don't judge me so harsh little girl
You got a playboy mommy
But when you tell them my name and
You want to cross that bridge all on your own

Little girl they'll do you no harm
Because they know your playboy mommy
But you just tell them my name
You tell them my name, I got a few friends

Somewhere where the orchids grow
I can't find those church bells
That played when you died
Played Gloria, talking about Hosanna

Don't judge me so harsh little girl
You got a playboy mommy come home
But when you tell them soldiers my name
You cross that bridge all on your own

Little girl they'll do you no harm
'Cause they know your playboy mommy
But I'll be home, I'll be home
To take you in my arms
Comments (101)add comment
I always learn from Tori's music.
Posted 1 year ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
Wow.  Powerful lyrics. 

I'm an immature and childish father (at age 63), who knows a few playboy mommies.  I feel for the narrator.  That's a tough life.
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Feel like I'm listening to the Tori Amos channel on Pandora.
Less Tori, please!
Posted 5 years ago by dianed    [ Reply ]
best sequence of characters with no intellectual content whatever - from 11 years ago :

WTF is blech?
Posted 5 years ago by dziebell    [ Reply ]
The heavy breathing is  annoying.
Posted 5 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 geavis wrote:
Please play fewer Tori Amos songs.
 

none would be ok too.
Posted 5 years ago by SuperWeh    [ Reply ]
She's really talented, but her overt sexuality (causing the audible breathing and piano bench writhing) is so distracting that it overpowers her musicianship.  
Posted 5 years ago by radiomao    [ Reply ]
Tschüss Kindergarten. I switch to AccuRadio
Posted 6 years ago by peter.gerzner    [ Reply ]
 FlatCat wrote:
Oh god, the breathing. I get asthma occasionally, and the rasping is making me panic. 
 
i know
sounds like she needs to use her inhaler
Posted 6 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Oh god, the breathing. I get asthma occasionally, and the rasping is making me panic. 
Posted 6 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
Tori Amos... what's the point?
Posted 6 years ago by crackker8385    [ Reply ]
Tori Amos once quoted that strait men do not relate to her music. Oh how relieved I feel.
Posted 6 years ago by jacopo_7    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear her sing she sounds like she's on the verge of bursting into tears. 
Posted 6 years ago by Lonestar    [ Reply ]
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3c/FromTheChoirgirl.jpg https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1d/American_Stars%27n%27Bars.jpg
Perhaps they went drinking together?  ; )
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I'll always find pleasure in TA
Posted 7 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
 Mandible wrote:

But you know that saying, Bad things don't happen to good people? 
— Tori; Q Magazine, May 1998

 
Just curious, has anyone here ever heard anyone say that ever?  I've heard some variant of "why do bad things happen to good people?" many times, but never "they don't."
Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 Phlegmaticman wrote:

No one has compared her to Kate Bush since 2008.

 
{#Lol}
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
use your inhaler, Tori!
Posted 7 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
 MrsTom wrote:
I'm just here for the comments.....
 
No one has compared her to Kate Bush since 2008.
Posted 7 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
I'm just here for the comments.....
Posted 7 years ago by MrsTom    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:

My problem with Tori Amos isn't so much that she feels she's smarter and more sensitive than her audience (which she probably is), but that she goes out of her way to let everyone know just how smart and sensitive she is.
 

My problem with her is her music is offensive to my ears. I really don't give a damn whether she is smart or what she is even saying. If I don't like her voice or the music, what difference does it make? She is not a politician or policymaker, she is a musician and her music sucks to me. That is all.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Stefen wrote:
What is a playboy mommy?
 

"Playboy Mommy dealt with my feelings of rejection - 'wasn't I enough to be your mother, didn't you want me? Well, don't come, then. Go choose some little right-wing Christian for your mother.' It's a human response."

"I was pregnant," she softly states. "I got pregnant on tour, it was a surprise, but I was deeply thrilled about it. I was almost three months pregnant... Christmas '96... and I miscarried. And it was very difficult. The sorrow was just really deep. I know some people who've gone through it and they move on quickly. Everybody responds differently to a loss. I got quite attached to the spirit of this being....It was a girl. That's why on Playboy Mommy, I sing, Don't judge me so harsh little girl. I had so many responses to it before I could get to the place where I am now. You see people hit their kids in stores and you just go, What force of judgment gives these people these little lives? I have a lot of questions right now. I know it's a free-will planet. Things happen. But you know that saying, Bad things don't happen to good people? That's a painful lie, and it hits you on such a core level. I know now that I have an appreciation for the miracle of life that I didn't have, but I don't believe in the saying that it all happens for the best... it's just not appropriate."
— Tori; Q Magazine, May 1998

"This woman in Playboy Mommy, she'll swallow. She'll swallow a billion seeds to protect this little girl."



Posted 13 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
Tori in the morning. It's going to be a good day after all.
Posted 15 years ago by Boston_Ed    [ Reply ]
Great song, both sad and funny at the same time. This album is one of my faves of Tori's.
Posted 15 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
sexy smart sassy tori!

Posted 15 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
 Primitive wrote:


 

Thanks for sharing.... I think
Posted 15 years ago by songbirdfemme    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:

My problem with Tori Amos isn't so much that she feels she's smarter and more sensitive than her audience (which she probably is), but that she goes out of her way to let everyone know just how smart and sensitive she is.
 

yeah, i wish more musicians would go out of their way to show just how idiotic and insenstive they are. that would make music way more AWESOME!


Posted 15 years ago by songbirdfemme    [ Reply ]
 rrmusicguy wrote:


I've never had much truck with artists who feel they are SO much smarter and more sensitive than their audience. Blech.

 
My problem with Tori Amos isn't so much that she feels she's smarter and more sensitive than her audience (which she probably is), but that she goes out of her way to let everyone know just how smart and sensitive she is.


Posted 16 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
IMHO — best song from an underappreciated album.
Posted 16 years ago by happy4penguins    [ Reply ]
 rrmusicguy wrote:


What do you know about my attention span or my ability to appreciate complex ideas? Hmmm? I've listened plenty to Tori Amos...wincing the entire time. To quote someone who was dragged to one of her shows by his wife, "I'd rather have spikes driven into my ears than have to endure a torture session like that again." I've never had much truck with artists who feel they are SO much smarter and more sensitive than their audience. Blech.

 

I met Tori at one of her concerts. Don't care if you like her music but she does not project a "more sensitive, smarter" image at all. She is very happy to meet her fans at the end of shows. She recieved a very long line of people and spent a moment with each of us in the cold drizzle during the fall in Syracuse NY. Maybe she is just genuinely smarter and more sensitive?
Posted 16 years ago by songbirdfemme    [ Reply ]
Love this!!!!!

Posted 16 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
She always sounds like she is making up the lyrics as she sings.
Posted 16 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
 rrmusicguy wrote:


What do you know about my attention span or my ability to appreciate complex ideas? Hmmm? I've listened plenty to Tori Amos...wincing the entire time. To quote someone who was dragged to one of her shows by his wife, "I'd rather have spikes driven into my ears than have to endure a torture session like that again." I've never had much truck with artists who feel they are SO much smarter and more sensitive than their audience. Blech.


 

  Wo, back up excitable boy {#Stop}, just a song afterall...

2 questions:

The music aside, is your friend blind...or gay?

WTF is blech?
Posted 16 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
 Moak wrote:


Yeah, Tori's songwriting may be a little too complex for your ears or attention span to deal with.  Actually I don't think you listened well at all to this one.  The melody is gorgeous, sad and moving, perfect for the story she tells.


 

What do you know about my attention span or my ability to appreciate complex ideas? Hmmm? I've listened plenty to Tori Amos...wincing the entire time. To quote someone who was dragged to one of her shows by his wife, "I'd rather have spikes driven into my ears than have to endure a torture session like that again." I've never had much truck with artists who feel they are SO much smarter and more sensitive than their audience. Blech.

Posted 16 years ago by rrmusicguy    [ Reply ]
 rrmusicguy wrote:

I seriously think she goes over every song she writes and makes sure she sucks anything remotely like a melody out of it before she records it. Is there a tune in here somewhere??


 

Yeah, Tori's songwriting may be a little too complex for your ears or attention span to deal with.  Actually I don't think you listened well at all to this one.  The melody is gorgeous, sad and moving, perfect for the story she tells.

Posted 16 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
jmpeck wrote:
At the moment I can't think of another artist on RP that elicits such passionate discourse.


Natalie Merchant?

Posted 16 years ago by TanteJensen    [ Reply ]
I seriously think she goes over every song she writes and makes sure she sucks anything remotely like a melody out of it before she records it. Is there a tune in here somewhere??
Posted 16 years ago by rrmusicguy    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
Sad song, about the baby she lost. Love you Tori!
... yea so poignant! Luv U 2
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
SuperWeh wrote: Nothing says subtlety like all upper case text!
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!!!
Where's that coffee spewing smiley?
Posted 17 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Sad song, about the baby she lost. Love you Tori!
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Sounds like "Cornflake Girl" singing added to Jeff Buckley's "Dancing in the Moonlight" cover.
Posted 17 years ago by ssg    [ Reply ]
Agreed! Well put. jmpeck wrote:
At the moment I can't think of another artist on RP that elicits such passionate discourse. I've always thought that this was the sign of a true artist for to them nothing is as offensive as indifference.
Posted 17 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
I agree, Bill. It's also used at the beginning of "Purple People", track 13 of disc 2 on the To Venus and Back album. Nifty sound... BillG wrote:
I do believe that's a harmonium - an acoustic keyboard reed instrument (vaguely related to the accordion, though with pedals rather than a squeeze box). It's commonly used in Indian folk music, & some gypsy & Eastern European music. Lovely sound, I've always thought. Wikipedia: click here.
Posted 17 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
Tori-Tori-Tori..crappy movie great artist!
Posted 17 years ago by slowhand    [ Reply ]
SuperWeh wrote:
Nothing says subtlety like all upper case text!
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
I thought it sounded familiar, but even after hearing lots of harmonium clips, including Tori herself playing one in concert, the sound at the opening of this track still sounds like a synth... I defer to your knowledge on this one, however, since I'm clearly not a Tori fan...but I'm still suspicious :-) EDIT: I went to Tori's site, and she linked to Everything Tori which contains details on past albums/songs. Looking in the song credits, I see Kurzweil, but not Harmonium - so I'm pretty sure it's a cheap synth knock-off (even though Kurzweil electric pianos aren't too cheap) of a harmonium, and that's likely why it's grating to me. I'm really sorry if I'm coming across as a know-it-all, but I knew there was something about the opening of this song that didn't sound right. Ciao, Daniel BillG wrote:
I do believe that's a harmonium - an acoustic keyboard reed instrument (vaguely related to the accordion, though with pedals rather than a squeeze box). It's commonly used in Indian folk music, & some gypsy & Eastern European music. Lovely sound, I've always thought. Wikipedia: click here.
Posted 17 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
jmpeck wrote:
At the moment I can't think of another artist on RP that elicits such passionate discourse. I've always thought that this was the sign of a true artist for to them nothing is as offensive as indifference.
insightful!
Posted 18 years ago by mrrmt    [ Reply ]
ploafmaster wrote:
WTF? I've never been a Tori fan, but I at least acknowledge her piano chops. So why ON EARTH would she open one of her songs with fakey-crap synth sounds? The contrast between cheesy instrument sounds and her natural acoustic piano playing is more grating than I can bear.
I do believe that's a harmonium - an acoustic keyboard reed instrument (vaguely related to the accordion, though with pedals rather than a squeeze box). It's commonly used in Indian folk music, & some gypsy & Eastern European music. Lovely sound, I've always thought. Wikipedia: click here.
Posted 18 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
jmpeck wrote:
At the moment I can't think of another artist on RP that elicits such passionate discourse. I've always thought that this was the sign of a true artist for to them nothing is as offensive as indifference.
Nice comment
Posted 18 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
WTF? I've never been a Tori fan, but I at least acknowledge her piano chops. So why ON EARTH would she open one of her songs with fakey-crap synth sounds? The contrast between cheesy instrument sounds and her natural acoustic piano playing is more grating than I can bear.
Posted 18 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
Oh good. Time for a bathroom break.
Posted 18 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
At the moment I can't think of another artist on RP that elicits such passionate discourse. I've always thought that this was the sign of a true artist for to them nothing is as offensive as indifference.
Posted 18 years ago by jmpeck    [ Reply ]
I found more girls that always loved Tori. She probably identifies more with the females. I think her music is great, but brings my mood down and I like to listen to her when I am not too happy.
Posted 18 years ago by milehighYinzer    [ Reply ]
vallatese wrote:
Tori is ok, but IMHO, she's really Kate Bush Light.
NOT!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
this song is so heartbreaking. tori, your are beautiful!
Posted 18 years ago by mrrmt    [ Reply ]
Good song
Posted 18 years ago by PeeBee    [ Reply ]
kmh wrote:
TORIS MUSIC,TO ME, IS LIKE A PAINTING,,, YOU NEED TO STUDY THE SOUNDSCAPE & LAYERS UNTIL YOU SEE THE BEAUTIFUL SUBTLETIES... YOU WON'T "GET IT" STRAIGHT AWAY...
Nothing says subtlety like all upper case text! Don't know which I find more annoying, TA herself or her followers...
Posted 18 years ago by SuperWeh    [ Reply ]
Tori is ok, but IMHO, she's really Kate Bush Light.
Posted 18 years ago by vallatese    [ Reply ]
bkrontz wrote:
Eddie Vedder is easier to understand... and bitches a lot less.
TORIS MUSIC,TO ME, IS LIKE A PAINTING,,, YOU NEED TO STUDY THE SOUNDSCAPE & LAYERS UNTIL YOU SEE THE BEAUTIFUL SUBTLETIES... YOU WON'T "GET IT" STRAIGHT AWAY...
Posted 18 years ago by KMH    [ Reply ]
Eddie Vedder is easier to understand... and bitches a lot less.
Posted 18 years ago by bkrontz    [ Reply ]
FANTASTIC SONG!!! Thanks for playing it.
Posted 18 years ago by rabbitsongs    [ Reply ]
I LOVE HER... I'LL SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOF TOPS! DID YOU HEAR ME??? SHE'S AMAZING....
Posted 18 years ago by KMH    [ Reply ]
One of my favorites. Love you Tori!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
B-dub wrote:
the lyrics never make any sense so it doesn't really matter if they are unique or special to each song.
THE LYRICS ARE ABOUT HER MISCARRIAGE
Posted 18 years ago by KMH    [ Reply ]
Dianyla wrote:
Yes, I agree. The lyrics might be unique and special to each song, but the music always sounds the same.
the lyrics never make any sense so it doesn't really matter if they are unique or special to each song.
Posted 19 years ago by B-dub    [ Reply ]
stubbsz wrote:
I thought Bill was only playing one song... ...no my mistake.
Yes, I agree. The lyrics might be unique and special to each song, but the music always sounds the same.
Posted 19 years ago by Dianyla    [ Reply ]
Keep it up RP. More Tori Angloray wrote:
I will admit there is a lot of Tori on RP, though. I'd understand if the # of Tori songs played got scaled back a bit. :(
Posted 19 years ago by schmoooz    [ Reply ]
Ughhh! Less Tawdry Anus. A 2.
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Back to back dream girls...Sarah and Tori...Nice... :sunny.gif:
Posted 20 years ago by Norge1    [ Reply ]
Love it!
Posted 20 years ago by stapledpaper    [ Reply ]
I will admit there is a lot of Tori on RP, though. I'd understand if the # of Tori songs played got scaled back a bit. :(
Posted 20 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
Love Tori, but I can see why a lot of listeners don't. She does go over the top sometimes. Speaking of over the top, how about playing some of her biggest influence, KATE BUSH? Huh? How 'bout it?
Posted 20 years ago by Grantus    [ Reply ]
fusionmuze wrote:
:nodhead: Tori, Tori, Tori, She on my list to see live, I think she's grown over the years, and I like where she's going, I too don't have a clue what 1/2 her songs are about...but it's that way with Seal as well. ...who cares, great to listen to
as someone who has seen her three times over the last several years (oh boy, here it comes), I can say GO! She's incredible live. She does awesome covers and has a great time with the crowd.
Posted 20 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
haven't listened to her in quite some time, but this song reminds me why i got into her in the first place... me like.
Posted 20 years ago by grimlock    [ Reply ]
geavis wrote:
Please play fewer Tori Amos songs.
Bill, I'd be willing to concede playing REM songs more than once per 6 hour set if you would do the same for Tori Amos. Please make it stop. I can only take so much overemoting.
Posted 20 years ago by indypaul    [ Reply ]
geavis wrote:
Please play fewer Tori Amos songs.
I thought Bill was only playing one song... ...no my mistake.
Posted 20 years ago by stubbsz    [ Reply ]
drH wrote:
Dear Tori, Shut the f*** up. Please. Thank you.
Dear drH, no- you! Thank you Tori
Posted 20 years ago by toastee    [ Reply ]
Dear Tori, Shut the f*** up. Please. Thank you.
Posted 20 years ago by drH    [ Reply ]
Tori goooooood. I've been listening to her since I was sixteen. I love her music so much. She is such a unique person and songwriter.
Posted 20 years ago by perpetualdeja_vu    [ Reply ]
Please play fewer Tori Amos songs.
Posted 21 years ago by geavis    [ Reply ]
:nodhead: Tori, Tori, Tori, She on my list to see live, I think she's grown over the years, and I like where she's going, I too don't have a clue what 1/2 her songs are about...but it's that way with Seal as well. ...who cares, great to listen to
Posted 21 years ago by fusionmuze    [ Reply ]
Roverfish wrote:
Still waiting for her sound to evolve from the first album...
Huh? This song, and Choir Girl are nothing like Little Earthquakes. For that matter, neither are any of her other records. Frankly up through Choir Girl, every album is fairly unique, IMO.
Posted 21 years ago by kevinc    [ Reply ]
SHE\'S THE BEST. GOT IT?
Posted 21 years ago by trup    [ Reply ]
Still waiting for her sound to evolve from the first album...
Posted 21 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
I don\'t think this is her best work, but it\'s still one of my guilty pleasures (good to sing along to :oops:) and it\'s from one of my favourite Tori albums. I grew up with kids who had Playboy Mommies and envied their \'freedom\'--to which my defensive mommy claimed that they didn\'t love their kids enough to be virtuous authority figures, but I knew that love wasn\'t the missing element. (Maturity, maybe? Experience?) Tori apparently gets it.
Posted 21 years ago by Koan    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by nicko: and is there a more divisive artist than tori amos, nominations anyone? n
That's a pretty f*ckin long list 'round here.
Posted 21 years ago by rgj13    [ Reply ]
:oops: had to be at the comments board.
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
You can never have too much Tori! More Tori! Thanks for playing all of those new songs. Radio Paradise Rules!
Posted 22 years ago by pixiegirl    [ Reply ]
I like Tori, but I hear way too much of her on this station. Please consider reducing her contributions to the playlist.
Posted 22 years ago by curtisls    [ Reply ]
Another "rollo" song..., but beautiful anyway
Posted 22 years ago by qosforever    [ Reply ]
What heavy breathing! This must be heartfelt.
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Diatribe: I wonder is this song is another attack on Courntey Love.
Wow, Diatribe, thanks for the insight. It kinda makes sense. I really like Tori but I have a really hard time trying to figure out what the f**k her songs are about!
Posted 22 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
I wonder is this song is another attack on Courntey Love. She and Miss Love have had a long, checkered history. Courtney ripped into Tori to the music press for covering \"Smells like Teen Spirit\" around the time it came out 91/92. Ever since, they\'ve been pretty bitter toward each other, and Tori even took several shots at her in the song off \"Boys for Pele\" called \"Professional Widow\". This smells like another shot fired accross the port-side bow of USS Courtney.
Posted 22 years ago by Diatribe    [ Reply ]
Tori...what can I say. Her songs have been there through so many stages in my life. They have touched my soul.
Posted 22 years ago by mel    [ Reply ]
Keep \'em coming! Fits in well with the \'paradise\' playlist. :p
Posted 22 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]