Short People
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| "Short People" | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single by Randy Newman | ||
| from the album Little Criminals | ||
| A-side | Short People | |
| B-side | Old Man On The Farm | |
| Released | 1977 | |
| Genre | Rock/Pop | |
| Length | 2:57 | |
| Label | Reprise Records | |
| Writer(s) | Randy Newman | |
| Producer | Lenny Waronker, Russ Titelman | |
"Short People" is a song by Randy Newman from his 1977 album Little Criminals. The verses and chorus are a bizarre and pointed attack on the short, with a contrasting bridge noting that "short people are just the same as you and I." Newman confirms that the song is about "prejudice," as was widely thought, but added that it was "about a lunatic."[1]
Although Newman had never charted a single before and his previous album Good Old Boys had been his first to reach the Billboard Top 150, "Short People" soon gained attention as a novelty song, although some found Newman's sarcasm to be offensive. The song consequently became a major hit on radio, staying at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and being only kept from reaching #1 by the Bee Gees's "Stayin' Alive." It follows a basic musical formula, with bass and drums centering on Newman's catchy pop piano line in the key of A. A small brass section and an electric guitar occasionally rise into the mix.
In 1978, legislation was introduced in the state of Maryland to make it illegal to play "Short People" on the radio. Contrary to popular myth, the bill did not pass.[2]
[edit] Appearances in Popular Culture
In the The Office episode "Crime Aid", Michael Scott mistakenly believes that Bruce Springsteen sang Short People.
In the movie Semi-Pro, Will Ferrell sings the song on the bus. It is also featured in 1994's The Little Rascals and one episode of Ally McBeal (Boy to the World)
[edit] References
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