Song of the Day: U.S. Girls – “Born In A Prison”
Released: 2022
Album: Ocean Child: Songs of Yoko Ono
“It’s very important to me that people get a chance to really understand what Yoko’s music is all about. My hope for the people who hear this music for the first time is that their idea of Yoko Ono is completely flipped upside down. I’m also beyond grateful to all the artists who contributed songs to this project.” – Ben
Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard curated and executive-produced Ocean Child: Songs of Yoko Ono with the intention of bringing a newfound appreciation for Yoko. For many Yoko has been little more than a punchline or a scapegoat for the demise of the Beatles, when the truth is that she’s one of the more remarkable artists of her time (both in fine art and music).
I didn’t really appreciate Yoko’s musical contributions until I heard Sometime In New York City years ago. “Sisters, O Sisters” was a really cool song. And then came “Born In A Prison” with its great sax intro and the brilliant line “Mirror becomes a razor when it’s broken / Look in the mirror and see your shattered fate.” I quickly realized that there was more to Yoko Ono.
There’s always been a strong contingent of underground musicians who’ve celebrated Yoko. As time has gone on that contingent has grown louder. Her 2007 album Yes, I’m A Witch even included collaborations with Anohni, Cat Power, Jason Pierce, the Flaming Lips, and Le Tigre.
Listening to Gibbard’s excellently curated Ocean Child: Songs of Yoko Ono had me wondering “Has Yoko’s post-Beatles-breakup career actually contributed more to the history of music than Paul McCartney’s solo career?” It’s not an easy question to answer, but years ago that would sound like sacrilege. Now, I’m pretty certain there’s merit to believing that question. Unlike most tribute album, there’s not a single dud on Ocean Child. Performances by David Byrne & Yo La Tengo, Deerhoof, Japanese Breakfast and Sudan Archives really have the capacity to flip your idea of Yoko Ono upside. And I couldn’t think of a better artist to cover “Born In A Prison” than U.S. Girls. It’s just perfect.
Lyrics
We are born in a prison
Raised in a prison
Sent to a prison called school
We cry in a prison
We love in a prison
We dream in a prison like fools
Wood becomes a flute when it’s loved
Reach for yourself and your battered mates
Mirror becomes a razor when it’s broken
Look in the mirror and see your shattered fate
We live with no reason
Kicked around for no reason
Thrown out without reason like tools
We work in a prison
And hate in a prison
And die in a prison as a rule
Wood becomes a flute when it’s loved
Reach for yourself and your battered mates
Mirror becomes a razor when it’s broken
Look in the mirror and see your shattered fate
We live in a prison
Among judges and wardens
And wait for no reason for you
We laugh in a prison
Go through all four seasons
And die with no vision of truth
Wood becomes a flute when it’s loved
Reach for yourself and for your battered mates
Mirror becomes a razor when it’s broken
Look in the mirror and see your shattered fate
Born in a prison