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Joe South would like to make one of his songs disappear. That isn’t uncommon. Usually the best songwriters have one, two or a few they’d rather not claim. But in Joe South’s case, it’s one of his best, “These Are Not My People.”

Nearly 35 years after writing the song, South explained, “When I hear it back it sounds like a guy disavowing his presence from the human race. Which I was, I guess, because I was a real unhappy soul and that’s what came from it.” Joe South worked wonders with unhappiness.

Written and recorded in the late ’60s, “These Are Not My People” was one of many insightful, straight-to-the-point songs South delivered in short order. As with “Games People Play,” “Walk A Mile In My Shoes,” and “Rose Garden,” “These Are Not My People” was sort of a secular sermon. In this song, the sermon was more personally directed. South’s words hit hard at the friend being addressed. The words probably violate the “judge not, lest ye be judged” directive. Still, it’s a great song.

In the song, a friend is being called on the carpet over a lifestyle out of control. The era in which the song takes place adds color to what South describes. The friend had been sent to the finest schools, given “a credit card in your good name” and drawn to the people of the night where all discretion was set aside. The images conveyed recall the party scenes Warren Beatty’s character was part of in “Shampoo.” Yes, it does sound very tempting. South’s lyrics indicate as much, declaring “whether right or wrong, I’d still tag along behind.”

Near the end of the song, South’s observer has seen enough and lets fly at his friend:

‘Cause when you fall down from your cloud

And you’re just another face in the crowd

They’re going to throw you away like last week’s magazine

It’s been a gas but I’m gonna have to pass.

The observer emphatically states in the chorus that “these are not my people” and implies they are not his friend’s people either. He’s giving sound advice on escaping that scene. But his friend may be in too deep and wish to indulge awhile longer.

Originally included on South’s ‘68 “Introspect” album, his version of “These Are Not My People” is a mid-tempo offering. It features a solid vocal performance by South but the production does not mirror the song’s pointed message. One wishes South had let loose on the guitar, gracing the music with the same passion he brought to the lyrics.

Johnny Rivers released his own version in ‘69. As expected, Rivers’ vocals were solid and spirited. The recording rocks with fine guitar and piano work, but the horn arrangements and back-up vocals are intrusive. The Rivers version got some airplay but was not a hit, peaking at 55. Even with the production flaws, it should have found a larger audience.

One wishes R.E.M. would record “These Are Not My People.” It has the kind of melody the band has long taken to. There’s the attitude. It’s a perfect fit. R.E.M. could really make it rock. It would be worth it just to hear Michael Stipe cry out, “It’s been a gas but I’m gonna have to pass.”

This article continues The Southern Song Of The Day Series.

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1. Carolyn Cary says:

   January 19, 2010 at 3:44 pm

   Lo, many years ago, Joe South was traveling through Fayetteville, Georgia, in an erratic manner. Our Sheriff placed him in jail for several days, until South’s head got straight.

   South had asked if he could have his guitar in his cell, and the Sheriff said O. K. Much to the Sheriff’s regret – I don’t remember South’s most popular tune at that time, but that’s all that was heard, day and night, the entire weekend.

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