A Year In America October 30, 2008

[koganbot]

This week brings good news for fans of the subjunctive.

Beyoncé "If I Were A Boy": If she were a boy she'd be a better man, 'cause she'd listen to her, 'cause she knows how it hurts. I was mad at Beyoncé for 15 seconds for doing what Ciara'd done first and better and more bitter, but this has its own character, is unexpectedly major key and triumphantly fierce in its insights (even if the insights are clichés). TICK.

Shontelle "T-Shirt": No dressup clothes for her, no sirree, 'cause nothing feels right when she's not with you, the result being that she's at home and she's GOT YOUR T-SHIRT ON - a revelation that it takes a full minute's worth of exposition to arrive at. Scene receives further elaboration, incl. whereabouts of her and your T-Shirt (in bed) and status of the other apparel that completes this ensemble (nonexistent). NO TICK.

Comments

Re: i pedantify that...

[koganbot]

I think "If I were a boy" and "Were I a boy" are equivalent, and that the latter - fortunately* or unfortunately - has almost completely dropped out of usage in the U.S. What's the argument that "Were I a boy" is preferable to "If I were a boy"?

*I'd say "fortunately," since its rarity makes me more special when I use that construction.

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

one less word = more expressive torque, w.subjunctive RIGHT IN YOUR FACE

absent another reason -- like fitting into a song-line rhythm; need to keep joe the plumber sweet* -- i would always opt for the less timid form

*bcz he is in yr house plumbing