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Contents 1 Lyrics 2 Possible AIDS Reference 2.1 Fair use rationale for Image:The Impression That I Get.jpg 2.2 Lyrics Copyright violation 2.3 Original Release/Clinic Shooting

[edit] Lyrics

I've actually found the lyrics annoying. I understand the sentiment that they are talking about and that's cool, but they clearly don't understand the phrase 'knock on wood'. I actually wandered over here to see if there was a controversy section similar to Alanis' Ironic and was surprised to find no mention at all.

'Knock on wood' is an expression used to ward off unfortunate events. You might say, "I've never broken any bones, knock on wood." There's no fear or challenge in saying it. The song is good and the idea of wondering if you are up to meeting life's challenges is a valid one, but that one phrase makes no sense in this context and makes an otherwise great song annoying. At least to me. Obviously, the other millions of people aren't bothered by it and probably don't even notice. PerlKnitter 12:41, 1 February 2007 (UTC)

• If you read the article more carefully you will see it explained that the phrase "knock on wood" is used correctly. The article also addresses why a listener might be confused. House of Scandal 06:09, 1 May 2007 (UTC)

• • Hmm, I didn't consider it as a parenthetical clause. It doesn't really sound like it, but then, as fast as the music goes, he doesn't really have time to put pauses around it. Cool, I'll try listening to it a few times and see if I can retrain my brain. :-) PerlKnitter 11:56, 14 May 2007 (UTC)

Perhaps the unfortunate event the singer is trying to ward off is experiencing a tragic event on a personal level as those he is observing have done. TGReaver 05:48, 7 March 2007 (UTC)TGReaver

The lyrics section seems to be a bit pointless as tends to just repeat the lyrics to what I would deem an obvious amount. Should the amount of quotation of the lyrics be reduced? Mozzley 17:21, 12 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Possible AIDS Reference

There is a common perception that this song is about the speaker's reaction to a friend to being tested for AIDS. This is implied by the lyrics:

I'm not a coward,
I've just never been tested
I'd like to think that if I was,
I would pass
Look at the tested and think "there but for the grace go I"
I might be a coward,
I'm afraid of what I might find out.
I've never had to knock on wood
But I know someone who has

However, in an online chat, Dickie indicated that the referenced "test" is more about life's tests than AIDS specifically.

Reference: Transcript of Yahoo! Chat with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

--68.193.239.147 15:55, 21 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:The Impression That I Get.jpg

Image:The Impression That I Get.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot 05:24, 29 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Lyrics Copyright violation

I removed the full text of the lyrics, as they constituted a copyright violation as per WP:COPY 69.181.101.68 (talk) 06:57, 21 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Original Release/Clinic Shooting

I was shocked to find there was no reference to the song's earlier release or its connection to the clinic shootings. Personally, what most people think are references to AIDS in the song are actually references to the women shot at the clinics. 66.31.78.14 (talk) 19:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)