As I was explaining to someone earlier today, sometimes when you don't like something, you don't have to list the reasons. When certain songs do not appeal to you as a listener, you can spend an inordinate amount of time doing an inventory of the work's shortcomings, which leaves you vulnerable to accusations of hating or not getting it, or you can simply use the most honest reason: "I'm not feeling it." Unfortunately, when you're in the business of editorializing music, this isn't an option. The casual listener has it a bit easier, but can still fall into the trap of damaging his/her own credibility. This strange phenomenon manifests itself currently in Dwele's choice of a first single from Sketches Of A Man.
It astounds me that, exactly a year later, there exists among us a few that believe "I'm Cheatin'" is about infidelity, and have relied upon that misguided logic to write off the song and in some cases, the entire album. Granted, my entire argument relies on personal experience since most documented reviews of the album or song correctly point out the composition's intentions. But Dwele himself has been saddled with the unappealing task of qualifying the song at concerts because he got so much flack for it via Myspace and perhaps a few other communication mediums.
The single isn't a Pop song, but it still doesn't require us to be "smart" or seek any hidden meaning or subtext. The point is clearly stated when the chorus evolves to "I'm cheating on my girl with my girl." Perhaps Dwele overestimated the patience of his fanbase or incorrectly believed most people can understand what he's saying when he employs decidedly "delicate" vocals. Or, he knew exactly what he was doing by choosing a single that would inspire the most knee-jerk controversy while hoping the actual lyrics would eventually absorb any assumptions based on title alone, effectively placing him back into that safe loverman territory while gaining him slightly more exposure. My vote goes to the latter, but it seems to have backfired.
This isn't about those of us that are disappointed with the album as a whole--people that have been listening to Dwele for years, "got" the song and were still underwhelmed by the album's execution. A case can certainly be made for the beat or vocals not being up to standard, since that falls under "personal preference." Personal preference is never not a valid argument. However, basing certain opinions or actions on facts that do not exist is lazy. There are songs released every day that have so much going on for them that the lyrics are an afterthought. But with "I'm Cheatin'" the instrumentation is so laid-back and typical that you basically have to listen to the words to begin experiencing the song.
Words are important. To what degree depends on the artist or the song. But we still have a responsibility as listeners to listen. Have our attention spans, even as adults and lovers of R&B, become so short that a simple song title is enough to inspire blind dissent?
