"It's A Personal Thing"

This Steve Taylor classic was originally released in 1985. For a 33 year old song, it doesn't seem like it's aged a day.

Steve commented in his fan club newsletter back in the mid-80s: "["It's A Personal Thing"] takes as its inspiration the large number of public figures who separate their personal beliefs from their politics, and are thus able to display a virtuosity at talking out of both sides of the mouth that can usually be accomplished only by glueing the middle part of one's lips together."

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Press Conference

It's a personal thing, and I find it odd

You would question my believing in a personal God

I'm devout, I'm sincere, ask my mother if you doubt it

I'm religious, but I'd rather not get radical about it

The old-time believers had timidity and grace

But this new generation doesn't know its place

You're entitled to believe, but the latest Gallup Poll

Says you mustn't interfere--that's the government's role

'Cause when you throw your hat in the bullring

Before you know know know it's a personal thing

And when he comes to the day of reckoning

He's gonna tell 'em, "uh, uh, uh, it's a personal thing"

The Nomination Speech

It's a personal thing, and I boldly state

That my views on morality will have to wait

'Til my personal life's out of the public eye

And the limitations statue can protect my alibi

I'm devout, I'm sincere, and I'm proud to say

That it's had exactly no effect on who I am today

I believe for the benefit of all mankind

In the total separation of church and mind

'Cause when you throw your hat in the bullring

Before you know know know it's a personal thing

And when he comes to the day of reckoning

He's gonna tell 'em, "uh, uh, uh, it's a personal thing"

The Victory Night

It's a personal thing, and I plainly speak

(From the same code of ethics that I held last week)

As I promised if elected this election day

With the help of God almighty, I'll do it my way

'Cause when you throw your hat in the bullring

Before you know know know it's a personal thing

And when he comes to the day of reckoning

He's gonna say, "back off, buddy, it's a personal thing"