Michelle Shocked Trivia: Folk Rebel Flashback

Michelle Shocked was born Karen Michelle Johnston, but later changed her name to Michelle Shocked. This explains why her original first name was Karen.

The album cover for Short Sharp Shocked by Michelle Shocked shows her being restrained by a San Francisco policeman. This image likely reflects the themes and messages present in the album, such as social justice issues or personal struggles, that are conveyed through Shocked's music. The cover art serves as a visual representation of the album's content and may provoke thought and discussion among listeners.

The two berries mentioned in song titles on Michelle Shocked's "Arkansas Traveler" are Blackberry and Strawberry. These berries are likely used symbolically or metaphorically in the songs to convey various themes or emotions, adding depth and richness to the music.

The song "Graffiti Limbo" by Michelle Shocked is about a young black New Yorker who was strangled to death by police. The lyrics of the song address issues of police brutality and racial injustice, shedding light on the tragic incident and the systemic problems that lead to such violence.

The 1988 Michelle Shocked song is titled "Anchorage," which refers to a town in Alaska. The song likely mentions the town and its significance in the singer's life or the story being told in the lyrics.

Michelle Shocked was raised in a family that followed Mormonism, which is a religion founded in the 19th century in the United States. The beliefs of Mormonism include the Book of Mormon as a sacred text, the importance of family and community, and the belief in modern prophets. Michelle Shocked's upbringing in a Mormon family likely influenced her worldview and values as she grew up.

The song "How You Play the Game" by Michelle Shocked was featured in the 2004 documentary "Bush's Brain", which explores the political career of Karl Rove, a key advisor to President George W. Bush. The documentary likely used the acoustic song to enhance the emotional impact of the film and convey a message about the political strategies and decisions of the Bush administration.

Michelle Shocked is using hyperbole in her song "When I Grow Up" to express a desire for an unattainable or unrealistic number of babies. By stating she wants to have 120 babies, she is emphasizing the magnitude of her desire for motherhood in a playful and exaggerated way. This exaggeration adds humor and whimsy to the song's lyrics.

Michelle Shocked had her fallopian tubes tied at age 22 as a form of permanent birth control. This elective surgery is also known as tubal ligation, which involves blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus for fertilization. This procedure is commonly chosen by individuals who do not wish to have any more children or who want to avoid the potential risks and side effects of other forms of birth control.

In Michelle Shocked's "Strawberry Jam", three chords are used. This limited number of chords allows for a simple and straightforward musical accompaniment that complements the heartfelt and introspective lyrics of the song. By using only three chords, the focus is placed on the storytelling and emotional delivery of the song rather than complex musical arrangements.