---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You've got to be a really straight man to…"
description: "\"You've got to be a really straight man to write a song like 'It's Raining Men.'\" — Paul Shaffer"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/paul-shaffer-21772_got_you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-t_592532.jpg"
---

#  You've got to be a really straight man to write a song…

![“You've got to be a really straight man to write a song like 'It's Raining Men.'” quote by Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/paul-shaffer-21772_got_you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-t_592532.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/paul-shaffer-21772_got_you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-t_592532.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/paul-shaffer-21772_got_you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-t_592532.jpg)

> “You've got to be a really straight man to write a song like 'It's Raining Men.'”

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Writing a flamboyant song like “It’s Raining Men” requires a bold, unapologetic straight‑man persona to deliver humor.

**In simple terms:** Boldness needed for comedic songwriting.

Key Takeaway

Own your comedic voice.

Themes

humor creativity masculinity performance songwriting

Mood

playful energetic provocative

Type

entertainment creative

When to use this quote

- stand‑up comedy
- songwriting workshops
- TV variety shows
- radio satire
- creative brainstorming

Key Concepts

comedic bravado cultural satire

Questions to Reflect On

- What risks do you take for comedic effect?
- How does persona affect audience reception?

A Different Perspective

Humor can alienate if not context‑aware.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/man/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Rain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rain/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/)

## Related quotes

> [Because Buffy really has become the straight man, every once in a while it's nice to be the one that tells the joke and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-michelle-gellar/because-buffy-really-has-become-the-straight-man-every-once-in-a/)

[Sarah Michelle Gellar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-michelle-gellar/)

> [I made out with girls in college, but it was always a secret. My college was really straight and really rich.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eva-victor/i-made-out-with-girls-in-college-but-it-was-always-a-secret-my/)

[Eva Victor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eva-victor/)

> [I watched 'Ghostbusters' from the age of four. It's my favorite movie, still. Bill Murray's, like, the weirdest straight man that you've ever seen.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jake-lacy/i-watched-ghostbusters-from-the-age-of-four-it-s-my-favorite-movie/)

Jake Lacy

> [“Why are all gay men understanding and compassionate?” “Pfft.” I arced an eyebrow at her. “They're not, trust me. Its a myth.” “A straight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zathyn-priest/why-are-all-gay-men-understanding-and-compassionate-pfft-i-arced-an/)

[Zathyn Priest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zathyn-priest/)

> [I've committed myself to perfecting the art of the straight man. I try really hard not to crack up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andre-braugher/i-ve-committed-myself-to-perfecting-the-art-of-the-straight-man-i-try/)

[Andre Braugher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andre-braugher/)

> [As a straight man, I love going to gay bars. People at gay bars just love to dance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-kazee/as-a-straight-man-i-love-going-to-gay-bars-people-at-gay-bars-just/)

[Steve Kazee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-kazee/)

> [If you are a young, white, straight man in today's society, you are in trouble.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/if-you-are-a-young-white-straight-man-in-today-s-society-you-are-in/)

[Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/)

> [If a straight man dresses well, chances are he's not straight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claudia-winkleman/if-a-straight-man-dresses-well-chances-are-he-s-not-straight/)

[Claudia Winkleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claudia-winkleman/)

> [In my planet, fashion, I'm the only straight man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roberto-cavalli/in-my-planet-fashion-i-m-the-only-straight-man/)

[Roberto Cavalli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roberto-cavalli/)

> [Although in Abbott and Costello, and straight man was first. That's a very interesting concept.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-korman/although-in-abbott-and-costello-and-straight-man-was-first-that-s-a/)

[Harvey Korman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-korman/)

> [To a straight man, the notion of walking around as a coiffed, waxed, nail-polish-wearing, lispy dude is uproariously absurd. As people, we find absurdities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-crowder/to-a-straight-man-the-notion-of-walking-around-as-a-coiffed-waxed/)

[Steven Crowder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-crowder/)

> [Of course, bring a straight man, it is intimidating to kiss another man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arjun-mathur/of-course-bring-a-straight-man-it-is-intimidating-to-kiss-another-man/)

[Arjun Mathur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arjun-mathur/)

> [The last time a straight man worked in the fashion industry, we got a fanny pack.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chelsea-handler/the-last-time-a-straight-man-worked-in-the-fashion-industry-we-got-a/)

[Chelsea Handler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chelsea-handler/)

> [Religion theme aside, most of the time I'm in some sort of comedy and I'm a straight man and it's really just, let's wind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colin-hanks/religion-theme-aside-most-of-the-time-i-m-in-some-sort-of-comedy-and/)

[Colin Hanks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colin-hanks/)

> [It's hard not to be the straight man when Zach Galifianakis is there. He's such a delightfully bizarre creature. Everything he does is so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-mckinnon/it-s-hard-not-to-be-the-straight-man-when-zach-galifianakis-is-there/)

[Kate McKinnon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-mckinnon/)

## More by Paul Shaffer

> [James Brown was my favorite, my absolute idol. Every time I played with him was like a music lesson, and I never thought I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/james-brown-was-my-favorite-my-absolute-idol-every-time-i-played-with/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [When you look into the eyes of an animal youve rescued, you cant help but fall in love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/when-you-look-into-the-eyes-of-an-animal-youve-rescued-you-cant-help/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [I still talk incessantly about 'SCTV,' and I say, 'Screw the kids!'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/i-still-talk-incessantly-about-sctv-and-i-say-screw-the-kids/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [“She was also unaware that the ego of the artiste is extremely fragile.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/she-was-also-unaware-that-the-ego-of-the-artiste-is-extremely-fragile/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [The record business has always mystified me. Sometimes there are reasons why things sell or don't sell that can't be understood by mere mortals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/the-record-business-has-always-mystified-me-sometimes-there-are/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [The Dave Clark Five had more appearances on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' than The Beatles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/the-dave-clark-five-had-more-appearances-on-the-ed-sullivan-show-than/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [As far as favorite 'overall package' record of all time, I'd have to say 'My Girl' by The Temptations. I like everything about it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/as-far-as-favorite-overall-package-record-of-all-time-i-d-have-to-say/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [My years on 'SNL' had reconfirmed that what I do best is play for a sort of edgy comedy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/my-years-on-snl-had-reconfirmed-that-what-i-do-best-is-play-for-a/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [I love funny people. I met and became friends with some of the funniest people ever. Gilda Radner, bless her soul; Martin Short; Dave…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/i-love-funny-people-i-met-and-became-friends-with-some-of-the/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [Writing never had the immediate gratification I was looking for.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/writing-never-had-the-immediate-gratification-i-was-looking-for/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [I want to learn to sight-read music. And to play the bass pedals on the organ. Those are my only ambitions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/i-want-to-learn-to-sight-read-music-and-to-play-the-bass-pedals-on/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [Everybody should have a shelter dog. Its good for the soul.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/everybody-should-have-a-shelter-dog-its-good-for-the-soul/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [Why would you want to do anything else but rescue a pet?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/why-would-you-want-to-do-anything-else-but-rescue-a-pet/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [I love to do comedy, but music is really my heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/i-love-to-do-comedy-but-music-is-really-my-heart/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

> [I've never had a plan for the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/i-ve-never-had-a-plan-for-the-future/)

[Paul Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

[Explore all 28 Paul Shaffer quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/)

## More Got quotes

> [At the very beginning, I was a page at Letterman, and I freelanced for any place that would let me write any word. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-schwartz/at-the-very-beginning-i-was-a-page-at-letterman-and-i-freelanced-for/)

[Ben Schwartz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-schwartz/)

> [I've got three kids, so there's not much downtime.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rich-froning-jr/i-ve-got-three-kids-so-there-s-not-much-downtime/)

[Rich Froning Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rich-froning-jr/)

> [I had an idea for a technologically advanced luxury watch. I got involved in digital art and neon painting and put on shows of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giorgio-moroder/i-had-an-idea-for-a-technologically-advanced-luxury-watch-i-got/)

[Giorgio Moroder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giorgio-moroder/)

> [Susan B. Anthony must be turning in her grave if she knew that millions of women who have the right to vote are not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-m-kunin/susan-b-anthony-must-be-turning-in-her-grave-if-she-knew-that/)

[Madeleine M. Kunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-m-kunin/)

> [Becoming famous is a really shocking thing, especially when you don't have aspirations to it. It got to the point where I would try…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alison-moyet/becoming-famous-is-a-really-shocking-thing-especially-when-you-don-t/)

[Alison Moyet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alison-moyet/)

> [We got orders to strike the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. We had a task force with the Enterprise. We had two or three cruisers…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barney-ross/we-got-orders-to-strike-the-marshall-and-gilbert-islands-we-had-a/)

[Barney Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barney-ross/)

> [I don't think you should ever say, 'This is the last time'. Music isn't like that. You'll be sitting there not wishing to get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-daltrey/i-don-t-think-you-should-ever-say-this-is-the-last-time-music-isn-t/)

[Roger Daltrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-daltrey/)

> [I think cricket is there in Usain Bolt's blood. Since I got to watch from close quarters, it was amazing to see him run…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harbhajan-singh/i-think-cricket-is-there-in-usain-bolt-s-blood-since-i-got-to-watch/)

[Harbhajan Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harbhajan-singh/)

> [I have my meals delivered... you know what I like? Chicken and rice... But the problem with being a defensive lineman is, if we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-douglas/i-have-my-meals-delivered-you-know-what-i-like-chicken-and-rice-but/)

[Hugh Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-douglas/)

> [When I was a sophomore at USC, I was a socialist, pretty much to the left. But not when I left the university. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wayne/when-i-was-a-sophomore-at-usc-i-was-a-socialist-pretty-much-to-the/)

[John Wayne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wayne/)

> [My mother worked in the white world, but I lived almost exclusively in a black world. I don't think I had ever seen a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-p-jones/my-mother-worked-in-the-white-world-but-i-lived-almost-exclusively-in/)

[Edward P. Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-p-jones/)

> [Growing up I did commercials and things like that, but nothing serious. As I got older, my family is really hardcore into academics. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/portia-doubleday/growing-up-i-did-commercials-and-things-like-that-but-nothing-serious/)

[Portia Doubleday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/portia-doubleday/)

> [I'm perfectly flawed... I've got tons of flaws.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rob-lowe/i-m-perfectly-flawed-i-ve-got-tons-of-flaws/)

[Rob Lowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rob-lowe/)

> [I said to my agent, 'I want short, sharp, well-paid jobs because I haven't got time for anything else.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-whitelaw/i-said-to-my-agent-i-want-short-sharp-well-paid-jobs-because-i-haven/)

[Billie Whitelaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-whitelaw/)

> [How could you justify giving Holland twice the amount of money that you gave Belgium? Well, finally, I put it up to them. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/w-averell-harriman/how-could-you-justify-giving-holland-twice-the-amount-of-money-that/)

[W. Averell Harriman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/w-averell-harriman/)

Browse all 6,932 Got quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "You've got to be a really straight man to write a song like 'It's Raining Men.'",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Paul Shaffer"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-to-write-a-song-like-it-s/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Got"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-to-write-a-song-like-it-s/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/paul-shaffer-21772_got_you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-t_592532.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/paul-shaffer-21772_got_you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-t_592532.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/paul-shaffer-21772_got_you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-t_592532.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“You've got to be a really straight man to write a song like 'It's Raining Men.'” — Paul Shaffer",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Paul Shaffer",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-shaffer/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "You've got to be a really...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-to-write-a-song-like-it-s/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-shaffer/you-ve-got-to-be-a-really-straight-man-to-write-a-song-like-it-s/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
