I am in love with that song.
Alex Chilton is one of those songs that tends to elevate my mood whenever I hear it. It’s an exceptionally well-crafted song for all of its seeming rough edges.
The song is, of course, a tribute to former Box Tops member and power pop pioneer Alex Chilton. Some of the lyrics refer to Paul Westerberg’s meetings with Chilton, and Chilton was at one time going to produce one of their records.
Anyway, it’s just a gorgeous song.
And of course, the lyrics:
If he was from Venus, would he feed us with a spoon?
If he was from Mars, wouldn’t that be cool?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
Hangin’ down in Memphis all the while.
(chorus:)
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes ’round
They sing “I’m in love. What’s that song?
I’m in love with that song.”
Cerebral rape and pillage in a village of his choice.
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
Checkin’ his stash by the trash at St. Mark’s place.
(chorus)
I never travel far, without a little Big Star
Runnin’ ’round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If he died in Memphis, then that’d be cool, babe.
(chorus)
