Watusi Rodeo is one of those songs that worms it’s way into your brain and sits in your happy space until you have to pay some attention. It’s a light hearted, tongue in cheek song about Western Colonization, as the cowboys don’t seem to understand how they could possibly be angering the natives while violating a burial ground and forcing them to wear Western wear. Plus, it’s a good, fun tune.
You can listen to the song below:
And of course, the lyrics:
Come along with me to the Congo land
Got a zebra by the tail and a python in my hand
Once my home was a Texas plain
But now I swing a lasso on an alien terrain
Hottentots and pygmies know where to go
Everybody’s heading for the Watusi Rodeo
Cowboys are putting up a big fence around
A sacred elephant burial ground
Native women stomping up a flurry in the mud
Villagers are looking for some cowboy blood (Blood!)
I guess they didn’t like them hats we made ‘em wear
They don’t look right on the native hair
Don’t they don’t it’s all for show
All for showing at the Watusi Rodeo
Monkeys in the trees just thumbing their nose
At the bull-riders riding on rhinos
Warriors standing with spears in the hands
Wondering what’s next from a crazy white man
Natives are restless under these Stetsons
What are these cowboys doing in the Congo
Look like cows but they’re water buffaloes
Ropin’ and a riding in the Watusi Rodeo
Oh they look like cows but they’re water buffaloes
Everybody’s heading for the Watusi Rodeo
Your Socks Don’t Match is one of those nice, easy-going jazz tunes with a nice sense of humor, the sort that used to be commonplace. I love the trade off between Jordan and Crosby, particularly the little asides each one tosses out. The song itself sort of lopes along at a gentle pace, making for a very enjoyable listen.
You can listen to the song below:
And of course, the lyrics:
We heard a chick just the other day
Cooling out her boyfriend in every way
She kept on squawking, full of complaints
Like she expected folks to be saints
She insisted that he look neat
So this was her complaint complete (report to the nation)
I like the dimple in your chin
I like the tricky way you grin
Still you ain’t no kind of catch (you know why don’t you?) (tell ‘em)
Doggone you son, your socks don’t match
The teeth you have are pearly white (all both of them)
Your lips are sweet and you pucker right
You’re the kind to lift my latch
But doggone you boy, your socks don’t match
The shoes you wear reveal your hose
One red and one bright blue
They’re total strangers and I suppose
You should introduce those two
You got two eyes of lovely blue
Cute little pug nose I go for too
Though you’re the best of all the batch
T’ain’t no use son, cause your socks don’t match
That’s a quick riff Satch, but your socks don’t match
Boy your lyle? is vile and your cotton is rotten
The shoes you wear reveal your hose
One red and one bright blue
They’re total strangers and I suppose
You should introduce those two
Oh, You got two eyes of lovely blue (keep talking Lou)
A Cute little pug nose I go for too (how did Hope get in here?)
Though you’re the best of all the batch
T’ain’t no use son, cause your socks don’t match
You got a red one, a blue one (that ain’t gonna do son)
Your socks don’t match
Dude, this song fooking RAWKS!!!!!
Really, do I need to say anymore? It’s a rock song. About dying. And having a birthday. And it’s hilarious. And it rocks.
Good shit, Maynard.
And of course, the lyrics:
Many years ago today something grew
inside of your mother…
That thing was you
YOU
YOU YOU YOU YOU
Did she scream did she cry
Only those that are born are the ones that
Get to die
One more year closer to dying
Rotting organs ripping grinding
Biological discordance
Birthday equals self abhorrence
Years keep passing aging always
Mutate into vapid slugs
Doctor gives a new perscription
Bullet in a fucking gun
One more year closer to dying
Plastic surgeons fuel the lying
You forget why you came in here
Your mind rots with every New Year
RSVP PLEASE
For the DETH of thee
You have little time
And you’re running out of life
Happy Birthday
You’re gonna die
Now you’re old and full of hatred
Take a pill to masturbatred
Children point to you and scream
Because they will become that thing
One more year of further suffering
There’s no point of fucking bluffing
Open up your DETHDAY present
It’s a box of fucking nothing
RSVP PLEASE
For the DETH of thee
You have little time
And you’re running out of life
DIE DIE
DETHDAY
BIRTHDAY
DETHDAY
DIE DIE
DETHDAY
BIRTHDAY
DETHDAY
RSVP PLEASE
For the DETH of thee
You have little time
And you’re running out of life
Happy Birthday
You’re gonna die
Hotel Yorba was a breath of fresh air the first time I heard it on MTV2 (or was it VH1?).–you know, back when MTV2 played music videos. The song’s simple sound really stood out amongst the overly produced “alternative” crap, the lousy hip-hop, the terribly bad girl-pop, and the excrescent bad metal. Three chords, very minimal and hopeful, heck, the first time I’d heard skiffle since Lonnie Donnegan, just a really great sound. I fell in love with the song immediately.
The meaning of the song is very straightforward, about a man and woman in love. I love the heartfelt, honest feeling behind Jack White’s vocals, however, and that’s something else that really makes it all work.
And of course, the lyrics:
I was watching
With one eye on the other side
I had fifteen people telling me to move
I got moving on my mind
I found shelter
In some thoughts turning wheels around
I said 39 times that I love you
To the beauty I had found
Well its 1 2 3 4
Take the elevator
At the Hotel Yorba
I’ll be glad to see you later
All they got inside is vacancy
I’ve been thinking
Of a little place down by the lake
They got a dirty little road leading up to the house
I wonder how long it will take ’till we’re alone
Sitting on the front porch of that home
Stomping our feet on the wooden boards
Never gonna worry about locking the door
Well it’s 1 2 3 4
Take the elevator
At the Hotel Yorba
I’ll be glad to see you later
All they got inside is vacancy
It might sound silly
For me to think childish thoughts like these
But I’m so tired of acting tough
And I’m gonna do what i please
Let’s get married
In a big cathedral by a priest
‘Cause if I’m the man that you love the most
You could say I do at least
Well it’s 1 2 3 4
Take the elevator
At the Hotel Yorba
I’ll be glad to see you later
All they got inside is vacancy
And it’s 4 5 6 7
Grab your umbrella
Grab hold of me
‘Cause I’m your favorite fella
All they got inside is vacancy
Flagpole Sitta. was the first song I heard by Harvey Danger (and thankfully not the last). It’s a really strong pop song with some very clever, outstanding lyrics. Seemingly about a man confronted with life’s ills and slowly being driven crazy, it’s got a great hook, that very lovely singalong chorus, and it’s a very well crafted classic rock and roll song.
And of course, the lyrics:
I had visions, I was in them,
I was looking into the mirror
To see a little bit clearer
The rottenness and evil in me
Fingertips have memories,
Mine can’t forget the curves of your body
And when I feel a bit naughty
I run it up the flagpole and see who salutes
(But no one ever does)
I’m not sick, but I’m not well
and I’m so hot ’cause I’m in hell
Been around the world and found
That only stupid people are breeding
The cretins cloning and feeding
And I don’t even own a TV
Put me in the hospital for nerves
And then they had to commit me
You told them all I was crazy
They cut off my legs now I’m an amputee, Goddamn you
I’m not sick, but I’m not well
And I’m so hot cause I’m in hell
I’m not sick, but I’m not well
And it’s a sin, to live so well
I wanna publish ‘zines
And rage against machines
I wanna pierce my tongue
It doesn’t hurt, it feels fine
The trivial sublime
I’d like to turn off time
And kill my mind
You kill my mind
Mind…
Paranoia, paranoia
Everybody’s comin’ to get me
Just say you never met me
I’m runnin’ underground with the moles
Diggin’ big holes
Hear the voices in my head
I swear to God it sounds like they’re snoring
But if you’re bored then you’re boring
The agony and the irony, they’re killing me, whoa!
I’m not sick, but I’m not well
And I’m so hot cause I’m in hell
I’m not sick, but I’m not well
And it’s a sin to live this well
(One, two, three, four!)
Homebrew is a pretty cool, high energy song that is most likely about an acid trip. I love the guitar, and the chorus, and it’s just got a nice feeling to the song. It’s a cool, cohesive flavor that just eases along nicely.
And of course, the lyrics:
Now I know fools get their own when they chit chat
haven’t heard yet but you can bet I’m not with that
with that talk with the digi walk
I struck a bird you heard absurd word to the fact
I’m a cat, nippin’ sippin’ on the flask
passin’ it talkin’ shit but only if you ass
in front of me cause you could run from me but
in the end revenge send ends to the defendant
I cant get caught in the spiral
cause every bit of energy it goes to my survival
out my way, I’m a flicka flacka blotter
ya try to find a weakness but the shit keeps gettin’ harder
Fourth of July
with Lucy in sky
I remember pine trees and the coat of many colors
I was nineteen
I’d do anything
shit like that now scares me but I’d like to do it again
It was Independence day
I’ve seen the other side and I say
oh, I’ve been insane
and I wont ever be the same
Cuz we flow we must be fly
first to flow, Nickel my brother so wise
and then I rise
here’s an ill kid pimpin’ cuz he is so slick
steps from darkness, his body electric
a drone buzzes the air a cracklin’ tone
then boomin’ like thunder in a cosmic jungle
death defyin’ like Knievel he weeble
words that will wobble awkwards and evil
cuz he flow and rock the hardest of the crowds
a marvel pow how you like me now
I’ve returned the kiss of death the last Damien
from the abyss fresh eternal alien
now famished from pathless ways I’ma do damage
to the wack MC’s I know you cant stand this
right about now get down, I’m the annihilator
rockin’ with the rhythm of my rhyme detonator
Fourth of July
with Lucy in sky
I remember pine trees and the coat of many colors
I was nineteen
I’d do anything
shit like that now scares me but I’d like to do it again
It was Independence day
I’ve seen the other side and I say
oh, I’ve been insane
and I wont ever be the same
Girls On Film is easily my favorite Duran Duran song. I love the guitar riffs, the bass line, and I think this is also one of Simon Le Bon’s best vocal outings as well. The song, about the exploitative and voyeuristic qualities of the fashion industry, particularly pertaining to the relationships between photographers and models, moves along at a funky pace that’s quite enjoyable.
It’s also got a good beat, and you can dance to it.
Here’s a link to the video (the tame version–anyone can search for the uncensored version).
And of course, the lyrics:
See them walking hand in hand
Across the bridge at midnight
Heads turning as the lights flashing out
Are so bright
And walk right out to the four line track
There’s a camera rolling on her back
On her back
And I sense the rhythms humming in a frenzy
All the way down her spine
Girls on Film
Girls on Film
Girls on Film
Girls on Film
Lipstick cherry all over the lens as she’s falling
in miles of sharp blue water coming in
Where she lies
The diving man’s coming up for air
‘Cause the crowd all love pulling Dolly by the hair
By the hair
And she wonders how she ever got here
As she goes under again
Girls on Film (Two minutes later)
Girls on Film
Girls on Film (Got your picture)
Girls on Film
Wider, baby, smiling and you’ve just made a million
Fuses pumping live heat twisting out on a wire
Take one last glimpse into the night
I’m touching close
I’m holding bright, holding tight
Give me shudders with a whisper,
Take me high ’til I’m shooting a star
Girls on Film (she’s more than a lady)
Girls on Film
Girls on Film (see you together)
Girls on Film
Girls on Film (see you later)
Girls on Film
Girls on Film (two minutes later)
Girls on Film
So yeah, this song isn’t fun. Not fun at all.
Okay, I keed, I keed.
This song in particular is about a man being compared to his “perfect” neighbor (although I have to say, I think a man like Endicott would drive many women insane over time), and why he isn’t like the titular character. Additionally, the singer is a bit of a rake himself, a bit of a gigolo and gold digger, pretty much what you expect from a Kid Creole song. The Coconuts chime in nicely with their mocking chorus “why can’t you be like Endicott?“, and the song has a nice, funky bassline and a bit of calypso as well.
And of course, the lyrics:
Endicott’s up by 5 o’clock
Endicott’s givin’ it all he got
Endicott’s job is six to nine but
Endicott’s home by nine O five
Endicott helps to cook the steak
Endicott helps to wash the plates
Endicott puts the kids to bed
Endicott reads a book to them
(Why cant you be like Endicott?)
Endicott loves Tribena so
Endicott puts her on a pedestal
Endicott’s wish is her command but
Endicott don’t make no demands
Endicott’s always back in time
Endicott’s not the cheatin’ kind
Endicott’s full of compliment
Endicott’s such a gentleman
(Why cant you be like Endicott?)
Cause I’m free
Free of any made-to-order liabilities
Thank God I’m free
Cos it’s hard enough for me
to take care of me, oh-oh
Endicott’s carryin’ a heavy load but
Endicott never really ever moans
Endicott’s not a wealthy guy but
Endicott pays the bills on time
Endicott’s got ideas and plans
Endicott’s what you call a real man
Endicott always will provide ’cause
Endicott is the family type
(Why cant you be like Endicott?)
Cause I’m free
Freer than a pirate on a frigate out at sea
Thank God I’m free
Driftin’ all around just like a tumbleweed, oh-oh
Maybe I need someone
Someone who isn’t undone
Maybe an older woman
Will tolerate me
Maybe that certain someone
Older and wiser woman
Maybe the perfect someone
To satisfy me
Endicott keeps his body clean
Endicott don’t use nicotine
Endicott don’t drink alcohol
Endicott use no drugs at all
Endicott don’t eat any sweet
Endicott don’t eat pig feet
Endicott’s frame is mighty strong
Endicott make love hard and long
(Why cant you be like Endicott?)
Endicott loves Tribena so
Endicott walks her to the sto’
Endicott likes to hold her hand
Endicott’s proud to be her man
Endicott stands for decency
Endicott means formality
Endicott’s the epitome
Endicott stands for quality
Endicott
Endicott
Endicott
Endicott
Our love will be…
Ebeneezer Goode is–say it with me kids–a fun song. It’s got a great beat and you can dance to it. And it’s fun. Really fun. F to the U to the N.
Okay, enough self-parody. This is a good (no pun intended) song. It’s got a good, upbeat feeling, and it’s enjoyable to listen to as well.
I’d never really considered what the song was about before (I preferfed to just let my butt do thinking when I listen to this one), but according to Wikipedia, it’s most likely about the drug ecstasy:
The song is best known for its chorus, “‘Eezer Goode, ‘Eezer Goode/He’s Ebeneezer Goode”, which has been construed as a drug reference: “E’s are good, E’s are good”.[1] The lyrics present the advantages of Ecstasy use with a warning about the drugs abuse thrown in: “But go easy on old ‘Eezer, he’s the love you could lose. Extraordinary fellow, like Mister Punchinello, he’s the kind of geezer who must never be abused”.
The song also contains references to rolling a spliff with the lines “Has anybody got any Veras?”, a reference to ‘Vera Lynns’, the rhyming slang for skins or rolling papers and “Got any salmon?”, which is a reference to ’salmon and trout’ the rhyming slang for ’snout’, a prison word for tobacco.
And of course, the lyrics:
There’s a guy in the place
He’s got a bittersweet face
And he goes by the name of Ebeneezer Goode
His friends call him Eezer and he is the main geezer
And he’ll vibe about the place
Like no other man could
He’s refined, sublime, he makes you feel fine
Though very much maligned and misunderstood
But if you know Eezer he’s a real crowd pleaser
He’s ever so good, he’s Ebeneezer Goode
You can see that he’s mysterious,
Mischievious and devious
As he circulates amongst the people in the place
But once you know he’s fun
And something of a genius
He gives a grin that grows around
From face to face to face
Backwards and then forwards,
Forwards and then backwards
Eezer is the geezer who loves to muscle in
That’s about the time the crowd
All shout the name of Eezer
As he’s kotcheled in the corner,
Laughing by the bass bin
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Has anybody got any veras?
Lovely
Ya ha ha ha ha ha
Ya ha ha ha ha ha
A great philosopher once wrote
“Naughty naughty very naughty”
Ha ha ha ha ha
Ebeneezer Goode, leading light of the scene
Know what I mean - see
He created the vibe,
He takes you for a ride and as if by design
The party ignites like he’s comin alive
He takes you to the top, shakes you all around
Then back down, you know as he gets mellow
Then as smooth as the groove
That is making you move
He glides into your mind with a sunny “Hello!”
A gentleman of leisure,
He’s there for your pleasure
But go easy on old Eezer
He’s the love you could lose
Extraordinary fellow, like Mr. Punchinello
He’s the kind of geezer who must never be abused
When you’re in town and Ebeneezer is around
You can sense a presence
In the sound of the crowd
He gets them all at it, the party starts rocking
The people get excited it’s time to shout loud
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Ya ha ha ha
Ya ha ha ha
Ha ha ha ha
Ha ha ha ha
Wicked
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He’s Ebeneezer Goode
A lot of people love the Gary Jules cover of this song, but I will always prefer the original. I first saw the video back in 1983 on Richard Blade’s MV3 video show, and I loved it. It’s got a really nice beat, you can dance to it, plus it’s got some very interesting–and quite frankly, over the top–lyrics (although I still think that the dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had is one of the saddest lyrics I’ve ever heard).
As far as the song’s meaning, here are two quotes taken from Wikipedia:
That came when I lived above a pizza restaurant in Bath and I could look out onto the centre of the city. Not that Bath is very mad - I should have called it “Bourgeois World”!
—Roland Orzabal
It’s very much a voyeur’s song. It’s looking out at a mad world from the eyes of a teenager.[1]
—Curt Smith
I think that’s very appropriate for this song.
And of course, the lyrics:
All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
And their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I’m dying
Are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you
‘Cos I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It’s a very, very
Mad World
Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
Made to feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what’s my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I’m dying
Are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you
‘Cos I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It’s a very, very
Mad World