This is such a cool sounding song, especially if you ever hear it live. The band did a fabulous job at turning this into the angriest, noisiest song out there. It’s a also a funny, bittersweet reaction to being dumped.
There’s a number of comments on SongMeanings
Here’s a link to the video, although I wish I could have found a decent sounding live version.
And of course, the lyrics:
So you wanted
to take a break
Slow it down some and
have some space
Well fuck you too
Give me my money back
Give me my money back
you bitch
I want my money back
(And don’t forget to give
me back my black T-Shirt)
Wish I hadn’t bought you dinner
Right before you dumped me
on your front porch
Give me my money back
Give me my money back
You bitch
I want my money back
and don’t forget
And don’t forget.
Kalamazoo is a fairly unique song int he Primus lexicon in that it’s not as bass-centric as most other songs–and it’s a rap song. Personally I love the drums in the opening and it does have a nice, funky beat.
Over at SongMeanings there’s some speculation about the meaning of the song, including that it may be more about a state of mind rather than the city in Michigan. Additionally, the song is potentially based on an old Glenn Miller tune:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
I got a gal in Kalamazoo
Dont want to boast but I know
Shes the toast of Kalamazoo
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo)
Years have gone by
My my how she grew
I liked her looks when I
Carried her books in Kalamazoo
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo)
I’m gonna send away, hoppin
On a plane, leavin today
Am I dreamin?
I can hear her screamin
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, Kalamazoo)
K (K)
A (A)
L-A-M-A-Z-O
(Oh, oh, oh, oh what a gal, a real pipperoo)
(Were goin to Michigan to see the sweetest in Kalamazoo)
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo)
(Kalamazoo!!)
Here’s a link to a fan video using footage from the anime FLCL
And of course, the lyrics:
A B C D E F G H I gotta’ gal wears her toenails long
Drives a red Barracuda, singin’ meat packer songs
And she ain’t from Kalamazoo
A B C D E F G H I gotta’ friend lived in a Mercedes-Benz
Then a 55 Chrysler where the trunk never ends
And the plates say Kalamazoo
He had a steady job and watched what he spent
He’d say I don’t believe in payin’ no goddamn rent
I’ll squirrel away every goddamn cent
And buy my own damn house in Kalamazoo
I knew a guy that mangled his hand
And he went from pipe fittin’ to a hot dog stand
They say last year he cleared fifty grand
Selling dogs round Kalamazoo
She turned to the world with a bastard child
Said, “I just can’t handle him he’s too damn wild”
But the years and the liquor have made him mild
And he lays around Kalamazoo
When I first heard Talking Heads’ Moon Rocks, I thought it would be a huge hit song, but apparently not. It wasn’t even included in Stop Making Sense–not that I’m complaining, but it would have been cool, because this song just has a great beat and it’s easy to dance to.
What’s it about? I really don’t know. It could be about taking drugs and hallucinating (I ate a rock from the moon) or about a crackpot inventor (You might think I’m wasting time) or even a wild revivalist preaching. It’s very hard to say–please feel free to offer your own interpretations.
And of course, the lyrics:
Flying saucers, levitation
Yo! I could do that
Get ready, for heavy duty
Go on, give it a chance
Give it a chance, give it a chance
I saw your hair start to curl
So get up, write it down
You better wait for a while
So take your hands out of your pockets
And get your face adjusted
I heard it, somebody lied
And I’m staring out the window
Gonna let this thing continue
In its natural time
Roundheads, squareheads
Get settled in
You can hear my belly rumble
There’s a voice that starts to mumble
Woo! It’s starting to sing
Protons, neutrons
I ate a rock from the moon
Got shocked once; shocked twice
Let’s see, what it can do
Man in the moon, moon in the man
I got a rock in my throat
Upside, up side down
My tummy start to talk . . . (what it say?)
Gonna rock it ’till I shock it
Gonna kick it ’till I drop it
Woo! Love at first sight
You can kick it, You can poke it
Ooh, I think you broke it
What about that!
Skin from a snake, blood from a stone
You know, that ain’t no lie
I got hundreds of expressions
Try to make a good impression
Woo! Right between the eye
I don’t mind - let me go
Sounds inside - I don’t know
Let me be - why not stay
I feel numb - let me play
I got wild imagination
Talkin’ transubstantiation
Any version will do
I got mass communication
I’m the human corporation
I ate a rock from the moon
Moon in the rock, rock in the moon
There’s a moon in my throat
You might think I’m wasting time
You might laugh but not for long
Hey! I’m working it out . . . (work it out)
I don’t mind - let me go
Sounds inside - I don’t know
Let me be - why not stay
I feel numb - let me play
Remain In Light was a great album with great songs such as Once In A Lifetime and Crosseyed and Painless. However, there were many great songs on that album, and today’s selection, The Great Curve, is one of them.
This song has it all–a great beat, some fantastic guitar work by guest guitarist Adrian Belew, some really cool layered vocals and harmonies, and it’s just all around cool.
Obviously it’s a song about a woman or women in general, but whether there’s more going on isn’t something I feel I can successfully state. However, the folks at SongMeanings are happy to speculate.
And of course, the lyrics:
Sometimes the world has a load of questions
Seems like the world knows nothing at all
The world is near but its out of reach
Some people touch it…but they cant hold on.
She is moving to describe the world
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
She has messages for everyone
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
She is moving by remote control
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
Hands that move her are invisible
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
The world has a way of looking at people
Sometimes it seems that the world is wrong
She loves the world, and all the people in it
She shakes em up when she start to walk.
She is only party human being
Divine, to define, she is moving to define, so say so, so say so
She defines the possibilities
Divine, to define, she is moving to define, so say so, so say so
Holding on for an eternity
Divine, to define, she is moving to define, so say so, so say so
Gone…ending without finishing
Divine, to define, she is moving to define, so say so, so say so
The world moves on a womans hips
The world moves and it swivels and bops
The world moves on a womans hips
The world moves and it bounces and hopsu
A world of light…shes gonna open our eyes up
A world of light…shes gonna open our eyes up
Shes gonna hold/it move/it hold it/move it hold/it move it hold/
It move it
A world of light…shes gonna open out eyes up
She is moving to describe the world
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
She has messages for everyone
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
She is moving by remote control
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
Hands that move her are invisible
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
Divine, to define, she is moving to define, so say so
Night must fall now-darker, darker.
She…has got to move the world…to move the world…to move
The world
Elastica was best known for their hit single Connection, but this song was from their second album. It’s got a really interesting beat and sound, likely due to Justine Frischmann playing around with Cubase, and in my opinion it’s one of those songs that grows on you with each listen.
And of course, the lyrics (and yes, I know they are incorrect):
Don’t need no credit card to make my charge complete
Don’t want you on your back I just got on my feet
Don’t want the same boy another time
Don’t want to make you mine I want to make you mine
I don’t need to settle for another player ???
I want to get you there
I don’t wanna settle for another player ???
I want to
Be myself, gonna get in your way, yeah
Be myself, gonna get it under
Be myself, gonna get in your way, yeah
Be myself, you’re the one, you’re the one
You’re the one
You’re the one, you’re the one last one…
Please yourself
You gotta be yourself
You gotta check yourself
Don’t forget yourself
Don’t need a credit card to make my charge complete
Don’t want you on your back I just got on my feet
Don’t want the same boy another time
Don’t bother making love don’t want to make you mine
You know I’m waiting for my man
Just because I can
You know I’m waiting another time
I want to
Be myself, gonna get in your way, yeah
Be myself, gonna get it under
Be myself, gonna get in your way, yeah
Be myself, you’re the one
Christmas Wrapping is my all time favorite non-parody Christmas song–heck, it’s my all-time favorite Christmas song period.
As a rule, I am not a fan of Christmas music. To me, if you won’t listen to it 11 months out of the year, what makes it any better that one month? However, this song breaks that mold.
To begin with, it’s not the slightest bit smarmy. The story the song tells could happen to just about anyone, so pretty much anyone can relate. Not to mention that it’s a fun little story too. Additionally, it’s funky as all get-out, so it works on both levels–you can listen to it and dance to it.
Apparently I’m not alone in my thinking about this song either. Kudos about at True Enough for You and SongMeanings, with my favorite quote being;
This is probably the only Christmas song that doesn’t make me want to shoot the radio.
And of course, the lyrics;
“Bah, humbug!” No, that’s too strong
‘Cause it is my favorite holiday
But all this year’s been a busy blur
Don’t think I have the energy
To add to my already mad rush
Just ’cause it’s ’tis the season.
The perfect gift for me would be
Completions and connections left from
Last year, ski shop,
Encounter, most interesting.
Had his number but never the time
Most of ‘81 passed along those lines.
So deck those halls, trim those trees
Raise up cups of Christmas cheer,
I just need to catch my breath,
Christmas by myself this year.
Calendar picture, frozen landscape,
Chilled this room for twenty-four days,
Evergreens, sparkling snow
Get this winter over with!
Flashback to springtime, saw him again,
Would’ve been good to go for lunch,
Couldn’t agree when we were both free,
We tried, we said we’d keep in touch.
Didn’t, of course, ’til summertime,
Out to the beach to his boat could I join him?
No, this time it was me,
Sunburn in the third degree.
Now the calendar’s just one page
And, of course, I am excited
Tonight’s the night, but I’ve set my mind
Not to do too much about it.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I’ll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I’ll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I’ll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I’ll miss this one this year.
Hardly dashing through the snow
Cause I bundled up too tight
Last minute have-to-do’s
A few cards a few calls
‘Cause it’s r-s-v-p
No thanks, no party lights
It’s Christmas Eve, gonna relax
Turned down all of my invites.
Last fall I had a night to myself,
Same guy called, halloween party,
Waited all night for him to show,
This time his car wouldn’t go,
Forget it, it’s cold, it’s getting late,
Trudge on home to celebrate
In a quiet way, unwind
Doing Christmas right this time.
A&P has provided me
With the world’s smallest turkey
Already in the oven, nice and hot
Oh damn! Guess what I forgot?
So on with the boots, back out in the snow
To the only all-night grocery,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
In the line is that guy I’ve been chasing all year!
“I’m spending this one alone,” he said.
“Need a break; this year’s been crazy.”
I said, “Me too, but why are you?
You mean you forgot cranberries too?”
Then suddenly we laughed and laughed
Caught on to what was happening
That Christmas magic’s brought this tale
To a very happy ending! ”
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn’t miss this one this year!
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn’t miss this one this year!
I wasn’t a huge fan of the “Madchester” sound, but I have to admit that there were some good tunes that came out of the movement, this being one of them.
This is a grooving tune that just gets under your skin, owing much to the UK’s (highly warranted) fascination with 1960’s R&B music. It’s got a nice bass line; one of those songs you can just nod your head to and anyone else in hearing range will know why.
I’m not 100% sure what the song is about, although it sounds like a justification of a life of petty crime and poor behavior.
And of course, the lyrics:
Kiss me for old times sake Kiss me for making you wait Kiss me for old times sake Kiss me for making you wait Kiss me for screwing everything in site Kiss me for never getting it right Kiss me…..goodnight I’ve got to pick out whats in the pocket So I can leave these pockets clean I’ve got to pick out whats in the pocket So I can leave that pocket clean An’ I know that I will always want you But there’s not much that I can do Im sweet, will always have to do Rewind and give me a good clue An’ I know how your mind works Open your eyes and watch the roadworks Come on out It cant get much worse Sit right down Quench your big thirst Im tied down with stinkin thinkin Stinkin thinkin gets you nowhere Im weighed down with stinkin thinkin Stinkin thinkin comes from somewhere Is that really what you really what hey?
Would you like to see me living that way The living dead don’t get a holiday Open your eyes, see the real world Come on down, cant get much worse Come right down Quench your big thirst Lie right down drink your nightnurse Kiss me for old times sake Kiss me for making a big mistake Kiss me for always being late Kiss me for making you wait Kiss me for screwing everything in site Kiss me for getting it not right Kiss me…..goodnight Im tied down Im weighed down with stinking thinkin Stinkin thinkin gets me nowhere Im tied down with stinkin thinkin Stinkin thinkin comes from somewhere Steady job in a small town Guaranteed to bring me right down Guaranteed to take me nowhere Guaranteed to make me lose my hair
Chances are that you’ve heard this one before, but if not, get ready for a treat.
Like many people, I first stumbled upon this gem of a song a couple of years ago. Someone linked to the video, and word of mouth spread. They had a hit on their hands.
I love this song because it’s not only funny, but it also has a good beat and you can dance to it (well, I dance to it).
There’s a nice page on Wikipedia outlining many of the references in the song, and the fates of the participants.
And of course, the lyrics:
Old Godzilla was hopping around
Tokyo City like a big playground
when suddenly Batman burst from the shade
and hit Godzilla with a Batgrenade
Godzilla got pissed and began to attack
but didn’t expect to be blocked by Shaq
who proceeded to open up a can of Shaq Fu
when Aaron Carter came out of the blue
and he started beating up Shaquille O’Neal
then they both got flattened by the Batmobile
but before it could make it back to the Batcave
Abraham Lincoln popped out of his grave
and took an AK47 out from under his hat
and blew Batman away with a rat-a-tat-tat
but he ran out of bullets and he ran away
because Optimus Prime came to save the day
this is the Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny
good guys, bad guys, and explosions as far as the eye can see
and only one will survive, I wonder who it will be
this is the Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny
Godzilla took a bite out of Optimus Prime
like Scruff McGruff took a bite out of crime
and then Shaq came back covered in a tire track
but Jackie Chan jumped out and landed on his back
and Batman was injured, and trying to get steady
when Abraham Lincoln came back with a machete
but suddenly something caught his leg and he tripped
Indiana Jones took him out with his whip
then he saw Godzilla sneaking up from behind
and he reached for his gun which he just couldn’t find
’cause Batman stole it and he shot and he missed
and Jackie Chan deflected it with his fist
then he jumped in the air and did a summersault
while Abraham Lincoln tried to pole vault
onto Optimus Prime, but they collided in the air
then they both got hit by a Care Bear Stare, oooh
this is the Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny
good guys, bad guys, and explosions as far as the eye can see
and only one will survive, I wonder who it will be
this is the Ultimate Showdown…
angels sang out in immaculate chorus
down from the heavens descended Chuck Norris
who deliver a kick which could shatter bones
into the crotch of Indiana Jones
who fell over on the ground, writhing in pain
as Batman changed back into Bruce Wayne
but Chuck saw through his clever disguise
and he crushed Batman’s head in between his thighs
then Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White and
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail”’s Black Knight and
Benito Mussolini and The Blue Meanie and
Cowboy Curtis and Jambi the Genie
Robocop, the Terminator, Captain Kirk, and Darth Vader
Lo Pan, Superman, every single Power Ranger
Bill S. Preston and Theodore Logan,
Spock, The Rock, Doc Ock, and Hulk Hogan
all came out of no where lightning fast
and they kicked Chuck Norris in his cowboy ass
it was the bloodiest battle the world ever saw
with civilians looking on total awe
and the fight raged on for a century
many lives were claimed, but eventually
the champion stood, the rest saw their better:
Mr. Rogers in a bloodstained sweater
this is the Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny
good guys, bad guys, and explosions as far as the eye can see
and only one will survive, I wonder who it will be
this is the Ultimate Showdown…
this is the Ultimate Showdown…
this is the Ultimate Showdown…
of Ultimate Destiny
Kevin Godley and Lol Creme are best known for one of three things:
- Being two of the founding members of 10cc
- Having directed many innovative music videos in the 1980’s
- They’re own song, Cry, which was likely their biggest hit as a duo
However, today I’d like to focus on a track from one of their lesser known solo albums Snack Attack(also known as Ismism across the Atlantic.
“The Party” is an odd infusion of rap, funk and comedy as the listener is thrown into a typical show business party, most likely from the perspective of the artists themselves. There are references to artistic pretentiousness, a bit of (likely) unwanted advice given freely from an associate, a little too much information given about the sexual habits of a particular couples’ babysitter, and just general mayhem. The song is wickedly fun, and has lots of great moments both musically and lyrically.
And of course, the lyrics:
Ding dong, ding dong
Hi! Hey! Sorry we’re late
You’re not the first
Oh Great!
Hey listen I’m sorry but we can’t stay late
so we parked in the middle at the top by the gate
on the grass with the crass Volkswagen estate
Whose is it? Mine! You’re kidding, it’s great! (Jesus)
I just love the way he’s used the car like an empty canvas
and let the rust eat itself into the overall design
with such devastating spontaneity
David you’re ignoring me, come here
Who do you have to fuck to get a drink ’round here?
It’s art David, neo-functional mannerism
cerebral but oblique
it’s one star four owner shagged out chic
one star four owner shagged out chic
one star four owner shagged out chic
one star four owner shagged out chic
one star four owner shagged out chic
one star four owner shagged out chic
You’re a cocksucker Michael
you are what you eat David!
Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, ding dong
Darling, darling, Hi darling
Hello darling John! Ben! John! Sandy! John! Somerset! John!
Weekend! John! Wendy! John! Kevin! Got any?
No but I’ve got champagne!
Hi, hi, hi there.
Damn it I know you’re in a bit of a spot
and you’re used to the Merc and the Moet and the yacht
and it must be a blow to the ego, what!
But forget about this video rot
and write yourselves a hit or three
like “I’m Not in Paris” or “The Dean and Me”
I mean really I don’t like your stuff very much
it’s too avant garde and aggressive and butch
I prefer a gentle and melodic touch
but the kids today have got their ears in their crutch
If it’s not robots singing in Dutch
it’s Adam and the Ants and Starsky and Hutch
By the way here’s your present, Thanks very much
Now who’s here?
The Prews, the Magoos, the Targetts and the Benmen
Johnny Peruvian, Marathon Man,
Blonde and the dangerous cameraman
Hello. The Prews, the Magoos, the Targetts, and the Benmen
Brando, Banacek, Pusher, Taker,
Student Prince and cocktail shaker
Hello. The Prews, the Magoos, the Targetts, and the Benmen
Tim Clinch Vicar’s son, Prince Buster meets Tweedledum…
Hello. The Prews, the Magoos, the Targetts, and the Benmen
Well Jesus Christ is that the time
I could have sworn it was only twenty to nine
Hello Susan darling you look divine
Anyway we’d better be off before we get blocked in
so give our regards to the Paul and the Lynnes
and the swankys and the chatters and the Tequila twins
sorry Attilla’s brides
Anyway must go, must fly, don’t drink yourselves to death
but the baby is allergic to the babysitter’s breath
and she’ll have her boyfriend in a vice-like grip
on the backgammon table sucking guacamole dip
through the holes in his stockings, isn’t it shocking!
Champagne.
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
Oh boy my skin feels about an inch thick, how about you Ben?
I’m fine, another line?
Why is everybody talking in speech balloons
and disappearing in Tequila fumes
Another line? Fine.
I love you Ben, let me count the ways
whoops here comes the Spaghetti Bolognaise
So I’m stuck in the toilet with Rick
and I’m gonna be, I’m gonna be, I’m gonna be, I’m gonna be
I think I’m gonna be, it’s gonna be, I’m gonna be,
it’s gonna be, gonna be, gonna be, it’s gonna be
so long Rick
It’s gonna be me and the bowl,
me and the bowl
me and the never ending bowl
me and the bowl
me and the bowl
me and the never ending bowl
me and the bowl
me and the bowl
me and the never ending bowl
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party
I hope the whole world comes to my birthday party