To lie in a fever is to replay your life over and over. Not ending. Suspended animation, with a random slideshow and soundtrack. The world seems to have a fever.
I love the lie and lie the love
A-Hangin’ on, with push and shove
Possession is the motivation
that is hangin’ up the God-damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut (everybody now!)
Tryin’ to make it real — compared to what? C’mon baby!
Slaughterhouse is killin’ hogs
Twisted children killin’ frogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin’ logs
Tired old lady kissin’ dogs
I hate the human love of that stinking mutt (I can’t use it!)
Try to make it real — compared to what? C’mon baby now!
The President, he’s got his war
Folks don’t know just what it’s for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
We’re chicken-feathers, all without one nut. God damn it!
Tryin’ to make it real — compared to what? (Sock it to me)
Church on Sunday, sleep and nod
Tryin’ to duck the wrath of God
Preacher’s fillin’ us with fright
They all tryin’ to teach us what they think is right
They really got to be some kind of nut (I can’t use it!)
Tryin’ to make it real — compared to what?
Where’s that bee and where’s that honey?
Where’s my God and where’s my money?
Unreal values, crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
Kind of brings to mind ol’ young King Tut (He did it now)
Tried to make it real — compared to what?!
9 Responses
Ah, Swiss Movement. Didn't everyone have that, if they had one jazz album? Thanks for the find and post.
More cowbell!
I used to listen to that all the time. Back when it first came out, and many more times over the years.
The music remains brilliant – Benny Bailey's playing is incendiary. Eddie Harris plays lights out. Les himself – his technique and incredible speed and skill are wonderful to see, after all these years of only hearing him play.
But my feelings about the lyrics have changed over the years. The less I say about that the better. Let's just say that what I once found amusing and hip I find less so now.
Sixty Grit- It may have something to do with the fact that the lyrics are drivel.
"The World Will End Yesterday" is not a new lament.
Great music, though.
The music is remarkable. It's good to see the interplay between the musicians – a glance here, a smile there, a "hey, this is right, right?" look. Modulate up. Oh yeah. Even after hearing this 100 times (more, less? Who knows?) it is difficult for me to follow the rhythm at the end of the last modulation. Maybe you had to be there.
Then, after the last verse, both Benny and Eddie turn around to watch Les play – well, who can blame them – he is cooking on his last solo there, and they are in a good spot to watch him. Oh yeah.
If I recall correctly, Montreux was the first time the five musicians had ever played together, even in rehearsal.
Gene McDaniel, who is responsible for the lyrics, had a hit in 1961 with A Hundred Pounds of Clay.
And now you know the rest of the story….
Stop you?! I don't think so.
I've had this on vinyl since about 1975; never knew there was a video. The lyrics are drivel, all right, but God what a performance. Thank you for bringing this out.
Daniel K Day
I remember the song. I tend to look at most lyrics as forms of scat singing, so I never paid much attention to these lyrics. Turn to Amália Rodrigues. There is no need to understand her lyrics in Portuguese.
Gringo- That's a beautiful song.
If I was the singer, I'd get a restraining order for whoever is drawing those pictures of her.