Thursday 15 March 2018

Great Tracks No12, I'm the Slime, by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention


Released in 1973, three years before Paddy Chayefsky's Network film was aired that deals with the same subject, this is almost pantomime like in its production but even back then a reminder of that little box (then) that has found its place in everybody's home. Network makes reference to 21" screens, nowdays more like 55".
Also worth noting the final line before the repeat chorus, "Until the rights to you are sold", is now echoed in several episodes of the great Charlie Brooker written Black Mirror series that is available on Netflix.


I am gross and perverted
I'm obsessed 'n deranged
I have existed for years
But very little has changed
I'm the tool of the Government
And industry too
For I am destined to rule
And regulate you

I may be vile and pernicious
But you can't look away
I make you think I'm delicious
With the stuff that I say
I'm the best you can get
Have you guessed me yet?
I'm the slime oozin' out
From your TV set

You will obey me while I lead you
And eat the garbage that I feed you
Until the day that we don't need you
Don't go for help . . . no one will heed you
Your mind is totally controlled
It has been stuffed into my mold
And you will do as you are told
Until the rights to you are sold

That's right, folks
Don't touch that dial

Well, I am the slime from your video
Oozin' along on your livin' room floor

I am the slime from your video
Can't stop the slime, people, look at me go

I am the slime from your video
Oozin' along on your livin' room floor

I am the slime from your video
Can't stop the slime, people, look at me go


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