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ladyislingering · 04-18-2015, 10:07 PM

I won't even try to decode the lyrics to this next track. It just sounds as if Russell Mael was just trying to write a psychedelic song in his youth with some nonsense words and this happened. A similar lyrical structure is to be found in a later song - "Instant Weight Loss". We'll get there.

"Saccharin and the War"

Spoiler for LYRICS BELOW:

I've always adored this next track. I've always heard it to be a song written from the point of view of a man trying to impress his peers with his appreciation for a finer style of music. Ron's keyboard is, as always, at the forefront - though the heavy bass is not to be ignored. Russell's vocal form is wondrous here as well.

I actually have a friend/fellow Sparks fan who has a tattoo that reads "I smile like Herbert Hoover when they play".

"Big Bands"

Spoiler for LYRICS BELOW:

"(No More) Mr. Nice Guys" wraps up this album perfectly. It's a hard-rocking track, lyrics spat out at breakneck speeds. This would have been an excellent single. (In fact, I think it was the B-side to "Wonder Girl".) We're treated to an unusually nasty edge in Russell's vocals.

Spoiler for LYRICS BELOW:

To wrap this chapter up, I've got a couple terrific photos of producer Todd Rundgren and Russell Mael.

04-18-2015, 10:07 PM	#18 (permalink)
ladyislingering Maelian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Seattle Posts: 695	I won't even try to decode the lyrics to this next track. It just sounds as if Russell Mael was just trying to write a psychedelic song in his youth with some nonsense words and this happened. A similar lyrical structure is to be found in a later song - "Instant Weight Loss". We'll get there. "Saccharin and the War" Spoiler for LYRICS BELOW: Fifteen years the bus had waited Before it moved on into the town Eye liner worn by all their girls Through the night the war was fought Each "eye liner" took two small drops Reaction - Elation - Joy, Joy, Joy Every girl took in a doctor The Constitution says: "you must house the men" Each doctor undermined a plot All the weight that was soon lost They erected as a golden cross Remember the weight is no longer here Through the street girls sang The marching bands brought on the rain The Doctors stood by the gold cross One "eye liner" she had an idea She read the Book, the Golden Book It seems another Man had come across a cross Dr. Jones they crucified But, all their weight was returned back Ha, Ha for all the girls now I've always adored this next track. I've always heard it to be a song written from the point of view of a man trying to impress his peers with his appreciation for a finer style of music. Ron's keyboard is, as always, at the forefront - though the heavy bass is not to be ignored. Russell's vocal form is wondrous here as well. I actually have a friend/fellow Sparks fan who has a tattoo that reads "I smile like Herbert Hoover when they play". "Big Bands" Spoiler for LYRICS BELOW: I smile like Herbert Hoover when they play I dream of banker's daughters, better days Care to dance my lady Live near here? They certainly sound in fine form, do you care? I am quite partial Broke, spent, I still marshall (all my strenght when big bands play) Follow me my lady to my home See my large collection, some on loan Of every big band record ever made I had to sell my heater, so don't shake I am quite partial Broke, spent, I still marshal all my strength when big bands blare I smile like Herbert Hoover when the big bands play I dream of banker's daughters, better days For I am quite partial Broke, spent, I marshal all my strength when big bands play Knowing of their flare for filling empty stomachs, empty hearts, they're not so far apart, they're not so far apart And if you can't sleep late one night, It's not your coffee, it's the bunk I am quite partial Broke, spent, I still marshall all my strength I smile like Herbert Hoover when the big bands play I frequent the dance halls most every night into the day I know the name of every trombone player that exists They don't know I used to blow before the Crash had hit our land Before the Crash I find it so much warmer in the ballroom than at home A common bond unites us so we're really not alone Sure we've got some problems, but tonight we won't admit it Take my hand my lady friend, we'll make it seem like we were there tonight "(No More) Mr. Nice Guys" wraps up this album perfectly. It's a hard-rocking track, lyrics spat out at breakneck speeds. This would have been an excellent single. (In fact, I think it was the B-side to "Wonder Girl".) We're treated to an unusually nasty edge in Russell's vocals. Spoiler for LYRICS BELOW: Just when sin is quite the thing, there's one who holds quite tight to what had worked before What's his outlet, what's his secret, is it something one can buy at some drug store? Could the gospel be his girl, Does he exercise by breaking 2 by 4's? Just what is his game? Could he be enticed? No one's quite lame No one's quite nice No more Mr. Nice Guys Few are left but him No more Mr. Nice Guys The Nice Guys cannot and the Nice Guys shall not, the Nice Guys will not win She expressed a strong desire in relieving him of his anxiety She succeeded very well for now she's mother to a nice family If you had to call a winner you would call it her, though she might disagree He could be enticed His game had to end But he's still quite nice She sees other men than him No more Mr. Nice Guys Nice guys won't suffice No more Mr. Nice Guys The Nice Guys cannot and the Nice Guys Shall not, the Nice Guys won't suffice To wrap this chapter up, I've got a couple terrific photos of producer Todd Rundgren and Russell Mael. __________________ You and I, We were born to die.