@GymnopedieTornado "I'm not black but there's a hole lot of times I wish I could say I'm not white" does'nt sound like he's putting the blame on black folks to me.
OH the memories!!!! I remember the first time I heard this music....I was turned on to the Mothers by another band....what great memories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This band was ONE of the greatest of ALL time!!!
Welcome to the New Year, 2012. Let's see what's in store for us all, kids -- more riots, more warfare, more lost hope among the working poor, more corporate empty suits screwing us all, Iran giving America and Israel the universal finger salute in response to criticism over its nuclear program, et al. Frank Zappa was part prophet.
Proof that nothing changes for the better. There are more smaller confilcts going on in this world than ever before. Liberia, North Africa, Syria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are prime examples. That's not to mention the global economic melt-down which will effect America in the long run. Forget "globalism." America needs to turn its attention inward. THIRD PARTY NOW!
@TheHappyfamily7 pretty sure he's referring to a brownie camera which were an affordable camera made bty eastman kodak at the time, owned several myself.
@TheHappyfamily7 It's definitely a camera. Have had a few. He's talking about how the NEWS crews loved getting footage of violence for their stations.
This song is completely bad ass. Total classic. It gets down to the core of our modern society, even though it was written in 66. Apperently no one's been listening.
(Pg.6) What he means by that is, the Powers That Be needed to be the ones to make the opportunities better for the black race. He was actually standing up for the black race, as he states that the law refused to see (understand) why the black people rioted - unless equality occurred, all's anyone would ever let them be was a lousy janitor; and so five in every four could not amount to nothin' more due to unfair inequality; and be reduced to living in rat-infested conditions cause they're poor
(Pg.5) He's saying, by using violence you will never quiet the fire in your heart that says change must occur. And, anyone could imitate the violence for fighting for an ideal that they think is right; but isn't. Like Hitler did. If millions do violence, there's no more "great society" that we could all be. Then he says, the law refuses to see that we are not really free, because if all you can ever be is a janitor, then there ain't nothing great to look forward to. (continued)
(Pg.4) 'Cause the fire in the street ain't like the fire in the heart; Don't you know that this could start - On any street in any town; In any state, if any clown;
Decides that now's the time to fight; For some ideal he thinks is right. And if a million more agree; There ain't no 'Great Society'; As it applies to you and me;
Our country isn't free; And the law refuses to see; If all that you can ever be
Is just a lousy janitor; Unless your uncle owns a store.." Frank is so deep - (continued)
(Pg.3) meaning; this kind of violence could spread across the country. He doesn't side with either the black OR white race - he states clearly, "Black & white discrimination, it's the same across the nation; all that mass stupidity that seems to grow more every day, each time you hear some nitwit say; He wants to go and do you in; because the color or your skin just don't appeal to him ; No matter if it's black or white; Because he's out for blood tonight."
(Page 2) As if to indicate that "they" (the government) were who used people & situations to initiate the dissention.The '60's generation concerned the government, & they saw fit to quell them. I know this, as I saw it going on. Frank was also saying that violence was not the effective way to cause change - the better way to effect change was to use other means of approach, because by using violence, no one wins; everyone loses. He says,
"we got to watch this thing begin.""(continued Pg.3)
Frank Zappa; like I have said before; was a fierce critic & observer of the American government; & he saw the bad path it was taking in his own time; and publicly stated predictions about it. He was unfortunately right in every instance.
His insight is revealed here as he says: "So I'm watchin' & I'm waitin', hopin' for the best, Even think I'll go to prayin', Every time I hear 'em sayin', no way to delay that trouble comin' every day.." (continued in Post 2)
what do you guys think about the fact that Zappa obviously sympathizes with the innocent white victims of the Watts Riots? As accurate as that might be of the Watts situation, he never directly mentions the event by name in the song and it therefore sounds almost like he's blaming blacks as being the most prominent force of racism at the time. I get that he's putting down racism in general, but....I'm a little conflicted. Thoughts? And let's keep it civilized, without 'frothing' a Zappa wouldsay
Tornado - read my six-part response to your thoughts about this song of Frank's - I sincerely believe that you
interpreted it differently than how Frank meant it.My interpretation is that Frank was actually standing up for the black race acting out thru violence because of unfair inequality; and that the cops didn't even pause to look behind why the black people were so worked up - it was like the last straw that broke the camel's back scenario for the black people. Read it
@GymnopedieTornado May I suggest that if you think Frank was blaming blacks, you go learn something about him? Unlike most anywhere else, I'd suggest the burden of proof is on you, not Frank. You need to understand what he's saying, not go by what you think he's saying.
@oldgeezer68 Look, I'm not saying Zappa was a racist white supremacist or anything. That's crazy. All I'm saying is---par for the course with him---he's not really concerned with being PC. And that this song, written shortly after the Watts Riots, clearly sympathizes with the white victims of the riot, which is an interesting choice when writing about racial unrest in the 1960's. It's clearly meant to bridge the gap, it just kind of surprised me.
@GymnopedieTornado Not trying to put words in Frank's mouth, but I understand Frank to mean he didn't like the situation that people were at odds over something as stupid as race. I still have this in vinyl from the 60's and in all these decades I dont think there is anything to support your notion that he is taking anybody's side, white or black or cops or anybody. He was on the side of doing the right thing.
You have to think that Frank being so smart he just got pissed at the trite nature of life in general, especially the music biz. He was the mad master of human commentary. Always experimenting, always open, never afraid of the chaos called life, but always willing to rag on it as needed. Thanks Frank.
Just to clear up something for those who are not quite familiar with Zappa - the original version of this was released in 1959 - yes, that's more than five years before the famous race riots we all know about.
@blackacidlizzard Don't think so. Wrote it in 1965 in Echo Park after watching the news coverage of the Watts riots. Still, as relevant today as it was then.
@blackacidlizzard said: "the original version of this was released in 1959"
Although I assume you were making a lame attempt at humor, I'm going to correct you just to make sure the uninitiated aren't inadvertently misled. The liner notes from the song on the Freak Out album say:
"'Trouble Every Day' is how I feel about racial unrest in general and the Watts situation in particular. It was written during the Watts riot as it developed."
Zappa was always ahead of his time, avant garde ...social commentary ... there's no way to delay that trouble coming every day ... and a great guitar riff. I saw the Mothers at the Shrine Auditorium around "67 (?) incredible ... damn that guy had huge fingers, seamed to swallow the guitar neck.
Hah-hah!!!! Made me laff out loud. I saw Frank 3 times in my life. The best of the Beat generation transformed into the "Hippie" thing. and yes, this song just won't go away. Another album that stands up to the test of time, because it's still relevant is Marvin Gaye's album "What's Going On".
i saw him perform at the trauma in phila. new years eve 1968. is this really 66? i don't remember them being there then. watchin' waitin' hopin' for the best
There's one time in infinity when were all young ....after horror of WWII & slipping back into business as usual ...but America assuming Super Power status with the dumb threat of the Cold War & mutual mass destruction ... there needed to be great changes ...and that is putting it mildly . And we did come close , maybe closer than anyone imagined . Imagine 17,000 bombs in just our arsenal pointing @ "them" & they had the same pointing at "Us" ...and 100x's the size of Hiroshima .
As far as who had the first rap song, look up Christopher Allen Bouchillon (1927).
Not the best recording quality but it's over 80 years old. People did recite poetry to music before then but as far as recorded music goes I think he's the first.
Yeah! Punk Rock before there was such a thing. Blow yo hahmonica, son! And all that messed up stuff on sports. Black and white discrimination. Classic guitar run at 4:15. Great drum speedup at end.
Listening to the repetitive guitar tempo and Franks voice over; it sounds like a proto-rap about the 65' Watts Riots. I thought Bob D's "Subterreanean Homesick Blues" might be the first one, but am now more convinced this song was one of the template's for those kids in the Bronx who would create rap and hip-hop during the early 70's.
i love all the comments ..but hozwz a bouts how it relates to today to a tee...im 41 this was a record my dad had along with blue cheer the seeds ect.but this song keeps popping in my head.with all thw words sht rip frank
Frank's response to the news coverage of a people struggling for freedom... is it really so different from the times in which we live? I first heard this song the summer after the event that inspired it. As a kid, I watched my fellow humans assaulted by fire hoses, attack dogs, and 'Jim Crow' in a supposedly 'Christian' country. My biggest let down was when I learned that the songs I learned in Sunday School didn't mean the same thing to my teachers that they meant to me... Oh Well!
@redtailspirit Saw the same things over time...the year changes and people (sadly) do not. This is an attack on people and the media culture that gets lapped up by them with eager tongues.
this song relates to so many social and economic facts today im not sure if the people who left comments heard or get what zappa said ,this song was back when the riots in the 60,s were going down.now if u listen it can be anywhere just as the song says .....for some ideas they think is right that nows the time to fifgt for some ideas they think is right ,on any street or any town ect....listen to the words .so many comments are shallow
I can hear these lyrics to the song. They coulda been a couple extra verses or a 2010 update. Do some more. you are on it. You got something to tell the people. Continue to say it.
@souljahtite17 thank you for the support..i am working on a comment regarding the stance taken by the republican party that seems to suggest that they oppose the first and fourth amendments to the constitution..among others. Naturally, we all know that the republicans know the constitution better than the rest of us because they say they do. Meanwhile, constitutional scholars are crawling out of the woodwork to say "umm, it doesn't mean that" and judges are saying "you can't do that"... +wis4evr
i have a hard time living with such stupid people around allover stupid is not a lack of schooll its a real downhome fkn dumb dip sht i only have 12 grade but fk me if the every day people are not much different than the dmv line my mom and dad met on haight st sf 1968 i was born 69 ...i do have a hard time relating to many ..is there any one else made on the haught in the 60,s and i mean 4 real ..this song talks about all the sht happening now as did love the seeds and old punk im 43 on27th
I grew up on Roxy and Elsewhere and loved this song, when I first heard this version, which is actually earlier, I was blown away at how different they were, yet both are great. Zappa was a one of a kind musician/composer with a unique artistic perspective.
I was in Santa Barbara visiting Grandma when my L.A. family called to tell me not to come home for a while, so Grandma and I watched the city burn on t.v. and heard this song two years later. Yes, it was the Watts Riots.
Check out Frank Zappa Crossfire on this fine station....Frank describes himself as a conservative....join us on the right....you're getting sleepy....repeat after me......conservatism is the antidote....make this your mantra...along with your regular one...and we'll all be on the road to recovery...not perdition...like the progressives would have you do...wake up..
Heard Frank's HS running mate in Lancaster, CA and sometime musical partner Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart passed Dec 17 from Multiple Sclerosis at age 69. RIP to the Captain, hope he and Frank are rockin' out to Diddy Wah Diddy and this song up in Rock N' Roll Heaven.
Just thought of this tonight...now I remember why I always thought this was my favorite album...it still is! (after 30 or 40 years). Thanks Frank & Elliott!
Cos a fire in the street aint like the fire in the heart And in the eyes of all these people dont you know that this could start IN ANY STREET IN ANY TOWN IN ANY STATE OF ANY CLOWN Besides now's the time to fight Because ideally things is right And if a million or more agree There ain't no great society As it applies to you and me OUR COUNTRY ISN'T FREE And the law refuse to see That all you could ever be Is a lousy janitor UNLESS YOUR UNCLE OWNS THE STORE
Thought of this today after looking into the Lennon tributes for his BD. Some of those are set to images and video of protests in Berkeley. Share it with your kids.
I recall seeing Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention in NYC in 1967. At one point, for whatever reason, Zappa started throwing bunches of string beans out to the audience. My girlfriend caught a handful and threw them back at him, in fun. His response was "Please don't return the offerings to the altar."
Brilliant musician, songwriter, and seer. We miss him.
@oldspook100 This must have been at the Garrick Theater in the Village. I saw them doing a soundcheck there before I got kicked out for only being sixteen.
This is absolutely one of the best songs/albums of that decade. The fanatastic lyrics reflect on the election in Sweden two days ago. The former Swedish Naziparty got 6% of the Swedish votes. "I´m not black, but there are a whole lots of times i wish i wasn´t white"
i still have this double album ,im a 41r old .been through punk for year s, but my dads old records the seeds the animals ..yardbirds and this record made me who i am.. also his old comics freak brothers, yellowdog ..zap ....now i got american slender hate..comics......bands a wide range of tunes the kind u have to look 4 ....check out the old songs like.. eddy noak spycho moma
@MrBrianlowdown I'm very much like you in that. I'm 46, and I love that music too, as well as punk, and I have a huge collection of underground comics. Did you ever read "Slow Death" or "Deviant Slice?" Great stuff.
What a gem this groovy Frank Zappa track is. The melody is really catchy and the lyrics are the business. Deep messages from the mouth of a man on a mission. That's what it's all about, (as opposed to most of the crap the record companies promote and regurgitate to the masses). Don't believe me? Ask Frank Zappa himself. Music like this is FOREVER, man. Peace :)
"Well i'm about to get upset. Been watching my TV. Been checking out the news until my eyeballs fail to see. I mean to say that every day is just another rotten mess. And when it's gonna change, my friend, is anybod's guess."
Frank's "in your face" outspokenness & creativity helped make me who I am today. (Oh my, what have I become?!?!)
At 12, a friend & I listened to this album for days/weeks on end (in '66, w/ my first concert being the MOI in '68), and nobody, and I mean nobody came close to what this man was doing, let alone saying.
I worked on the corner of Slauson and Avalon. If you went up Laurel Canyon from Hollywood there was a log cabin (on the left I think) that was supposed to be where Frank Zappa lived.
"another woman driver" is a reference to Vitoria Luizo, a white homemaker from Detroit who was killed by the KKK while she help with the march to Selma in early 60s. Another reference I didn't get until I was much older.
@MrErisian :we did the same thing on a wall in the basement where we hung out... in 1968 or there abouts— this was only the beginning of the zappa freaks; classic stuff
@fls13ec Zappa is #45 on Rolling Stones' list of 100 greatest guitarists, in front of #46 Les Paul and a just couple behind the immense guitar talent Eddie Hazel. So not so bad, I guess.
Must add that Zappa's music is getting better and better with time.
What has changed? My friend of the sixties? said! What theres to live four? Think I'll join the peace corps....I think I'll just drop out! etc... Jimmy buffett and fuck Leary but I like Arizona Tim's friend baba ram das! Richard Albert Be here now or later! HY
This was inspired by the Watts riots in LA. Incredible at the time, but even more relevant today. "You know something people? I'm not black but there's whole lots of times I wish I wasn't White." We will never see Frank's like again in our lifetime. "Blow Your Harmonica Son!!" Rest in Peace, Frank. Know that your passion touched millions.
@triplettam I am sincerely sorry. The lyrics are: "You know something people? I'm not black but there's whole lots of times I wish I could say I wasn't white." You do NOT misquote Frank. He is--along with Jimi and Kate Bush-- one of the three greatest rock musicians of all time. Slainte!.
@triplettam and billions more to come.. i like steve via's quote"A 100 years from now when names like the greatfull dead are just silly names from the past, frank will be reveared for the genius he is."
@GymnopedieTornado "I'm not black but there's a hole lot of times I wish I could say I'm not white" does'nt sound like he's putting the blame on black folks to me.
Redrover8431 5 days ago
OH the memories!!!! I remember the first time I heard this music....I was turned on to the Mothers by another band....what great memories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This band was ONE of the greatest of ALL time!!!
valeriemci1 4 weeks ago
He is playing a guitarron.
lester5192 1 month ago
Welcome to the New Year, 2012. Let's see what's in store for us all, kids -- more riots, more warfare, more lost hope among the working poor, more corporate empty suits screwing us all, Iran giving America and Israel the universal finger salute in response to criticism over its nuclear program, et al. Frank Zappa was part prophet.
mickeymousebiker1 1 month ago 5
My favorite Zappa song.I had this album when it came out.Blow your harmonica,son.And it was the first album that i tripped out to!
tippimail1 2 months ago
a man so far ahead of his time
DieBlah 2 months ago in playlist Zappa, Frank (and the Mothers of Invention) - Freak Out!
Sorry I missed this one during the English riots in august Frank was well tuned in ;)
J1111W 2 months ago
FZ saw it all, Music is the best. RIP FZ, you will live forever.
FingerFolk 2 months ago
40+ years later and the stuff frank is singin about is still true....very sad
FloydTheBarbara 3 months ago 17
@FloydTheBarbara ....and when it's gonna change, my friend, is anybody's guess!
makethetransition00 3 months ago
Comment removed
blearyeyed09 3 months ago
This song is as relevant today as ever!
MeanMrMustard99 3 months ago
Proof that nothing changes for the better. There are more smaller confilcts going on in this world than ever before. Liberia, North Africa, Syria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are prime examples. That's not to mention the global economic melt-down which will effect America in the long run. Forget "globalism." America needs to turn its attention inward. THIRD PARTY NOW!
mickeymousebiker1 3 months ago 3
Timeless.
sebrof25 3 months ago
The brownie suggested in lyrics refers to a browning riffle(BAR)
TheHappyfamily7 3 months ago
@TheHappyfamily7 pretty sure he's referring to a brownie camera which were an affordable camera made bty eastman kodak at the time, owned several myself.
vinylvendor 3 months ago
@TheHappyfamily7 It's definitely a camera. Have had a few. He's talking about how the NEWS crews loved getting footage of violence for their stations.
DavidDemocracy 2 months ago
This song is completely bad ass. Total classic. It gets down to the core of our modern society, even though it was written in 66. Apperently no one's been listening.
TheHappyfamily7 3 months ago 3
Greatest Lyrics Ever.
carmengiaa65 4 months ago
Where the hell is my Brownie!!!
albatross7677 4 months ago
(Pg.6) What he means by that is, the Powers That Be needed to be the ones to make the opportunities better for the black race. He was actually standing up for the black race, as he states that the law refused to see (understand) why the black people rioted - unless equality occurred, all's anyone would ever let them be was a lousy janitor; and so five in every four could not amount to nothin' more due to unfair inequality; and be reduced to living in rat-infested conditions cause they're poor
starchildstrider 4 months ago
(Pg.5) He's saying, by using violence you will never quiet the fire in your heart that says change must occur. And, anyone could imitate the violence for fighting for an ideal that they think is right; but isn't. Like Hitler did. If millions do violence, there's no more "great society" that we could all be. Then he says, the law refuses to see that we are not really free, because if all you can ever be is a janitor, then there ain't nothing great to look forward to. (continued)
starchildstrider 4 months ago
(Pg.4) 'Cause the fire in the street ain't like the fire in the heart; Don't you know that this could start - On any street in any town; In any state, if any clown;
Decides that now's the time to fight; For some ideal he thinks is right. And if a million more agree; There ain't no 'Great Society'; As it applies to you and me;
Our country isn't free; And the law refuses to see; If all that you can ever be
Is just a lousy janitor; Unless your uncle owns a store.." Frank is so deep - (continued)
starchildstrider 4 months ago
(Pg.3) meaning; this kind of violence could spread across the country. He doesn't side with either the black OR white race - he states clearly, "Black & white discrimination, it's the same across the nation; all that mass stupidity that seems to grow more every day, each time you hear some nitwit say; He wants to go and do you in; because the color or your skin just don't appeal to him ; No matter if it's black or white; Because he's out for blood tonight."
starchildstrider 4 months ago
(Page 2) As if to indicate that "they" (the government) were who used people & situations to initiate the dissention.The '60's generation concerned the government, & they saw fit to quell them. I know this, as I saw it going on. Frank was also saying that violence was not the effective way to cause change - the better way to effect change was to use other means of approach, because by using violence, no one wins; everyone loses. He says,
"we got to watch this thing begin.""(continued Pg.3)
starchildstrider 4 months ago
Frank Zappa; like I have said before; was a fierce critic & observer of the American government; & he saw the bad path it was taking in his own time; and publicly stated predictions about it. He was unfortunately right in every instance.
His insight is revealed here as he says: "So I'm watchin' & I'm waitin', hopin' for the best, Even think I'll go to prayin', Every time I hear 'em sayin', no way to delay that trouble comin' every day.." (continued in Post 2)
starchildstrider 4 months ago
what do you guys think about the fact that Zappa obviously sympathizes with the innocent white victims of the Watts Riots? As accurate as that might be of the Watts situation, he never directly mentions the event by name in the song and it therefore sounds almost like he's blaming blacks as being the most prominent force of racism at the time. I get that he's putting down racism in general, but....I'm a little conflicted. Thoughts? And let's keep it civilized, without 'frothing' a Zappa wouldsay
GymnopedieTornado 4 months ago
@GymnopedieTornado
Tornado - read my six-part response to your thoughts about this song of Frank's - I sincerely believe that you
interpreted it differently than how Frank meant it.My interpretation is that Frank was actually standing up for the black race acting out thru violence because of unfair inequality; and that the cops didn't even pause to look behind why the black people were so worked up - it was like the last straw that broke the camel's back scenario for the black people. Read it
starchildstrider 4 months ago
@GymnopedieTornado May I suggest that if you think Frank was blaming blacks, you go learn something about him? Unlike most anywhere else, I'd suggest the burden of proof is on you, not Frank. You need to understand what he's saying, not go by what you think he's saying.
oldgeezer68 1 week ago
@oldgeezer68 Look, I'm not saying Zappa was a racist white supremacist or anything. That's crazy. All I'm saying is---par for the course with him---he's not really concerned with being PC. And that this song, written shortly after the Watts Riots, clearly sympathizes with the white victims of the riot, which is an interesting choice when writing about racial unrest in the 1960's. It's clearly meant to bridge the gap, it just kind of surprised me.
GymnopedieTornado 4 days ago
@GymnopedieTornado Not trying to put words in Frank's mouth, but I understand Frank to mean he didn't like the situation that people were at odds over something as stupid as race. I still have this in vinyl from the 60's and in all these decades I dont think there is anything to support your notion that he is taking anybody's side, white or black or cops or anybody. He was on the side of doing the right thing.
oldgeezer68 4 days ago
You have to think that Frank being so smart he just got pissed at the trite nature of life in general, especially the music biz. He was the mad master of human commentary. Always experimenting, always open, never afraid of the chaos called life, but always willing to rag on it as needed. Thanks Frank.
probrojeffro 4 months ago in playlist Mothers of Invention - Freak Out! 21
@probrojeffro but i think if he where here today he would NOT like to experiment todays music
seriously i could not see it.
TheMonkeybutler20 3 months ago
Rap/Hip/hop style in 1966? DAMN!
fadethetrade 4 months ago 2
groovy!
stanleysoldman 6 months ago
@spacepatrolman thanks, i'll check it out
msnostalgiafan 6 months ago
Just to clear up something for those who are not quite familiar with Zappa - the original version of this was released in 1959 - yes, that's more than five years before the famous race riots we all know about.
Zappa has always been ahead of the curve
blackacidlizzard 6 months ago
@blackacidlizzard Don't think so. Wrote it in 1965 in Echo Park after watching the news coverage of the Watts riots. Still, as relevant today as it was then.
triplettam 6 months ago 2
@blackacidlizzard said: "the original version of this was released in 1959"
Although I assume you were making a lame attempt at humor, I'm going to correct you just to make sure the uninitiated aren't inadvertently misled. The liner notes from the song on the Freak Out album say:
"'Trouble Every Day' is how I feel about racial unrest in general and the Watts situation in particular. It was written during the Watts riot as it developed."
DickyHertz 6 months ago 2
Zappa was always ahead of his time, avant garde ...social commentary ... there's no way to delay that trouble coming every day ... and a great guitar riff. I saw the Mothers at the Shrine Auditorium around "67 (?) incredible ... damn that guy had huge fingers, seamed to swallow the guitar neck.
mariothepookster 6 months ago
I didn't realize that Frank Zappa is older than Bob Dylan
themooddisorders 6 months ago
I'm sitting here listening to this, and watching the London riots. Plus ca change.
murkredi 6 months ago
@murkredi its bad but we're not french yet. love fz
thehoodedclot 6 months ago
@thehoodedclot frenchie the poodle dog with the rhinestone collar? phrenobulax?
pineappaloupe 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
...and here we are again.
squanto2 6 months ago
Eat the rich.
mrTomine 6 months ago 2
Hah-hah!!!! Made me laff out loud. I saw Frank 3 times in my life. The best of the Beat generation transformed into the "Hippie" thing. and yes, this song just won't go away. Another album that stands up to the test of time, because it's still relevant is Marvin Gaye's album "What's Going On".
blueman4115 6 months ago
he's working hard and doing swell. obama 2012
glimmer2158 6 months ago
/watch?v=QrgzNI98r78 This was really the first rap! XD
BrodinBrothers22 7 months ago
My first album "Take Five" second album FO (age15), it changed my entire life...Thanks Ron H. wherever you are!
ChannelF451 7 months ago
First album I owned, think I was 3, loved this song ever since
msnostalgiafan 7 months ago
@msnostalgiafan if you like this song you might like black day in july by gordon lightfoot
spacepatrolman 7 months ago
AthenS A.c.a.B BURN THE COPS!!!
garas13acab 8 months ago
@garas13acab
I'm sorry... you're trying to incite violence on a song that was written against race riots? Wow, just wow...
cockardo 7 months ago
@cockardo address to greeks..:)
for a coincidence with the song..
garas13acab 5 months ago 2
i saw him perform at the trauma in phila. new years eve 1968. is this really 66? i don't remember them being there then. watchin' waitin' hopin' for the best
Thelmacom 8 months ago
I remember the first time I heard this song. The day I became a man.
youtubbs67 8 months ago 3
I have been a huge fan since the 70's. This song is as big a statement today as it was during the Watts Riots!
MisterHalimaw 8 months ago 2
There's one time in infinity when were all young ....after horror of WWII & slipping back into business as usual ...but America assuming Super Power status with the dumb threat of the Cold War & mutual mass destruction ... there needed to be great changes ...and that is putting it mildly . And we did come close , maybe closer than anyone imagined . Imagine 17,000 bombs in just our arsenal pointing @ "them" & they had the same pointing at "Us" ...and 100x's the size of Hiroshima .
Treadlightlyful 9 months ago
As far as who had the first rap song, look up Christopher Allen Bouchillon (1927).
Not the best recording quality but it's over 80 years old. People did recite poetry to music before then but as far as recorded music goes I think he's the first.
evansdadjohn 9 months ago
@MarcellaLane Wow.. its always awesome to listen to something that you havent listened for a long time.... but thats 40 fucking years!
jcast18k 9 months ago
If you don't think song is still timely, then I have two words for you: FOX NEWS!
Tubernaut 9 months ago
I know this is 45 or so years old, but ya know, things haven't really changed all that much.......
trct633 9 months ago
Yeah! Punk Rock before there was such a thing. Blow yo hahmonica, son! And all that messed up stuff on sports. Black and white discrimination. Classic guitar run at 4:15. Great drum speedup at end.
54markl 9 months ago
Blow your harmonica son.
GFSan 10 months ago
Listening to the repetitive guitar tempo and Franks voice over; it sounds like a proto-rap about the 65' Watts Riots. I thought Bob D's "Subterreanean Homesick Blues" might be the first one, but am now more convinced this song was one of the template's for those kids in the Bronx who would create rap and hip-hop during the early 70's.
mrbag60 10 months ago
Brilliant.
rooockgirl100 10 months ago
@MarcellaLane SF wasn't really happening.
Khultan 10 months ago
maybe the first rap song and the guy was white...
gwengoad 10 months ago
@gwengoad Sigh....
Khultan 10 months ago
@gwengoad Exactly what I think :D
Freistaat1918 10 months ago
@gwengoad
The first rap is by another white guy called Bob Dylan on the tune called 'Subterranean Homesick Blues', man!
shepanrontyron 10 months ago
das war noch ein album ....
fritzpresley 10 months ago
Play your harmonica, son.
PerryLogan 10 months ago
i love all the comments ..but hozwz a bouts how it relates to today to a tee...im 41 this was a record my dad had along with blue cheer the seeds ect.but this song keeps popping in my head.with all thw words sht rip frank
MrBrianlowdown 11 months ago
Frank's response to the news coverage of a people struggling for freedom... is it really so different from the times in which we live? I first heard this song the summer after the event that inspired it. As a kid, I watched my fellow humans assaulted by fire hoses, attack dogs, and 'Jim Crow' in a supposedly 'Christian' country. My biggest let down was when I learned that the songs I learned in Sunday School didn't mean the same thing to my teachers that they meant to me... Oh Well!
redtailspirit 11 months ago 7
@redtailspirit Saw the same things over time...the year changes and people (sadly) do not. This is an attack on people and the media culture that gets lapped up by them with eager tongues.
malmswax 4 months ago
@redtailspirit Spot on!
malmswax 4 months ago
Franks response to the news coverage of a people struggling for freedom... is it really so different from the times in which we live?
redtailspirit 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
this song relates to so many social and economic facts today im not sure if the people who left comments heard or get what zappa said ,this song was back when the riots in the 60,s were going down.now if u listen it can be anywhere just as the song says .....for some ideas they think is right that nows the time to fifgt for some ideas they think is right ,on any street or any town ect....listen to the words .so many comments are shallow
brianlowdown1 11 months ago
good old frank...
karinen657 11 months ago
Now that was good!
Django5198 11 months ago
One of the best rock projects ever dropped earth...MOTHERS OF INVENTION!!!!!!!!
TheFunkyKingston 1 year ago
first rapper
zapper
wrapper
not bad for a white guy
american pie
and then he did die
bogartzen 1 year ago
There's a cool band outta Dallas that did a great cover of this song. If you want it I have it. I can email it to you. Jointmethod "trouble everyday"
malcommex 1 year ago
@malcommex Mahalo bra, send it to skypope@live.com........
I dug the Mothers. Seeing them at the Fillmore was always an adventure!
Fank is a musicians musician. He bent sturcture and established an
unestablished format to freedom from restriction and yet restricted! Paradox?
That would be Zappa! Composer, writter, human being......Aloha
MrDustyrhodes 11 months ago
KILLER!
tripfunkmonster 1 year ago
to tell the truth 'bout who their boss is, if they want to keep their job sis
they will kiss up to the money and I want to tell you honey
it don't matter how good they sound, when the hat is passin' round
to collect the charity that campaign funds turn out to be
and they will seem to kiss your ass until the election has passed
then they'll turn and they will bite ya but it really ain't to spite ya
it's just the nature of the beast at the devil's unholy feast...
redtailspirit 1 year ago
@redtailspirit
I can hear these lyrics to the song. They coulda been a couple extra verses or a 2010 update. Do some more. you are on it. You got something to tell the people. Continue to say it.
souljahtite17 10 months ago
@souljahtite17 thank you for the support..i am working on a comment regarding the stance taken by the republican party that seems to suggest that they oppose the first and fourth amendments to the constitution..among others. Naturally, we all know that the republicans know the constitution better than the rest of us because they say they do. Meanwhile, constitutional scholars are crawling out of the woodwork to say "umm, it doesn't mean that" and judges are saying "you can't do that"... +wis4evr
redtailspirit 10 months ago
the nature of this nation makes it our situation
to contend with one another and to fight against our brothers
and to strive to be on top in the mass marketing of mops
and we must push each other out so we can stuff our hungry mouths
and exercise our right to feed on the rest of humanity
and all the while we fail to see the end to world society
is just around a couple corners and our leaders fail to warn us
'cause they're pretending to be centrists and it isn't in their interest
redtailspirit 1 year ago
This song is just as true today as it was in 1966.
61dodgelancer 1 year ago 27
@61dodgelancer Yep!
triplettam 6 months ago
@61dodgelancer The first rap song?
busserulls 4 months ago
@busserulls I often tell people this was the first rap song. I'm part black and I say that.
fatcatbuzz 4 months ago
I was born the year this came out, and I think it's THE greatest album ever. RIP Frank.
Lillita666 1 year ago
i have a hard time living with such stupid people around allover stupid is not a lack of schooll its a real downhome fkn dumb dip sht i only have 12 grade but fk me if the every day people are not much different than the dmv line my mom and dad met on haight st sf 1968 i was born 69 ...i do have a hard time relating to many ..is there any one else made on the haught in the 60,s and i mean 4 real ..this song talks about all the sht happening now as did love the seeds and old punk im 43 on27th
brianlowdown1 1 year ago
I grew up on Roxy and Elsewhere and loved this song, when I first heard this version, which is actually earlier, I was blown away at how different they were, yet both are great. Zappa was a one of a kind musician/composer with a unique artistic perspective.
elgrovez13 1 year ago
What a great fucking song. Zappa had it goin on!
theseether 1 year ago
Works just as great with the recent Egypt "situation" going on - timeless.
YouBillyW 1 year ago 3
kick ass zappa!!!!!
fluffydolly 1 year ago
One of the best debut albums ever.
nastyMisDemeanor 1 year ago
@nastyMisDemeanor ...got that right zappa rocks!!!!
fluffydolly 1 year ago
goose bumps !
flydog7777 1 year ago
still got my album still play it
TheScratcher51 1 year ago
Musicwise this sounds very much like early THEM.
Complete with these snarling Van Morrison vocals.
Even then FRANK had his finger on the pulse .
This must've scared Dylan into Country & Western.
PAULLONDEN 1 year ago
I was in Santa Barbara visiting Grandma when my L.A. family called to tell me not to come home for a while, so Grandma and I watched the city burn on t.v. and heard this song two years later. Yes, it was the Watts Riots.
styxclaw 1 year ago
Check out Frank Zappa Crossfire on this fine station....Frank describes himself as a conservative....join us on the right....you're getting sleepy....repeat after me......conservatism is the antidote....make this your mantra...along with your regular one...and we'll all be on the road to recovery...not perdition...like the progressives would have you do...wake up..
tmdaninla 1 year ago
2 republicans did not want son to blow his harmonica.
pineappaloupe 1 year ago 2
The days when rap was good. Seriously man Frank was a genius. These lyrics are so wise.
Django5198 1 year ago
every sentence reflects today's society.
also applies to Italy...
oOFranCescA2080oO 1 year ago
Ya kno' I watched that ROTTEN FOX until my head began to hurt...
StuartStreet 1 year ago
Heard Frank's HS running mate in Lancaster, CA and sometime musical partner Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart passed Dec 17 from Multiple Sclerosis at age 69. RIP to the Captain, hope he and Frank are rockin' out to Diddy Wah Diddy and this song up in Rock N' Roll Heaven.
mrbag60 1 year ago
You know i watched that rotten box until my head began to hurt....
Tamarabertrand 1 year ago
Absolutely classic!
nostalgiahistoria67 1 year ago
Take your TV tube and EAT IT.
jhop5150 1 year ago
It is possible that Dylan had a song out before Frank. This tune was about the 1965 Watts Riots, early in August.
TipperWhore 1 year ago
2 republicans watched this video
pineappaloupe 1 year ago
rap sucks.
This is actually good.
npspec34 1 year ago 2
Rap. With music. And melody. And lyrics that mean something. Didn't anybody see it before?
triplettam 1 year ago
The FIRST real RAP song.
TipperWhore 1 year ago
@TipperWhore I think that goes to Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues
paranoidkid17 1 year ago
@TipperWhore the last GREAT one
Django5198 1 year ago
Blow your harmonica, saahn
senorvolasco 1 year ago
>'o'<
d2techknow 1 year ago
Just thought of this tonight...now I remember why I always thought this was my favorite album...it still is! (after 30 or 40 years). Thanks Frank & Elliott!
TheBuckskinlady 1 year ago
Just thought of this tonight...now I remember why I always thought this was my favorite album...it still is! Thanks Frank & Elliott!
TheBuckskinlady 1 year ago
Straylight100 1 year ago
Thought of this today after looking into the Lennon tributes for his BD. Some of those are set to images and video of protests in Berkeley. Share it with your kids.
DorisVader 1 year ago
I recall seeing Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention in NYC in 1967. At one point, for whatever reason, Zappa started throwing bunches of string beans out to the audience. My girlfriend caught a handful and threw them back at him, in fun. His response was "Please don't return the offerings to the altar."
Brilliant musician, songwriter, and seer. We miss him.
oldspook100 1 year ago 47
@oldspook100 This must have been at the Garrick Theater in the Village. I saw them doing a soundcheck there before I got kicked out for only being sixteen.
bwanna23 5 months ago
Frank wants to turn your radio around.
laylacalif 1 year ago 2
Aside from the reference to riots, this song is still very relevant. Take your TV tube and eat it!
Tubernaut 1 year ago
This is absolutely one of the best songs/albums of that decade. The fanatastic lyrics reflect on the election in Sweden two days ago. The former Swedish Naziparty got 6% of the Swedish votes. "I´m not black, but there are a whole lots of times i wish i wasn´t white"
Hail Frank, a true genius.
dundergod 1 year ago 2
One of the best songs of Psychedelic rock !!
Fullurl 1 year ago
I saw the Mothers of Invention at the The Balloon Farm in New York City circa 1967. They rehearsed before the show, also....
DMeJan808 1 year ago
i still have this double album ,im a 41r old .been through punk for year s, but my dads old records the seeds the animals ..yardbirds and this record made me who i am.. also his old comics freak brothers, yellowdog ..zap ....now i got american slender hate..comics......bands a wide range of tunes the kind u have to look 4 ....check out the old songs like.. eddy noak spycho moma
MrBrianlowdown 1 year ago
Comment removed
titostacos 1 year ago
@MrBrianlowdown "american slender hate" ? Huh? WTF?
titostacos 1 year ago
@titostacos I think he means Harvey Pekar's "American Splendor" and Peter Bagge's "Hate".
fuzzballzz36 4 months ago
@titostacos I think he means Harvey Pekar's "American Splendor" and Peter Bagge's "Hate".
fuzzballzz36 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@titostacos I think he means Harvey Pekar's "American Splendor" and Peter Bagge's "Hate".
fuzzballzz36 4 months ago
@MrBrianlowdown I'm very much like you in that. I'm 46, and I love that music too, as well as punk, and I have a huge collection of underground comics. Did you ever read "Slow Death" or "Deviant Slice?" Great stuff.
fuzzballzz36 4 months ago
A CLASSIC ........."Blow your harmonica son"
ND7652 1 year ago
What a gem this groovy Frank Zappa track is. The melody is really catchy and the lyrics are the business. Deep messages from the mouth of a man on a mission. That's what it's all about, (as opposed to most of the crap the record companies promote and regurgitate to the masses). Don't believe me? Ask Frank Zappa himself. Music like this is FOREVER, man. Peace :)
ghosttroop 1 year ago
I think this inspired Nick cave to write "More News From Nowhere"
Django5198 1 year ago
I think this is a great example of the Mothers amazing musical talent.
Django5198 1 year ago
"Well i'm about to get upset. Been watching my TV. Been checking out the news until my eyeballs fail to see. I mean to say that every day is just another rotten mess. And when it's gonna change, my friend, is anybod's guess."
ghosttroop 1 year ago
Frank's "in your face" outspokenness & creativity helped make me who I am today. (Oh my, what have I become?!?!)
At 12, a friend & I listened to this album for days/weeks on end (in '66, w/ my first concert being the MOI in '68), and nobody, and I mean nobody came close to what this man was doing, let alone saying.
Miss him dearly! Thanks poster-man.
laaxe 1 year ago
Of course, in every awesome video, some asshole has to dislike it. JUST ONE HAS TO!
xxxhentaikingxxx 1 year ago
this could be the song for Oakland tonight...
nicademus666 1 year ago
I worked on the corner of Slauson and Avalon. If you went up Laurel Canyon from Hollywood there was a log cabin (on the left I think) that was supposed to be where Frank Zappa lived.
6907lankershim 1 year ago
"another woman driver" is a reference to Vitoria Luizo, a white homemaker from Detroit who was killed by the KKK while she help with the march to Selma in early 60s. Another reference I didn't get until I was much older.
emerpus01 1 year ago
@MrErisian :we did the same thing on a wall in the basement where we hung out... in 1968 or there abouts— this was only the beginning of the zappa freaks; classic stuff
johnnyfarout 1 year ago
did somebody invent rap he kicks ass at it right now,
MRRICHIEBE 1 year ago 2
@MarcellaLane Im glad you enjoy this even 40 years after
vinzer72frie 1 year ago 5
Scrawled out the lyrics to this tune on my wall in felt tip pen. I was a spoilt little runt.
MrErisian 1 year ago
Zappa was an ace guitarist. His name seems to rarely come up when the great ones are mentioned, but he was an amazing player.
fls13ec 1 year ago
@fls13ec Zappa is #45 on Rolling Stones' list of 100 greatest guitarists, in front of #46 Les Paul and a just couple behind the immense guitar talent Eddie Hazel. So not so bad, I guess.
Must add that Zappa's music is getting better and better with time.
PolarSkua 10 months ago
@PolarSkua I would rate him much higher
Django5198 9 months ago
@Django5198 Yesterday I listened to Watermelon in Easter Hay and yes, I'd have to agree with you.
PolarSkua 9 months ago
they'll stomp and smash and bash and crash and slash and bustn burn
dakkar777 1 year ago
Positively evil sounding, and absolutely brilliant. Man I love this song.
Ken4Pyro 1 year ago
What has changed? My friend of the sixties? said! What theres to live four? Think I'll join the peace corps....I think I'll just drop out! etc... Jimmy buffett and fuck Leary but I like Arizona Tim's friend baba ram das! Richard Albert Be here now or later! HY
]
MrDustyrhodes 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i can delay it with free speech and a pile of weapons (hidden...of which i preach about with the #1 weapon...the mouth, or signing works too).
Idolcruisefix 1 year ago
i can delay it with free speech and a pile of weapons (hidden...of which i preach about with the #1 weapon...the mouth, or signing works too).
Idolcruisefix 1 year ago
This was inspired by the Watts riots in LA. Incredible at the time, but even more relevant today. "You know something people? I'm not black but there's whole lots of times I wish I wasn't White." We will never see Frank's like again in our lifetime. "Blow Your Harmonica Son!!" Rest in Peace, Frank. Know that your passion touched millions.
triplettam 1 year ago 2
@triplettam I am sincerely sorry. The lyrics are: "You know something people? I'm not black but there's whole lots of times I wish I could say I wasn't white." You do NOT misquote Frank. He is--along with Jimi and Kate Bush-- one of the three greatest rock musicians of all time. Slainte!.
triplettam 1 year ago
@triplettam and billions more to come.. i like steve via's quote"A 100 years from now when names like the greatfull dead are just silly names from the past, frank will be reveared for the genius he is."
Idolcruisefix 1 year ago