Release history
Initially, the film had particular difficulty finding a distributor. Frank Zappa tried to interest United Artists, the company that released 200 Motels, but they declined. Other studios followed United Artists' lead, fearing that Zappa's "cinematic style" had lost considerable appeal in 1970s pop culture, and also declined to distribute the film.
Several European distributors told Zappa that there might be interest if the running time was cut from its original 168-minute length. The film was cut to 90 minutes, but still, there were no takers.
Even after Bruce Bickford's sequences won first prize at a French animated film competition, there was no interest. Eventually Zappa took it upon himself to distribute the film independently, via his own production company, Intercontinental Absurdities. The film ran 24 hours a day at the Victoria Theater in New York City. (This can be clearly seen in the opening credits to the film, "Eaten Alive," partly filmed in New York at the time Baby Snakes was playing. You can clearly see the theater marquee in said opening credits.) It made a handsome profit.
The film, in its original version, was released on VHS tape via mail order directly from Zappa until the mid-90s when the double-tape set eventually "sold out" and further replication runs were not fulfilled. The 90 minute-version was briefly made available on home video in the 1980s also. Finally, after many years of being "out of print" Baby Snakes was released on DVD on December 9, 2003 by Eagle Vision United States with a new 5.1 Surround mix. This was the first time that the film was made commercially available to the public at large rather than through limited mail order directly from Zappa.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack album was first released on vinyl in 1983 as a picture disc, and subsequently on compact disc with different artwork. An expanded iTunes edition entitled Baby Snakes: The Compleat Soundtrack was released on December 21, 2012.
Intro Rap
Frank Zappa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some of them, they get too carried away, you know?
Because they think Frank Zappa is such a mad men, you know?
They come here to see him go crazy or something, you know?
They don't realize there's notes involved, you know?
I told you the first time I met you, Frank, remember that, what I said?
You wanna be in the band
No, well, I wouldn't do that man, I would try out for your band, but I wouldn't
I'll try you out
I don't sing, I do anything but sing
What do you mean you dont sing (I don't sing)
I've heard you sing
Sing something, sing baby snakes
The lyrics to Frank Zappa's song Intro Rap are spoken by an unnamed person who appears to be introducing Frank Zappa to a live audience in New York. The singer starts by commenting on the enthusiasm of the New York crowds who come to see Frank Zappa perform. He notes that some of them expect Zappa to behave like a "madman" on stage and are not aware of the musical complexity of his work. The singer also reminds Zappa of their first meeting, during which he told the musician that he would like to try out for his band, despite not being a singer.
Overall, the lyrics to Intro Rap highlight some of the misconceptions and stereotypes that people have about Frank Zappa and his music. Despite being known for his eccentric stage presence and unconventional lyrics, Zappa was also an accomplished musician and composer who incorporated a wide range of styles and influences into his work. By emphasizing the importance of "notes" and musicianship, the lyrics suggest that there is more to Zappa's music than just shock value.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight thou-, I tell you one thing about his New York crowds
Frank Zappa's New York audience can be easily excited.
Some of them, they get too carried away, you know?
A portion of Frank Zappa's New York audience becomes overly enthusiastic.
Because they think Frank Zappa is such a mad men, you know?
Frank Zappa's New York audience sees him as a crazy person.
They come here to see him go crazy or something, you know?
The audience has expectations and desires for Frank to do something outlandish.
They don't realize there's notes involved, you know?
The audience underestimates the importance of musical notes in Frank's performance.
I told you the first time I met you, Frank, remember that, what I said?
Some previous interaction occurred between the singer and Frank, and the singer reminds Frank of it.
You wanna be in the band
The singer suggests that Frank would like to have the audience participate or be part of the musical group.
No, well, I wouldn't do that man, I would try out for your band, but I wouldn't
The artist would not willingly participate, but would consider trying out for the band.
I'll try you out
Frank is open to auditioning the artist for the band.
I don't sing, I do anything but sing
The artist implies that they have other talents besides singing.
What do you mean you don't sing (I don't sing)
Frank is surprised that the singer doesn't sing.
I've heard you sing
Frank has previously heard the artist sing.
Sing something, sing baby snakes
Frank wants the singer to showcase their singing ability by singing the song 'Baby Snakes.'
Writer(s): Zappa Frank
Contributed by Skyler R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.