Blue Öyster Cult have been described as heavy metal, light metal, psychedelic rock, occult rock, acid rock, and progressive rock. They have also been recognized for helping pioneer genres such as stoner metal and speed metal.
The band is influenced by artists such as Alice Cooper, Grateful Dead, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, MC5, The Blues Project, Jimi Hendrix, and Black Sabbath.
While Blue Öyster Cult has been noted for heavy rock, they would often add their own tongue-in-cheek style. Keeping with their image, the band would often include out-of-context fragments of Pearlman’s The Soft Doctrines of Imaginos into their lyrics, giving their songs cryptic meanings. Additionally, the band would keep a folder of Meltzer’s and Pearlman’s word associations to insert into their music.
Blue Öyster Cult's longest-lasting and most commercially successful lineup included Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead guitar, vocals), Eric Bloom (lead vocals, "stun guitar," keyboards, synthesizers), Allen Lanier (keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Joe Bouchard (bass, backing vocals), Albert Bouchard (drums, percussion, backing vocals). The band's current lineup includes Roeser and Bloom, as well as Danny Miranda (bass, backing vocals), Jules Radino (drums, percussion) and Richie Castellano (keyboard, rhythm guitar, backing vocals).
Showtime
Blue Öyster Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Showtime...
People tell me I'm not getting younger in this place
The other guy in this room I'm sick of his face
And there's a guy who's watching me, it really is a drag
Hassling me on my way to work making license tags
I'll find you baby, on that you can bet
I didn't mind the risk of a life of crime
When I get out of here...
Showtime...
Showtime...
Eight long years to do, I've just finished two
These walls are a little bit tight
I'd rather be with you
Good behavior and I'll be out on parole
Or maybe i'll bust outta here, I'm losing self control
But you ain't seen the last of me yet
I'll find you baby, on that you can bet
I didn't mind the risk of a life of crime
When I get out of here...
Well i was young and in love, i pulled the perfect crime
You blew the whistle on me baby, and now I'm doing time
I guess you never loved me, you used me like a tool
And that guy out there with you, must think that I'm a fool
But you ain't seen the last of me yet
I'll find you baby, on that you can bet
I didn't mind the risk of a life of crime
When I get out of here
Showtime
Showtime
Showtime
Showtime
The lyrics to Blue Öyster Cult's song "Showtime" depict the perspective of a prisoner who is awaiting his release from jail. The lyrics mention the struggles of living in prison and the desire to escape the monotony of everyday life behind bars. The prisoner feels trapped and seeks revenge against those who may have wronged him in the past, particularly the person who turned him in for the crime that landed him in jail. The chorus, "Showtime," serves as a declaration of the prisoner's determination to not let his circumstances define him.
Overall, the song touches on the themes of revenge, regret, and perseverance. It speaks to the idea that even in the darkest of times, one can still hold on to their hope and humanity. The lyrics also highlight the dangers of falling into a life of crime and the consequences that come with it.
One interesting fact about "Showtime" is that it was written by Blue Öyster Cult's lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser. The song was included on the band's 1986 album "Club Ninja," which received mixed reviews from critics. Despite this, "Showtime" has remained a fan favorite and is often played in the band's live shows.
Line by Line Meaning
Showtime...
Anticipation before something big is about to happen
People tell me I'm not getting younger in this place
People tell me that time is running out for me in prison
The other guy in this room I'm sick of his face
I'm tired of looking at the same guy in my cell every day
And there's a guy who's watching me, it really is a drag
Hassling me on my way to work making license tags
One of the prison guards is bothering me while I work in the license plate factory, and it's annoying
But you ain't seen the last of me yet
I'll find you baby, on that you can bet
I didn't mind the risk of a life of crime
When I get out of here...
Showtime...
I'm threatening my former lover that I'll get back at her once I'm out of prison, and I'm excited about the thought of it
Eight long years to do, I've just finished two
These walls are a little bit tight
I'd rather be with you
Good behavior and I'll be out on parole
Or maybe i'll bust outta here, I'm losing self control
I have six more years to serve in prison, but I'm getting antsy and considering the possibility of breaking out or being released on parole. All I can think about is being with my former lover
Well i was young and in love, i pulled the perfect crime
You blew the whistle on me baby, and now I'm doing time
I guess you never loved me, you used me like a tool
And that guy out there with you, must think that I'm a fool
I committed a crime for my former lover out of love, but she betrayed me and reported me to the police. I realize now that she never loved me and probably used me. I'm jealous of the man she's now with
Showtime
Showtime
Showtime
Showtime
Repeating the anticipation of something big about to happen
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BlueÖysterStan
Interestingly, this song was reportedly meant for Cultosaurus Erectus, which is why Power Underneath Despair (the sequel) came out first on the previous album.
Bozo Baggins
Great stuff...
Burrito Boy
I can believe it. Always thought the two went together perfectly.
leftyshredder92
Such a underrated BOC song!
BlueÖysterStan
This album in general is underrated, it’s always overlooked by fans
leftyshredder92
@BlueÖysterStan I agree! Buck Dharmas guitar playing is phenomenal on this album but that's really to be expected though haha. This album gets a little to much hate in my opinion. I still like it slightly better than the symbol remains and I love that album as well. Boc always puts out great material in general.
Mary Goble Thomas
Love the reggae beat interlude
elf man
Pretty Cool Tune
Bozo Baggins
Such a beautiful glide...
Kenneth Morrison 1
"The other Guy in this Room , I'm Sick of His Face!" makes this Song for Me. BOC Forever!