In 1988, an Ottawa, Ontario police officer instigated a criminal investigation of the Dayglos after his daughter brought home a copy of Here Today, Guano Tomorrow.
Two albums featured in the resulting trial; the covers and the lyrical content being showcased by the prosecution. Here Today, Guano Tomorrow had a cover showing a picture of a hamster eating from a box of chocolates on nice satin sheets, along with a glass of wine. A gun points at the hamster, and the back cover shows a depiction of the resulting carnage.
The previous album, Feed Us A Fetus, was perhaps a little less graphic, with a depiction of a baked fetus on the table in front of Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
This resulted in the criminal prosecution of Fringe Product, their label at the time, for distribution and possession with intent to distribute of obscene material—the first such prosecution since the offense entered the criminal code in 1959. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
The Dayglos had musical revenge in the title song of their next album, Two Dogs Fucking, in which the priggishness of Ottawa's public officials leads directly to the extinction of the human race.
On occasion, Dayglo albums having included political aspects, Holy Shiite is no exception with song titles such as "America Eats Her Young", "Christina Bin Laden", "Scientology", and "Where's Bin Laden?".
Stupid World
Dayglo Abortions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lisa washed her hair on Tuesday
Lisa washed her hair on Wednesday
Lisa washed her hair in Thursday
Then her husband noticed that her shampoo
Had upset her pH balance
Her hair was all dried out and frizzy
Her husband got a job at a roller rink
He tried to pick up chicks but he had a little dink
He brushed his teeth with Aim but it didn't matter
Nice fresh breath but his dink didn't get no bigger
Oh what a stupid world
The lyrics of Dayglo Abortions' song "Stupid World" present a critique of societal conventions and expectations regarding personal hygiene as well as gender roles and relationships. The repetition of Lisa washing her hair on different days of the week highlights the absurdity of such a mundane and trivial activity occupying so much time and significance in a person's life. The mention of her husband noticing the effects of her shampoo on her pH balance and subsequently shooting her reflects a toxic and violent masculinity rooted in the patriarchal structure of society. The line "and moved to the city" suggests a lack of accountability and disregard for the consequences of his actions.
The second half of the song continues with the theme of the inadequacy and tragedy of individuals struggling within societal norms. The husband's attempts at finding validation and acceptance through picking up chicks at a roller rink are futile due to his apparent shortcomings. The reference to his small genitalia and ineffectual toothpaste accentuate his flaws and invalidation within the conventional standards of masculinity. The repetition of "Oh what a stupid world" serves as a chorus and highlights the overall message of the song - the ways in which societal conventions and expectations are ultimately foolish and absurd.
Line by Line Meaning
Lisa washed her hair on Monday
Despite the monotony of daily life, Lisa tries to keep up with her personal hygiene.
Lisa washed her hair on Tuesday
Lisa is committed to maintaining her standard of cleanliness, even if it means repeating the same task multiple times.
Lisa washed her hair on Wednesday
Lisa understands the importance of personal hygiene and sets a regular routine to maintain it.
Lisa washed her hair in Thursday
Lisa continues her daily hygiene routine without fail, regardless of the day.
Then her husband noticed that her shampoo
Lisa's husband became aware of her shampoo and its potential impact on her hair and skin.
Had upset her pH balance
The shampoo's chemical composition caused an imbalance in Lisa's natural pH levels, leading to negative effects on her hair and skin.
Her hair was all dried out and frizzy
The use of the shampoo caused Lisa's hair to become dry and unmanageable.
So he shot the bitch and moved to the city
Her husband, unable to cope with the situation or find a solution, made the irrational decision to use violence and abandon his wife for a new life in the city.
Her husband got a job at a roller rink
Despite leaving his wife behind, Lisa's husband was able to find employment in his new city.
He tried to pick up chicks but he had a little dink
Despite his attempt at a new beginning, Lisa's husband's insecurities and physical shortcomings prevent him from successfully pursuing new romantic interests.
He brushed his teeth with Aim but it didn't matter
Her husband tries to maintain his oral hygiene, but it has no bearing on his larger personal problems.
Nice fresh breath but his dink didn't get no bigger
Despite his oral hygiene, Lisa's husband's larger physical inadequacies continue to prevent his success in finding new relationships.
Oh what a stupid world
The circumstances of Lisa and her husband's lives reflect the absurdity and challenges of life itself, highlighting the struggles and difficulties inherent in living in an imperfect world.
Contributed by Emma H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.