After Tod left his previous group, Cop Shoot Cop, he quickly regrouped and formed Firewater to explore the styles of music Cop Shoot Cop had only hinted at, including klezmer, cabaret, ska, jazz, and gypsy forms. More than one source described the original Firewater lineup as an "indie rock supergroup", based on members such as Duane Denison of the Jesus Lizard, Yuval Gabay of Soul Coughing, Jennifer Charles of Elysian Fields, and Hahn Rowe. This original lineup proved unable to tour, and Tod recruited new musicians for the band's first tour. While the lineup has changed over the years, with many different musicians appearing on different albums and tours, Tod remains the singer, songwriter, and bassist of Firewater.
Firewater has released six albums, and has seen some success, especially in Europe and on United States college radio stations.
Their previous album, Songs We Should Have Written, is a collection of cover songs. It includes songs written by Robyn Hitchcock, The Rolling Stones ("Paint It Black" reinterpreted as a crawlingly slow raga which "shove(s) a few downers down the song's throat to counter the original version's adrenaline-fueled fire" ), and a "dark and sweet" take of Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On", described as "10 times more ominous and 20 times more pleasurable" than the original. The album also includes a modern rendition of the Johnny Cash anthem "Folsom Prison Blues".
Their latest album, The Golden Hour, has been recorded with various local musicians and friends when Tod A went on sabbatical and travelled through Thailand, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey and Israel. The record was released May 6 in 2008. The band is currently (October, 2008) touring in support of the album.
Hey Clown
Firewater Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Once I was happy and I felt no pain
Sang like a sparrow in the pouring rain
Someday those days are coming back again
When you are history
Look like some kind of fallen chimpanzee
What makes you think that you're the boss of me?
Why don't you go away?
Everybody say
Hey, clown
We're gonna put you in the ground
We had it all and then you blew it all away
Everybody say
Hey, clown
You turned our happy upside-down
We're gonna burn your flag and piss on your parade
(Piss on your parade)
There's something that I just got to say to you
These are the worst times that I ever knew
And all my troubles are because of you
And your pathetic crew
Every time I see you on my TV screen
I wanna disappear or run and scream
And your existence is the worst bad dream
that I ever knew
Everybody say
Hey, clown
We're gonna put you in the ground
We had it all and then you threw it all away
Everybody say
Hey, clown
You turned our happy upside-down
We're gonna burn your flag and piss on your parade
(Piss on your parade)
The song "Hey Clown" by Firewater is a politically charged and satirical criticism of the state of the country and its leadership. The lyrics begin by referencing the singer's previously happy state, but signify a longing for those happier times to return. The chorus kicks in with a direct insult to the "clown," an apparent reference to whoever is in charge of the country, who is blamed for destroying that happiness. The singer asks why this person thinks they are in control and demands that they "go away."
The second verse continues with even more vitriol towards the "clown," blaming them and their "pathetic crew" specifically for the current troubles the singer faces. The last line of the verse is particularly powerful, with the singer saying the existence of the "clown" is the "worst bad dream" they've ever known. The chorus repeats with even more anger, with the singer and the others singing along threatening to not just bury the "clown," but to burn their flag and "piss on [their] parade."
Overall, the song is a clear political statement, calling out a perceived ineffectual and destructive leader who is robbing the people of their happiness and causing chaos. The language is purposefully vulgar and angry, indicating a deep-seated frustration and anger towards the "clown" and their policies.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I was happy and I felt no pain
There was a time when I was happy and carefree.
Sang like a sparrow in the pouring rain
I sang joyously, regardless of circumstances around me.
Someday those days are coming back again
I hope to return to the happy state I once knew.
When you are history
I look forward to the day when you and your negative impact on the world are forgotten.
Look like some kind of fallen chimpanzee
You appear unattractive and pathetic.
Who was it kicked you from the ugly tree?
I question how you could have turned out so poorly.
What makes you think that you're the boss of me?
I refuse to acknowledge your authority over me.
Why don't you go away?
I wish for you to leave and never come back.
Everybody say Hey, clown We're gonna put you in the ground We had it all and then you blew it all away
Collectively, we are determined to end your negative influence on our lives, which caused us to lose everything.
You turned our happy upside-down
You are responsible for our loss of joy and contentment.
We're gonna burn your flag and piss on your parade
We will show our complete contempt for you by desecrating your symbols of pride and celebration.
There's something that I just got to say to you
I have an important message for you that I cannot ignore.
These are the worst times that I ever knew
Current circumstances are more than particularly bad.
And all my troubles are because of you
You are the sole cause of my current problems.
And your pathetic crew
Your followers are also beneath contempt.
Every time I see you on my TV screen
Your presence on my television is like a nightmare that I cannot escape from.
I wanna disappear or run and scream
I feel an urge to flee or react with fear when you are in view.
And your existence is the worst bad dream that I ever knew
Your presence is a continuous unpleasant nightmare.
Contributed by Caroline T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
I exist
When you find this song when looking for another one but sticks around because it’s actually very good
Etoile du Port
These guys all know each other and some have even played both bands. There are some crossovers stylistically but their sounds remain distinct. I wouldn't say Tod sounds like Eugene, Tod can sing. And while GB may give you one of the best live shows of your life (E is like from another planet, loving every moment on stage with enormous energy) FW's provocative lyrics and sophisticated arrangements (drawing from influences around the world) are ultra textured, taking straight R&R into psychedelia.
Isabella Norviel
Favorite band (:
O, Henry
You would be the first person that I would call if I had a creepy CLOWN sighting, hopefully not the last !
Nikki Darling
How I feel currently.
Sharon Bromley
dedicated to #russellquinn
helen kramer
newly relevant.
lalakios
watch?v=cQVJCVgltlI 1:46 klezmer or balkan? you decide... the thin red line is out there; the very same reason that balkan beat box is a successful innovating band PS. Long live koalas!
chuckpadgettmusic
Swap out the chimp reference with an orangutan reference and this song fits Trump like a tiny glove.
ImIoOImI
was about to say; they predicted it's presidency haha