Frenetically creative, and playing only by his own rules, Thirlwell has never stopped experimenting and evolving his sound. While his music is most often outside of any genre, it is most frequently described as Industrial or No-Wave. His earlier music is usually quite harsh and distorted, although since Love, his music has become increasingly orchestral and symphonic, sometime sounding like a full orchestra, but is actually only J.G Thirlwell himself, though sometimes assisted by guest musicians on select tracks. His latest album, Hide, goes even further in this direction than Love did, beginning with an operatic piece sung by Abigail Fischer.
He has inspired many following industrial artists; like Nine Inch Nails, Pig and Cop Shoot Cop, among others, with his sonic assault and innovative use of studio technology, and was a key contributor on Coil's groundbreaking debut album Scatology as well as appearing on a few early Nurse With Wound recordings.
Thirlwell has also worked on collaborations under the names of Steroid Maximus (multiple collaborators), Stinkfist (with Lydia Lunch), Flesh Volcano (with Marc Almond), Baby Zizanie (with Jim Coleman) and Wiseblood (with Roli Mosimann of Swans); and does remix work as well, often under the name of Foetus. He also lent his voice to the introduction of album Misguided by Argyle Park.
Thirlwell is currently the Composer In Residence for Adult Swim's "The Venture Brothers".
For the video release of Season 3, a soundtrack album was also released, titled "The Venture Bros.: The Music of JG Thirlwell". This is the same audio CD included as a bonus with the Blu-ray version of Season 3. While the CD release was originally made available at Adult Swim's website, it was given a wide release on May 12, 2009;[15] the vinyl LP release came out a month earlier. It can also be downloaded from most major digital retailers. The CD features 20 tracks, while the vinyl LP release is 16 tracks.[16]
In the episode "The Trial of the Monarch," The Monarch mentions a picture of Dr. Girlfriend "skinny dipping with Jim Foetus," a reference to Thirlwell.
Anything
Foetus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It takes two to tangle it takes one to come
Some things are better left unsaid, like
A pound of protection beats an ounce of lead
Fee, fi, fo, fum
There must be some kinda romance in bein dumb
Find a belt full of bullets, fill your head full of dread
Fee, fi, fo, fum
It takes two to tangle and one to have won
If the future don't suit ya, you're better off dead
'Cause a pound of protection beats an ounce of lead
Fee, fi, fo, fum
There must be some kinda romance in being dumb
'Cause the blind lead the blind lead the blind lead the
Blind lead the blind lead the blind lead the blind lead
The blind lead the blind
And every man for himself
You start to admire the flagrant disregard
For the sanctity of other peoples lives
By the filthy few in positions of power
Who go for the jugular in order to survive
Disinfect those dangerous rabid dogs
Make sure the kids stay in
'Cause if you wanna be immortal
You gotta have something to trade in
Tobacco chompin' soldier of misfortune in that battle they call life
With the warm soft breeze of Santa Ana
Whistlin' 'round dem frail dry bones
I'm the cockroach in your Tinseltown
Cry you mercy, I am the law
When the time runs out
When the money runs out
I can do any goddamn thing I want!
Get outa my sight
Get outa my way
Get outa my way
Get outa my way
Run the gauntlet north and south
March on up to the cannon's mouth
And say I can do any goddamn thing I want
Take the bull by the horns
Gonna slit me some throats on the White House lawns
I can do any goddamn thing I want
I'm the cockroach in your Tinseltown
Try you mercy, I am the law!
And I can do any goddamn thing I want
Power makes pain so, wear rhino hide
If you see a white flash you better cover your eyes
I can do any goddamn thing I want
Change your mind, mind your change
Keep the enemy in focus and in your range
And say I can do any goddamn thing I want
I can do anything
Anything
Anything
Anything
Get outta my way
Get outta my way
I can do any goddamn thing I want
I can do any goddamn thing I want
I can do any goddamn thing I want
I can do any goddamn thing I want
I can do anything
Anything
Anything
Anything
I can do anything
Anything
Anything
Anything
The lyrics of Foetus's song "Anything" are full of nihilism and aggression, with a sense of rebellion against authority and a desire for power. The repeated refrain of "I can do any goddamn thing I want" suggests a sense of entitlement and a disregard for consequences. The opening lines, "Fee, fi, fo, fum, It takes two to tangle, it takes one to come" suggest sexual dominance and a desire for control. The line "A pound of protection beats an ounce of lead" highlights the belief that being powerful and prepared is more important than being peaceful and passive.
Throughout the song, there are references to violence, power, and militarism, such as "Find a belt full of bullets, fill your head full of dread," "Take the bull by the horns, gonna slit me some throats on the White House lawns," and "Power makes pain so, wear rhino hide." The song seems to suggest that the only way to survive in a society that values power and aggression is to become strong, violent, and ruthless.
Additionally, the song suggests a deep sense of distrust and anger towards those in positions of power, with the line "By the filthy few in positions of power, who go for the jugular in order to survive." This line suggests that those in power are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their position of authority, even if it means hurting others.
Overall, Foetus's "Anything" is a dark and aggressive song that expresses a desire for power and a distrust of authority. It suggests that in a society that values strength and aggression, the only way to survive is to become powerful and ruthless.
Line by Line Meaning
Fee, fi, fo, fum
Starting off with the famous phrase, indicating that something big is coming.
It takes two to tangle it takes one to come
It is easy for two people to get into an argument, but only one is needed to resolve it.
Some things are better left unsaid, like
Sometimes it's better to not speak your mind, such as when it involves controversial or sensitive topics.
A pound of protection beats an ounce of lead
It is better to be cautious and protect yourself before getting into a harmful situation.
There must be some kinda romance in bein dumb
Perhaps there is a certain appeal or charm in acting foolish or naive.
Find a belt full of bullets, fill your head full of dread
Get prepared for danger and fear with weapons and a fearful mindset.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a manta ray
A play on words from a famous quote by Muhammad Ali; be swift like a butterfly but strike with the force of a manta ray.
If the future don't suit ya, you're better off dead
If one's future looks bleak or undesirable, it may seem like dying would be better than living through it.
'Cause the blind lead the blind lead the blind lead the
Blind lead the blind lead the blind lead the blind lead
The blind lead the blind
People who are ignorant and lacking in knowledge or insight continue to lead other people who are also ignorant and lacking in knowledge or insight.
And every man for himself
In situations where there is little help or support, everyone must prioritize their own survival and well-being over others'.
You start to admire the flagrant disregard
One may begin to develop a perverse admiration for those in power who show blatant disrespect for others' lives and safety.
For the sanctity of other peoples lives
This behavior disregards the holiness or importance of other people's lives.
By the filthy few in positions of power
These actions are carried out by a small group of people in positions of authority.
Who go for the jugular in order to survive
Taking aggressive or fierce action to protect oneself or secure one's interests, even at the expense of others.
Disinfect those dangerous rabid dogs
Get rid of those who are aggressive, harmful, or diseased, to ensure safety and security.
Make sure the kids stay in
Young or naive people may need to be kept away from danger or unsavory individuals.
'Cause if you wanna be immortal
A turn of phrase implying that a person truly cannot be immortal, and that attempting to achieve such an impossible goal may have deadly consequences.
You gotta have something to trade in
In order to gain power, influence, or immortality, one must possess something of value to offer in exchange.
Tobacco chompin' soldier of misfortune in that battle they call life
A depiction of a tough, gritty, and unlucky person trying to survive in the challenging journey of life.
With the warm soft breeze of Santa Ana
A geographical reference to the Santa Ana winds in Southern California, known for their warm and dry temperatures.
Whistlin' 'round dem frail dry bones
The Santa Ana winds can be so strong that they blow through people's bodies like a whistle through bones.
I'm the cockroach in your Tinseltown
A reference to Hollywood, where people can seem glamorous and untouchable, but the artist is presenting themselves as the unsettling and indestructible cockroach.
Cry you mercy, I am the law
The singer claims to be in charge, the one giving mercy or punishment, and using the law to do it.
When the time runs out
When the money runs out
Even people in high places with authority and resources must eventually face the facts when time and money run out.
I can do any goddamn thing I want!
Despite the eventual end to resources, the singer believes they can achieve anything and everything without limit.
Power makes pain so, wear rhino hide
Being in powerful positions often comes with pain or risk, so it's necessary to be tough, resilient, and well-protected like a rhino.
If you see a white flash you better cover your eyes
A reference to a nuclear explosion, and the fact that seeing it without protection can cause blindness or other harmful effects.
Change your mind, mind your change
Be willing to adapt your perspective or beliefs, and be mindful of how your actions and opinions may impact your environment.
Keep the enemy in focus and in your range
Stay alert and aware of potential threats, and be ready to defend yourself if necessary.
I can do anything
A reaffirmation of the singer's belief in their personal power and ability to achieve anything without limitation.
Get outa my sight
An order for someone to leave the area and stay out of the singer's presence.
Get outa my way
A forceful statement telling someone to move and let the artist pass through unimpeded.
Run the gauntlet north and south
An action of going through a difficult and dangerous test or challenge, potentially with danger coming from both sides of the artist's movement.
March on up to the cannon's mouth
Facing a powerful opponent or threat, probably with great risk to the artist.
Gonna slit me some throats on the White House lawns
A violent statement about taking revenge or justice on those in power at the White House.
I can do any goddamn thing I want
Repeating the idea that the artist can achieve anything with impunity, regardless of consequences or limitations.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James George Thirlwell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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