Using the "backing band" from his 1996 solo album, The Cult of Ray, Thompson dubbed his new band "Frank Black and the Catholics", and recorded their eponymous first album in 1997. His band consisted of Lyle Workman on lead guitar, bassist David McCaffrey and Scott Boutier on drums.
Frank Black and the Catholics became the first album to be posted to the eMusic service; they claim it is "the first album ever made legally available for commercial download". Having eschewed multi-track recording for his later solo material, Thompson continued the live-to-two-track technique for all subsequent releases under the Catholics. Live-to-two-track recording precludes the use of overdubs to correct errors or add texture; all takes are recorded continuously, and mixing is done "on the fly". On later albums, he incorporated more musicians into the sessions to allow for more varied instrumental textures. Explaining his rationale behind the method, he commented:
"Well, it's real. It's a recording of a performance, of a real performance between a group of people, an entourage, a band, as opposed to a facsimile of that, which is frequently what people do with multi-track recording ... I prefer it. It's a little more real. It's got a little more heart."
Workman left the Catholics in 1998 to pursue session work with Rich Gilbert replacing him. Frank Black and the Catholics released Pistolero in 1999 and Dog in the Sand in 2001. Dog in the Sand added Dave Philips on pedal steel guitar and lead guitar, with Joey Santiago and Eric Drew Feldman making appearances with the group live and on record.
By this time, while dismissing the possibility of a Pixies reunion, Thompson had begun to incorporate an increasing number of the band's songs into Catholics concerts, as well as including Santiago in his solo work again. Black and the Catholics continued to release records; two separate albums, Black Letter Days and Devil's Workshop, were released simultaneously in 2002. Devil's Workshop included the song "Velvety", a version of the Pixies' song "Velvety Instrumental Version" (written by Black as a teenager) with lyrics. The song was one of the first signs that he had acknowledged his past work with the Pixies in his solo output. A sixth album with the Catholics, Show Me Your Tears, was released in 2003. Show Me Your Tears' title and many of the songs in it were inspired by Thompson's recent divorce and entry into therapy.
Bullet
Frank Black and the Catholics Lyrics
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I'll take this call from Valhalla
Please tell my friends from outer space
You are my son, you'll take my place
And if the revolution comes
I've got some good friends there
You take the moon, I'll take the sun
And by the way if the revolution comes
Please take my rifles, take my guns
A single bullet loaded in each one
And if you don't like my melody
I'll sing it in a major key, I'll sing it very happily
But if everybody is all aboard
Let’s take it back to that minor chord
You are my son, you'll take my place
Please tell my friends from outer space
I'll take this call from Valhalla
Excuse me now I've got a call
I've got some good friends there
Revolution comes
A single bullet loaded in each one
Please take my rifles, take my guns
And by the way if the revolution comes
Please take my rifles, take my guns
You take my place because you are my son
Excuse me now, I'll take the sun
I'll take my place in Valhalla
And if the revolution comes
Please take my gun
The lyrics of Frank Black's song Bullet convey a sense of impending doom or an apocalyptic scenario. Black sings about a call he's received from Valhalla, which represents the afterlife in Norse mythology. He tells his friends from outer space that they are his son, and they will have to take his place after he's gone. He also mentions the possibility of a revolution, in which case he wants them to take his rifles and guns, each loaded with one bullet. If Black's melody doesn't please his listeners, he's ready to sing it in a major key instead of the minor key he's currently using. He ends the song by declaring that he'll take the sun while his friend takes the moon, and if the revolution comes, they'll be ready to fight.
The interpretation of the lyrics is open-ended and allows for a lot of different meanings. Some may see it as a warning about environmental disasters and the inevitable "revolution" that will come as a result of humans' mistreatment of the planet. Others may see it as a paranoid delusion of someone grappling with the fear of death and what comes after. The references to Norse mythology and outer space add to the song's otherworldly and mysterious feel.
Line by Line Meaning
Excuse me now I've got a call
I need to pause, there is a phone call I must take
I'll take this call from Valhalla
I'm expecting an important call, I'll be answering it
Please tell my friends from outer space
Pass on a message to extraterrestrial friends for me
You are my son, you'll take my place
You are like my own offspring, and you will be inheriting my position
And if the revolution comes
In the case of a rebellion or an uprising
I've got some good friends there
I have friends who will be ready to act when needed
Take my place, after all you are my son
As I exit, you must take over because we are like family
You take the moon, I'll take the sun
We'll divide the world and each will take control of what they can
And by the way if the revolution comes
Additionally, regarding an expected violent revolution
Please take my rifles, take my guns
Take up arms as a symbol of a cause or to protect oneself
A single bullet loaded in each one
One bullet in each firearm as a warning shot or for defense
And if you don't like my melody
If my song or message does not please you
I'll sing it in a major key, I'll sing it very happily
I'll change the music or delivery to suit the listener if possible
But if everybody is all aboard
If everyone is in agreement about the message or action
Let’s take it back to that minor chord
We’ll revert to the old way or stance
Excuse me now, I'll take the sun
I must leave for my previous responsibility of governing
And if the revolution comes
Again, in the face of an uprising
Please take my gun
Have this weapon for safety or as a symbol of your position
Please take my rifles, take my guns
Reiterating that they should have the weapons for safety and power
You take my place because you are my son
Again emphasizing that the person should take over due to their familial bond
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind