Purple Haze
Frank Zappa Lyrics


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Purple haze
All in my brain
Well lately things they just doesn't seem the same
Oh I actin' funny
And I doesn't know why
Excuse me
While I kiss this guy
Purple haze
All around
Don't know if I goin' up or down
Am I happy or in misery
Whatever is this doll
Put a spell on me

Hit me
Smash me
Listen here!

Purple haze
All in my eyes
Don't know
If it's day or night
You got me goin'
And you blew my mind




Tomorrow
Or just the end of time

Overall Meaning

Frank Zappa's Purple Haze is a track of psychedelic rock, with the lyrics being an interesting reference to the classic Jimi Hendrix song of the same name. Zappa's version of this song has several interesting lyrical interpretations, and the song is a representation of the experimental and nonsensical nature of the psychedelic era. The lyrics of Zappa's version of Purple Haze have a touch of humor, making references to kissing a guy, smashing, and hitting.


The song begins with the phrase "Purple haze, all in my brain," which can be interpreted as an allusion to drug abuse. Purple haze, which is a type of marijuana, is known for causing a high that may lead to hallucinations, among other things. The phrase "Well lately things they just don't seem the same" can be a reference to the idea of reality being altered while under the influence of drugs. The line "Oh I actin' funny, and I doesn't know why" may suggest that the singer is not entirely in control of their actions or thoughts after getting high.


The chorus of the song, "Purple haze all around, Don't know if I'm coming up or down," may signify the feeling of uncertainty and disorientation. The singer seems to be anxious, unsure of their emotions, and the world around them. "Whatever it is that girl put a spell on me," is another interesting line as it could indicate that the singer is trying to escape drug addiction, but the high is still clinging to them, causing them to lose their composure.


Line by Line Meaning

Purple haze
Feeling a sense of confusion and uncertainty, like being in a hazy or dream-like state


All in my brain
This feeling is coming from within, it's not caused by external factors


Well lately things they just doesn't seem the same
Something has changed and things don't feel familiar anymore


Oh I actin' funny
I'm behaving in unusual ways, which is out of character for me


And I doesn't know why
I can't explain why I'm feeling this way, it's a mystery to me


Excuse me
I need to interrupt this conversation to do something else


While I kiss this guy
I'm going to make a humorous remark because the misheard lyrics are 'kiss this guy' instead of 'kiss the sky'


Purple haze
Repeating the earlier line, to emphasize the feeling of confusion and uncertainty


All around
This feeling is pervasive and affecting everything around me


Don't know if I goin' up or down
I don't know if what I'm experiencing is positive or negative, it could be either


Am I happy or in misery
The uncertainty of the situation is causing me to question my emotional state


Whatever is this doll
I don't understand what's happening to me, it's like I'm being controlled by an external force


Put a spell on me
Metaphorically, there's some kind of magic at work here, which is causing me to feel this way


Hit me
I'm asking for someone to affect me in some way, to make me feel something different


Smash me
I'm looking for a more intense experience, rather than something subtle


Listen here!
I'm calling for people's attention to make my request more emphatic


Purple haze
Repeating the earlier line again, for emphasis and to convey the persistence of the feeling


All in my eyes
This feeling is affecting my perception of the world and my ability to see and understand it


Don't know
I'm still lost and confused, and the situation isn't getting any clearer


If it's day or night
The haze is making it hard to distinguish between different times of day or different situations


You got me goin'
I'm being overwhelmed by an outside force, it's not something that I can control


And you blew my mind
The experience is beyond my usual level of comprehension, it's something that's completely unexpected and overwhelming


Tomorrow
Even though I'm unsure about what's happening to me, I'm willing to take a chance and see what the future holds


Or just the end of time
Metaphorically, the future is completely unknown to me and there's no guarantee that things will turn out well




Contributed by Camden J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

tuxguys

2:28
"Isaac Hayes, Gabby Hayes, Willy Mays, Helen Hayes..."
This is a zenith of Surrealism.
Addendum:
The liberties taken with these two iconic, simultaneous (1968), game-changing rock masterpieces, especially reciting (which will be heard by some as "rapping") the lyrics is...
Inspired.
Addendum:
If the Poster's notes are correct, this impeccable performance was not a "performance:"
It was a SOUND CHECK.
Amazing.



All comments from YouTube:

Paul Mahon

Greatest sound check ever.

Jim Pig Productions

Absolutely hilarious! Zappa’s music brings joy on many levels

Breno Brandão

Simplesmente GENIAL!!

powergroover19

I can't get over those bass and brass hits. Adds so much more emphasis to the upbeats!!

Charles Winokoor

I was not a fan of Frank's for most of the last 10 years of his career. But he really nailed it with his rendition of these two "classic" songs.

tuxguys

2:28
"Isaac Hayes, Gabby Hayes, Willy Mays, Helen Hayes..."
This is a zenith of Surrealism.
Addendum:
The liberties taken with these two iconic, simultaneous (1968), game-changing rock masterpieces, especially reciting (which will be heard by some as "rapping") the lyrics is...
Inspired.
Addendum:
If the Poster's notes are correct, this impeccable performance was not a "performance:"
It was a SOUND CHECK.
Amazing.

J. R.

I was kinda hoping for Rutherford B. Hayes but oh well.

BigJules

@J. R. Tubby Hayes too?

Victor Tavis

Elvin Hayes?

howgood88

Billy Mays.

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