Zappa's earliest influences were 1950s pop and rock (such as doo-wop and rhythm and blues), and 20th-century classical composers including Igor Stravinsky and Edgard Varèse. His output was divided between adventurous instrumental compositions and succinct, catchy rock songs with ribald, satirical, or comically absurd lyrics. On stage he demanded virtuosity and spontaneity from his musicians, and employed many performers who would later go on to achieve fame in their own rights. He directed and released a number of films featuring himself, his musicians and entourage, including 200 Motels and Baby Snakes.
His career started in 1955. His earliest recordings date from the mid-1960s, and include collaborations with his school friend Captain Beefheart. In 1965 he joined a bar-band called The Soul Giants, quickly dominating its musical direction and rechristening it The Mothers. Their first release (as The Mothers of Invention; the name alteration requested by their record company) was the 1966 double album Freak Out!. The line-up of the Mothers gradually expanded to accommodate Zappa's increasingly ambitious and avant-garde music, but by 1969 he decided to work outside the band structure, focusing on his solo career, and effectively disbanding the Mothers in 1971.
The beginnings of his solo career in the late sixties and early seventies was characterised by a strong free jazz influence, with albums containing little, if any, lyrical content, such as Hot Rats, Waka/Jawaka and The Grand Wazoo. Towards the mid-seventies his albums became more rock-orientated, with a combination of Jazz Fusion instrumentation and Rock song structures. This more accessible sound bore reasonable mainstream appeal, especially with the release of the well-advertised albums Over-Nite Sensation and Apostrophe (') (which both went Gold), but Zappa's unpredictably eclectic output never led to solid mainstream recognition. He received uniformly lukewarm reviews from popular music publications such as Rolling Stone throughout his career. In his late seventies' output, the gulf between his humorous songs and more lengthy, complex instrumental music widened, and albums, such as Zappa in New York, Joe's Garage: Acts I, II & III, and Sleep Dirt displayed, by track, both sides firmly segregated.
Zappa saw a second run of success in the early eighties with the release of many albums with predominantly comedic rock songs, but later continued to experiment with virtually every style of music through the eighties, and was productive as ever until his death. His output in this later-career period included two albums of strikingly original classical music with the London Symphony Orchestra, an electronic take on 18th-century chamber music (written by the obscure Italian composer 'Francesco Zappa', no relation), an album of Synclavier compositions (misleadingly titled Jazz From Hell which garnered a Grammy award), a double-CD release of electric guitar instrumental music (the laconically titled Guitar) and a plenitude of official live releases, revisiting fan-favourites as well as showcasing Zappa's talent for reinventing the music of others; his version of Stairway to Heaven becoming a word-of-mouth favourite.
Zappa produced almost all of his own albums, spending many hours in the studio recording and manipulating tracks, and was always at the forefront of emerging technologies; from tape editing, collage, multitrack and overdubbing in the sixties to digital recording, electronic instruments and sampling in the eighties. Conversely, Zappa was also a obsessive self-archivist, recording virtually every one of his live performances, and often using live recordings of new material without needing to enter the studio. The archive of tapes at his family home in Los Angeles continues to be a source of posthumous releases for the Zappa Family Trust. He was also noted as a spotter of talent and his shifting line-up of musicians included Lowell George, Jean-Luc Ponty, Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, George Duke, Mike Keneally, Adrian Belew and Steve Vai, as well as giving Alice Cooper his first break in music and working again with his old collaborator Captain Beefheart when his career was in decline.
In the late 1980s he became active in politics, campaigning against the PMRC's music censorship scheme and acting as culture and trade representative for Czechoslovakia in 1989; and considered running as an independent candidate for president of the US.
His death in Los Angeles, California, on 4th December 1993 came three years after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Son Of Saint Alfonzo
Frank Zappa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast
Where I stole the mar-juh reen
An' widdled on the Bingo Cards
In lieu of the latrine
I saw a handsome parish lady
Make her entrance like a queen
Why she was totally chenille
As she abused a sausage pattie
And said why don't you treat me mean?
(Hurt me, hurt me, hurt me, oooooh)
At Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast
(Hah! Good God! Get off the bus)
Where I stole the mar-juh reen
Saint Alfonzo saint Alfonzo
Saint Alfonzo saint Alfonzo
Ooo ooo-wah
The lyrics to "Son Of Saint Alfonzo" by Frank Zappa showcase the singer's experience at a pancake breakfast at Saint Alfonzo's, where he engages in some mischievous activities while observing peculiar characters around him. The song begins with the singer admitting to stealing marijuana and urinating on Bingo Cards instead of using the bathroom. This sets the tone of absurdity and irreverence that continues throughout the lyrics.
The singer then describes a striking woman entering the scene, accompanied by her husband, who is a Marine. The woman is described as "chenille," which refers to a velvety fabric, suggesting her elegance and allure. However, she expresses a desire to be treated harshly, asking why she isn't being subjected to cruelty. This juxtaposition of elegance and sadomasochistic desires adds to the surreal and ironic nature of the song.
Overall, the lyrics of "Son Of Saint Alfonzo" portray a bizarre and comical scene at a pancake breakfast, where the singer engages in questionable activities while observing peculiar characters. The song reflects Frank Zappa's unique approach to storytelling and his fondness for exploring unconventional themes.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes indeed, here we are!
We have arrived at the location of Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast.
At Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast
We are currently attending an event called Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast.
Where I stole the mar-juh reen
During my time here, I covertly took possession of marijuana.
An' widdled on the Bingo Cards
Additionally, I urinated on the Bingo Cards instead of using the bathroom.
In lieu of the latrine
Instead of utilizing the restroom facilities as intended.
I saw a handsome parish lady
I observed an attractive woman from the local church community.
Make her entrance like a queen
She entered the venue with an air of regality and importance.
Why she was totally chenille
Her demeanor and style exuded elegance and sophistication.
And her old man was a Marine
Furthermore, her husband was a former member of the Marine Corps.
As she abused a sausage pattie
While indulging in a sausage patty, she displayed a certain level of aggression.
And said why don't you treat me mean?
Simultaneously, she provocatively questioned why I didn't mistreat or disrespect her.
(Hurt me, hurt me, hurt me, oooooh)
(Inflict pain upon me, in a sensual and consensual manner)
At Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast
During our time at the event known as Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast.
(Hah! Good God! Get off the bus)
(Expressing surprise or disbelief, urging someone to leave)
Where I stole the mar-juh reen
Where I surreptitiously obtained marijuana.
Saint Alfonzo saint Alfonzo
Referring to Saint Alfonzo, emphasizing his significance or presence.
Ooo ooo-wah
An interjection expressing excitement or emphasis.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@websdaleandrew
@@zombywoof1015 I am the tool of the government
And industry too
For I am destined to rule
And regulate you
I may be vile and pernicious
But you can't look away
I make you think Im delicious
With the stuff that I say
I am the best you can get
Have you guessed me yet?
I am the slime oozin out
From your tv set
@rayinpau.s.a.6351
Yes indeed, here we are!
At Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast
Where I stole the mar-juh-reen
An' widdled on the Bingo Cards in lieu of the latrine
I saw a handsome parish lady
Make her entrance like a queen
Why, she was totally chenille
And her old man was a Marine
As she abused a sausage pattie
And said why don't you treat me mean?
(Hurt me, hurt me, hurt me, oooooh!)
At Saint Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast
(Hah! Good God! Get off the bus!)
Where I stole the mar-juh-reen
Saint Alfonzo
Saint Alfonzo
Saint Alfonzo
Saint Alfonzo
Ooh, wah
@NathanNathanNathan
monki monday haha
@crunchu2361
I think Frank Zappas music is just him entertaining himself and letting us hear.
@merlinosgood1978
Yes.
@spoonibus2602
Hahaha I really like this way of putting it
@Zappafantrust
that's exactly what he did
@AlicedeTocqueville
Can't get better than that!
@snatcherofpeachs
Probably the purest form of musical expression.
@christianugolini8493
I was 17 when I listened to this for the first time...I am now 61 old... Zappa Music is the music of my life ! ;-)
@grahamdempsey7458
Loved to have known what he thought about trump
@s.e.wagger3888
@@grahamdempsey7458 - more interesting to know what he would of thought of Hilary and Oh-bumma.