Known to tour the US in a converted city bus with Rathbun as the driver/mechanic, with the windshield destination banner of HELL. Besides their wild performances which embodied a "rock against rock" ethos, they were also known to defy classification with marching band routines, performing puppet shows, and playing household items as instruments (in tune). After finding few financial rewards for their increasingly complex stage show, Idiot Flesh disbanded in 1998.
Core Members:
- Captain Dragon (Gene Jun; Guitar, Percussion, Violin, Vocals, Arranger)
- Hyena Boy (Wes Anderson; 1994-1998: Percussion, Drums, Marimba, Multi Instruments, Talking, Vocals, Bassoon, Trash Cans)
- The Improver (Dan Rathbun; Bass, Multi Instruments, Saw, "Talking", Horn, Vocals, Trombone, Cello, Megaphone; Engineer)
- Pin (Nils Frykdahl; Flute, Saxophone, Percussion, Castanets, Vocals, Guitar; Cover Design/Graphics)
- Chuck Squier (1985 through 1994: Drums, Cover art)
Discography:
- (1990) Tales of Instant Knowledge and Sure Death
- (1994) The Nothing Show
- (1995) Teen Devil/Twitch (4 Song EP)
- (1997) Fancy (Nov. 11)
Artstroking
Idiot Flesh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I just keep on fucking
I'm so beautiful, I must find
Feel it, laugh it, breathe it (???)
So I build my life around
Women who will hurt me
Will it ??? an honest effect
Stroking, stroking strokiiing
Through the clothing
Through the ???
I would like to ??? you
Any happened slept with man (???)
Stroking, stroking, strokiiing
Naked spastics on the silent
Freedom found in positive arrogance
Yes I know, but thank you anyway
I'll just keep on stroking
Happy in my eccentricity
Stroking, stroking, stroking
Yes I know, and thanks for saying so
I'll just keep on stroking
The lyrics to Idiot Flesh's song "Artstroking" are complex and difficult to decipher, but upon closer inspection, it appears to be a deeply personal reflection on the singer's struggle with love, sexuality, and identity. The opening lines express the singer's desire for love, but their inability to find it due to their preoccupation with sex. They acknowledge their beauty, perhaps suggesting that their physical attractiveness contributes to their constant sexual activity. However, they seem to be seeking something more meaningful than empty encounters.
The next few lines suggest that the singer builds their life around women who will hurt them, perhaps indicating a pattern of seeking out relationships that are doomed to fail. The line "Will it ??? an honest effect" is difficult to interpret, but may refer to the idea that the singer is seeking out pain and heartbreak in order to feel more deeply. The repetition of the word "stroking" throughout the song seems to suggest a connection between physical touch and emotional fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
All I want is to fall in love
I desire to experience love and connect with someone emotionally.
But I just keep on fucking
Even though I want love, I keep engaging in meaningless sexual encounters.
I'm so beautiful, I must find
My physical beauty is so great that I believe I should easily attract a romantic partner.
Feel it, laugh it, breathe it (???)
Not enough context, cannot provide accurate interpretation.
So I build my life around
I construct my life and relationships with women centered around experiencing pain and getting hurt emotionally.
Women who will hurt me
I seek out women who I know will bring me pain and emotional suffering.
Will it ??? an honest effect
Not enough context, cannot provide accurate interpretation.
Stroking, stroking strokiiing
Repetitive action of self-soothing myself through sexual stimulation.
Through the clothing
I find pleasure through touching women's clothing instead of their bare skin.
Through the ???
Not enough context, cannot provide accurate interpretation.
I would like to ??? you
I desire to connect with you emotionally and experience love and intimacy.
Any happened slept with man (???)
Not enough context, cannot provide accurate interpretation.
Naked spastics on the silent
I find peace and freedom through the unconventional and abnormal beauty of people with disabilities.
Freedom found in positive arrogance
My self-confidence and self-assuredness allows me to feel free and liberated from societal expectations.
Yes I know, but thank you anyway
I understand your compliment, but I still will continue to self-soothe through sexual stimulation.
Happy in my eccentricity
I find happiness in my odd or unconventional behavior and desires.
Stroking, stroking, stroking
Repetitive action of self-soothing myself through sexual stimulation.
Yes I know, and thanks for saying so
I appreciate your compliment, but I still will continue to self-soothe through sexual stimulation.
I'll just keep on stroking
I will continue to self-soothe and find comfort through sexual stimulation despite my desire for love and connection.
Contributed by Cameron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@daingore
Best song on the (almost impossible to find) album! Dedicated to all of the artists out there.
Obscurity is its own reward.
@philipvanzijl2994
I once found a copy of this record for $2 in dunedin (bottom of new zealand) in a record store bargain bin!
@Proosdagel
One of the best avant prog songs of the past 40 years 5/5 thanks for uploading this amazing orginal
@arcrs40
LIKE THIS BAND
@skinwalkers600
just wow. enchanting tune
@Some1ne
love .
@StarsWithScars
yeah thank u very much!