Scumbag
John & Yoko Plastic Ono Band Lyrics
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Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, yeah! Scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag, ho!
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag
Scum, scum, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag, scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag, scumbag, scumbag
"Hey, listen! I don't know whether you can tell what the
Words are to this song but there's only two of them
And I'd like to have you sing along cause it's real easy
Anybody who comes to the fillmore east can sing this song
The name of the song is 'scumbag'
Ok? And all you gotta do is sing 'scumbag'
Right on, brothers and sister let's hear it for the 'scumbag'!"
Scumbag! Scumbag! Scumbag! Scumbag! Scumbag!
Scumbag! Scumbag! Scumbag! Scumbag!
Scumbag, scumbag, scumbag, scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag, scumbag, scumbag, scumbag
Scumbag, scumbag, scumbag, scumbag, scumbag
Scum
Scumbag, baby, scumbag
Scumbag
Scumbag, baby
Scumbag, baby, (scumbag, baby)
Scumbag, baby, (scumbag, baby)
Scumbag, (scumbag, baby)
Scumbag, (scumbag, baby)
Scumbag, oh yeah, (scumbag)
Scumbag (scumbag)
Scumbag (scumbag) (who's scumbag?)
Hey, scumbag, (scumbag)
Scumbag (scumbag)
Scumbag (scumbag)
Scumbag, scumbag
Scum, uh!
Scumbag
Scumbag
Scumbag (scumbag)
Scumbag
Scumbag
Scumbag
Scumbag
(oh, oh, oh, yeah)
The song "Scumbag" by John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band is a repetitive chant-like song. The lyrics are straightforward and repetitive, with the word "scumbag" being repeated numerous times in various combinations. There is no conventional narrative or complex metaphorical language, but the song has more depth than its apparent simplicity may suggest. The lyrics are an ironic commentary on the countercultural aspirations of the 1960s, the fascination with celebrity, and the cult of personality, which Yoko and John viewed as insincere and opportunistic.
The song's aggressive, repetitious, and primal sound is reminiscent of a protest chant, setting a mood of frustration and anger. The track was recorded in a live setting, and audience participation is encouraged, turning the track into a collective experience. The song's appeal and meaning derive not only from its words, but also from its performative and participatory aspects, which turn it into an act of defiance against the status quo. The song's simple lyrics and melody invite the audience to participate in the presentation of a shared identity and belief, which reflects its central message of countercultural solidarity.
Line by Line Meaning
Scumbag, scumbag
The word 'scumbag' repeated twice to establish the song's theme.
Scumbag, yeah! Scumbag
Reasserting the song's theme with an added 'yeah!' for emphasis.
Scumbag, scumbag, ho!
Adding the word 'ho' to the song's theme to emphasize the subject's low moral character.
Scumbag
A continued repeat of the song's theme.
Scumbag, scumbag, scumbag
Repeating the song's theme to maintain the song's focus.
"Hey, listen! I don't know whether you can tell what the Words are to this song but there's only two of them And I'd like to have you sing along cause it's real easy Anybody who comes to the fillmore east can sing this song The name of the song is 'scumbag' Ok? And all you gotta do is sing 'scumbag' Right on, brothers and sister let's hear it for the 'scumbag'!"
John takes a moment to explain the meaning of the song to the audience and leads them in the call and response chorus.
Scumbag, baby, scumbag
Adding 'baby' to the song's theme for variation and emphasis on the subject's undesirable traits.
Scumbag, baby, (scumbag, baby)
Repeating the previous line with parenthesis for effect.
Scumbag, (scumbag, baby)
An abbreviated version of the previous line to maintain focus on the song's theme.
Scumbag, oh yeah, (scumbag)
Introducing 'oh yeah' as a way to add emphasis and keep the theme strong.
Scumbag (scumbag)
Another reminder of the song's theme.
Scumbag (scumbag) (who's scumbag?)
A question directed at the listener to engage them and emphasize the song's theme.
Hey, scumbag, (scumbag)
Addressing the subject of the song directly and repeating the theme to keep it prominent.
Scumbag (scumbag)
An unambiguous description of the subject's low moral character, repeated to drive the theme home.
Scumbag, scumbag
Repeating the song's theme and keeping it as the center of attention.
Scum, uh!
Switching briefly to an abbreviated version of the song's theme while adding 'uh' as an expression of disgust.
Scumbag
Returning to the song's main theme after the brief variation.
Scumbag (scumbag)
Continuing to repeat the theme to stay focused on the song's primary topic.
Scumbag
A final reassertion of the song's theme, drawing attention to it one last time.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRANK ZAPPA, JOHN LENNON, YOKO ONO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind