Killdozer was a one-of-a-kind band, notable for its erotic songs, and its serious but not-so serious lyrics about the hardships of working in a circus, sung by singer Michael Gerald at the top of his lungs. Many of the lyrics dealt with disturbing narratives from the circus freak sideshow, or about his relationship with the bearded lady. The band also became famous for its uproarious cover songs, the most memorable of all being Don McLean's "American Pie". A version exists on their 1989 all-covers album For Ladies Only.
Killdozer is regarded by many to have set the foundation for grunge music, in spite of that genre's association with the city of Seattle. The band were stalwarts of Touch and Go Records during its legendary 1980s phase and they often toured with or played alongside stablemates such as Scratch Acid and Big Black. Steve Albini, who recorded Killdozer's 1995 album God Hears Pleas of the Innocent, has on many occasions cited Killdozer as a band who reach his exacting standards.
A recommended unofficial Killdozer site:
http://www.geocities.com/renaldo_larue/killdozer/
Final Market
Killdozer Lyrics
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That's on the street
I sell whatever I got
To the people I meet
I ain't got shit to show for it
But at least I eat
It gets me out of scrapes
With the cop on the beat
Sometimes final market 25 cents
Sometimes final market 25 cents
I get a daily briefing from my boss
He's an old-school punk
I know I will be with him
When the revolution comes
Sometimes final market 25 cents
Sometimes final market 25 cents
In Killdozer's song 'Final Market', the lyrics can be interpreted as a commentary on poverty and the struggle to survive in a capitalist society. The singer of the song is someone who lives where they work, selling whatever they have to the people they meet on the street. Despite not having much to show for it, they are able to eat and get by. The character's interactions with the police are mentioned, implying that they may have run-ins with law enforcement due to their means of survival.
The chorus of the song speaks to the fluctuating rates of whatever the singer is selling - 'sometimes final market 25 cents'. This further highlights the precariousness of their situation and the constant struggle to make ends meet. The mention of a 'boss' who is an 'old-school punk' and the line 'I know I will be with him when the revolution comes' suggests a shared sense of rebellion against the capitalist system.
Line by Line Meaning
I live where I work
I reside on the same street where I carry out my business activities.
That's on the street
My workplace is situated outside, out in the open on the streets.
I sell whatever I got
I vend whatever goods or services that I possess.
To the people I meet
I offer my wares and services to anyone I come across.
I ain't got shit to show for it
Despite all my hard work, I have nothing significant to show for it.
But at least I eat
But, at the very least, it provides me with enough to sustain myself.
It gets me out of scrapes
My work helps me in getting out of trouble or difficult situations.
With the cop on the beat
Particularly, this is helpful when I'm dealing with the police officers patrolling the area.
I get a daily briefing from my boss
Every day, my employer provides me with the necessary information or updates about the business.
He's an old-school punk
My boss is someone who adheres to the old-school punk rock lifestyle and values.
I know I will be with him
I am confident that when the revolution or uprising comes, I will be on the same side as my boss.
When the revolution comes
When a full-scale change occurs in society, we will be ready to support and fight for the cause.
Sometimes final market 25 cents
The goods or services that I offer can sometimes be sold for as low as 25 cents in the final market.
Sometimes final market 25 cents
This is because, despite all the effort, there are times when there are no willing buyers and they are forced to sell at a low price.
Contributed by Joshua D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.