King Missile is a band that has been led in various incarnations by poet/si… Read Full Bio ↴King Missile is a band that has been led in various incarnations by poet/singer John S. Hall since 1986. Their work, in the group's current configuration, is a type of Performance Art Rock with John S. Hall's spoken word. In their first inception, as King Missile(Dog Fly Religion), the band's sound was a neo-pyschedelic blend of Dada influenced music and occasional spoken word as well as conventional singing. Their music became more accessible with the departure of Dogbowl and the notable addition of former Bongwater guitarist Dave Rick . The group is probably best known for the 1993 radio hit Detachable Penis. They'd achieved a cult following via college radio with their 1986 song "Jesus Was Way Cool". They were an anchor band for the legendary independent label Shimmy Disc. Now known as King Missile III (pronounced "the third"), the group released its ninth album, Royal Lunch, in 2004.

King Missile III 1998 - present

* John S. Hall - vocals: singing and spoken word
* Sasha Forte - bass, violin, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
* Bradford Reed - pencilina, drums, percussion, synthesizer, backing vocals

Happy Hour
King Missile Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In this happy sing-song hell hole
In this torture house of glee
In this perfect playpen prison
There's so much to do and see

On this euthanasia morning
Colorful carnival of pain
Let us drink delicious poison

If they won't let us,
let's complain

Genetic engineers
Crucified our sacred hymns

While flesh fell off our bodies
And we lost our limbs

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to King Missile's song "Happy Hour" portray a dystopian society where individuality and free will are nonexistent. The singer describes their surroundings as a "happy sing-song hell hole" and a "torture house of glee," indicating that even though the facade of their society is one of happiness and joy, there is an underlying sense of despair and hopelessness. The phrase "perfect playpen prison" also alludes to the lack of agency present in their daily lives. The singer sarcastically remarks that there's "so much to do and see," but in reality, there is likely very little opportunity for self-expression or exploration.

The second stanza of the song references a "euthanasia morning" and a "colorful carnival of pain." This hints at the idea of a society that is designed to inflict suffering on its citizens, perhaps as a means of control. The singer suggests that they should drink "delicious poison" as an act of rebellion against their oppressors, but also admits that complaining may be their only option if that fails.

The final two lines of the song mention "genetic engineers" and how they have "crucified our sacred hymns" while people's bodies fall apart and they "lose [their] limbs." This paints a picture of a society that prizes scientific progress over spiritual or emotional well-being, which has led to physical decay and societal fragmentation.

Overall, the lyrics of "Happy Hour" are a commentary on the dangers of conformity and the importance of individuality in a functioning society. They suggest that a system that prioritizes control and conformity over personal freedom and creativity is ultimately unsustainable, leading to a scenario where even the most basic aspects of humanity, such as physical health and emotional well-being, begin to deteriorate.

Line by Line Meaning

In this happy sing-song hell hole
Despite being in a place that looks and sounds cheerful and happy, it is actually a place of misery.

In this torture house of glee
This place might look like it's full of fun and laughter, but it is actually a painful and difficult place to be in.

In this perfect playpen prison
Though it appears to be a comfortable and enjoyable space, it is still a place where people are trapped and unable to leave.

There's so much to do and see
Despite the unpleasant aspects of this place, there are still interesting things to see and do, giving people a reason to stay.

On this euthanasia morning
This very well might be their last day, as if they were in a hospice where people go to die.

Colorful carnival of pain
There is an abundance of painful experiences and emotions in this place, despite the happy appearance of everything.

Let us drink delicious poison
They would prefer to indulge in something enjoyable even if it harms them, such as alcohol or drugs.

If they won't let us, let's complain
If they can't indulge in their harmful pleasures, they will instead vent their frustrations by complaining or rebelling.

Genetic engineers
Scientists who specialize in the manipulation of genes or DNA.

Crucified our sacred hymns
They have destroyed something that was meaningful and important to them in a painful and violent way.

While flesh fell off our bodies
Their bodies are in a state of decay and they are physically falling apart.

And we lost our limbs
In addition to their bodies decaying, they are also losing limbs, becoming physically disabled or disfigured.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS XEFOS, DAVE RICK, JOHN S. HALL, ROGER MURDOCK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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