He is a founding member of Primus and formed a trio named Oysterhead with Trey Anastasio and Stewart Copeland.
Red State Girl
Les Claypool Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She got lint down between her toes
She got paint above her eyeballs and
Powder on and up in her nose
She got tits made out of recycled bottles
Her hair flipped up in a twirl
She wants to grow up to be Sarah Palin
She's a self-proclaimed bonafide red state girl
He likes the Redskins rather than foreskins
He got a tattoo of Budweiser frogs
He got Sears tools since he can't afford Snap-On
Spent his money on a pedigree huntin' dog
He's a poor man stuck in a poor man's body
And he shot his very first squirrel
He's got a naked picture of Sarah Palin
Looking for a self-proclaimed bonafide red state girl
Bow de de bow bow
Bow de de bow bow
The song Red State Girl by Les Claypool is a satirical commentary on the political and social divide in America. The lyrics describe a girl who embodies the stereotypical characteristics of a conservative woman from a rural area - she works hard and is not afraid to get her hands dirty, but also has a desire for fame and a certain level of vanity. She looks up to Sarah Palin, a controversial figure in American politics who is often associated with the conservative movement. The reference to her "tits made out of recycled bottles" highlights the objectification of women that is prevalent in American society.
The second verse describes a man who is also a caricature of a conservative. He is a Redskins fan and has a tattoo of Budweiser frogs, which is a nod to the commercial advertising campaign for the popular beer brand. He owns Sears tools because he cannot afford high-quality Snap-On tools and spends his money on a hunting dog. The lyric "He's a poor man stuck in a poor man's body" suggests that the man is trapped in his circumstances and may not have the same opportunities as others.
The chorus, consisting of only the vocalization "Bow de de bow bow," adds to the satirical nature of the song. It is a nonsensical phrase that ironically contrasts with the serious themes of the lyrics. Overall, Red State Girl is a commentary on the cultural divide in America and the stereotypes that exist on both sides of the political spectrum.
Line by Line Meaning
She got dirt up under her fingernails
She is not afraid of hard work.
She got lint down between her toes
Her attention to detail extends to every part of her body.
She got paint above her eyeballs and
She is an artist who embraces creativity.
Powder on and up in her nose
She tries to fit in with the crowd, even if it means doing drugs occasionally.
She got tits made out of recycled bottles
She is proud of her unique features.
Her hair flipped up in a twirl
She is playful and fun-loving.
She wants to grow up to be Sarah Palin
She is politically conservative and looks up to a strong female leader.
She's a self-proclaimed bonafide red state girl
She identifies with rural, conservative America.
He likes the Redskins rather than foreskins
He is politically incorrect and enjoys making crude jokes.
He got a tattoo of Budweiser frogs
He enjoys drinking and is brand loyal to a fault.
He got Sears tools since he can't afford Snap-On
He is resourceful and makes the best of his financial situation.
Spent his money on a pedigree huntin' dog
He values his hobbies and likes to pursue them with the best resources available to him.
He's a poor man stuck in a poor man's body
He accepts his situation and is content as he is.
And he shot his very first squirrel
He is a skilled hunter, despite his humble beginnings.
He's got a naked picture of Sarah Palin
He identifies with conservative values and admires a powerful female leader.
Looking for a self-proclaimed bonafide red state girl
He wants to find someone who shares his values and is proud of their rural roots.
Bow de de bow bow
This nonsensical phrase serves as a transition to the next verse.
Bow de de bow bow
This repeated phrase serves as a transition to the chorus.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: LESLIE E CLAYPOOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sartori
Yeah, Les writing songs with political messages is nothing new, he's been at it a decade or so. Besides, it's funny.
marshallbs
My favorite part.... squeeky bow long pause bow ba de bow bow..... base kicks back in
NamesMud
marshallbs bass
Russell Solomon
And it is Les's self indulgence that we have all grown to know and love. I've been listening to the man since '93. He hasn't ever let me down artistically, creatively, and musically. He may not be a classically trained François Rabbath, however, but his lyrical adeptness and his storytelling skills mingled with his bass wizardry and sheer creativity make up for it and have kept me coming back year after year.
Daniel Schoonover
Les, thank you for continuing to do this stuff. You have never settled on artistic direction simply because it would please fans. Keep going, man. And dont stop till you die.
Nick Cooper
What I love about Les is that ,more than anything he plays for us freaks.
dazpatreg
This just seems like something that could be on a Tom Waites album! Bloody Brilliant!
Slarty Bartfast
This is terrifying and awesome at the same time.. That's Les for you!
Nightfall95
Absolutely amazing, love this song and everything off of the new album! Keep these great tunes a comin!
blazeandcyrus
This is pure genius. bow bidi bow bow... fancy band kicks ass!