The touring band consists of Bryan "Brain" Mantia on Drums, Mark "MIRV" Haggard on Guitar, Adam Gates on Bass (tuned an octave lower), and of course Les Claypool on Bass.
Granny's Little Yard Gnome
Les Claypool And The Holy Mackerel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting, watching, guarding Granny's home
His face reflecting simple joy
But he is not a happy Plaster boy
"Careful sonny, not too close
Unless you want a lethal dose
Of hardening..."
Wishing he could run away
Supressing any urge to roam
Such devotion from a little gnome
I once saw a calico that thought he could fly
And then the lanky Doberman that tinkled in my eye
A pacifist by nature, with amble common sense
But if I had my druthers, I'd rather be a fence
Now Granny, she's a good one, she shines me now and then
And come around this springtime, I'm due for paint again
On keeping Granny comfy, I try and earn my keep
I'm just wishing I had some eyelids, so I could get some sleep
"Granny's Little Yard Gnome" by Les Claypool And The Holy Mackerel is a song about the titular yard gnome who is contentedly standing alone, watching and guarding over Granny's home. Although the gnome's face seems to reflect simple joy, the lyrics hint at his deeper dissatisfaction. The gnome is not a happy Plaster boy and waiting for some shade, wishing he could run away, and suppressing any urge to roam. The song also refers to a calico that thought it could fly and a lanky Doberman that tinkled in the singer's eye. The gnome reflects on his pacifist nature and if he had his druthers, he would rather be a fence.
The gnome describes Granny as a good one who shines him now and then. He notes that he is due for paint again and that he tries to earn his keep by keeping Granny comfy. He also wishes he had eyelids so he could get some sleep. On one level, the song can be seen as a whimsical ode to the yard gnome, with its catchy melody and humorous references. On another level, it can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of contentment and the desire for freedom and autonomy.
Overall, "Granny's Little Yard Gnome" is a unique and quirky song that touches on themes of contentment, freedom, and autonomy. It offers an interesting perspective on the typically overlooked yard gnome and its role in guarding and protecting Granny's home.
Line by Line Meaning
Content to stand alone
The yard gnome is happy to be isolated and not surrounded by any other decorations or adornments.
Waiting, watching, guarding Granny's home
The yard gnome is positioned at Granny's home and it seems that his main duty is to act as a protector, always vigilant and attentive.
His face reflecting simple joy
The gnome's expression is generally happy and content with his surroundings.
But he is not a happy Plaster boy
Despite the gnome's outward appearance of satisfaction, his inner thoughts and feelings show he's not entirely happy with his situation.
"Careful sonny, not too close
Unless you want a lethal dose
Of hardening..."
The gnome is warning someone to not get too close, as they might be exposed to a substance that could cause harm or make something become inanimate.
Patiently waiting for some shade
The gnome is eagerly anticipating some shade in order to avoid being overheated.
Wishing he could run away
The gnome is feeling trapped and wanting to leave his current position.
Supressing any urge to roam
Despite his desire to leave, the gnome is holding back and not actually leaving his location.
Such devotion from a little gnome
The gnome is highly dedicated to his task of guarding Granny's home.
I once saw a calico that thought he could fly
The artist is giving an example of an animal that had an unrealistic belief in its own abilities.
And then the lanky Doberman that tinkled in my eye
The singer is recalling a memory of a Doberman urinating on them, which was likely not a pleasant experience.
A pacifist by nature, with amble common sense
The gnome is non-violent but is astute and wise in his decision-making.
But if I had my druthers, I'd rather be a fence
Despite his sense of duty, the gnome would prefer to have a different function entirely and be a fence instead.
Now Granny, she's a good one, she shines me now and then
Granny is very kind to the gnome and takes care of him by cleaning him occasionally.
And come around this springtime, I'm due for paint again
The gnome in anticipating an upcoming paint job as part of his upkeep and maintenance.
On keeping Granny comfy, I try and earn my keep
One of the gnome's main duties is making sure Granny is comfortable and happy, which he sees as his responsibility in exchange for staying in her yard.
I'm just wishing I had some eyelids, so I could get some sleep
Despite the gnome's efforts, he's still not entirely content and longs for the ability to close his eyes and get some rest.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LES CLAYPOOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind