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.
Running The Gauntlet
Les Claypool And The Holy Mackerel Lyrics
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Look over my shoulder as much as you please.
We're primed and we're ready to go toe to toe with disease.
And what are you hoping to see?
Would it set you back if I drop to my knees?
We're running the gauntlet and filling our socks with debris.
If I played any faster, my tendons would freeze.
And the boys in the back room are charging exorbitant fees.
The lyrics to "Running The Gauntlet" by Les Claypool And The Holy Mackerel seem to revolve around the theme of being tested or challenged, and possibly dealing with some sort of illness or disease. The opening lines ask what the person listening wants from the singer, and then questions why they are constantly looking over their shoulder. This could suggest a sense of paranoia or anxiety.
The next lines mention being "primed and ready to go toe to toe with disease," which could mean that the singer is facing some sort of health issue head-on. They then ask what the listener hopes to see, questioning if it would be disappointing for the singer to falter or give up. This leads into the chorus, where they describe "running the gauntlet" (a phrase referring to a dangerous challenge or obstacle course) and filling their socks with debris - possibly a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and persevering despite difficulties.
The final lines mention playing a game, possibly a cruel or treacherous one, and the singer states that they would freeze up if they tried to play any faster. The boys in the back room charging exorbitant fees could be a commentary on the corrupt nature of the game or competition in question.
Overall, the lyrics to "Running The Gauntlet" suggest a struggle or challenge, possibly related to illness, and a determination to persevere in the face of obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
What are you wanting from me?
Asking the listener what is their intention or desire for him.
Look over my shoulder as much as you please.
Giving permission to the listener to observe his actions.
We're primed and we're ready to go toe to toe with disease.
He and his band are prepared to fight against any sickness or ailment.
And what are you hoping to see?
Questioning the listener's motives for observing him.
Would it set you back if I drop to my knees?
Asking if the listener would feel uncomfortable if he were to kneel down.
We're running the gauntlet and filling our socks with debris.
He and his band are enduring a difficult experience and accumulating various negative things along the way.
And what kind of game shall it be?
Questioning the nature of the situation they are in.
If I played any faster, my tendons would freeze.
He is playing at a very fast pace and joking that if he were to go any faster, his tendons would become stiff.
And the boys in the back room are charging exorbitant fees.
There are people behind the scenes who are profiting greatly from their performance.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: LES CLAYPOOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind