The band is named after the album "Master of Reality" by Black Sabbath.
After its first incarnation - which consisted of Chris Goss, Tim Harrington, Vinnie Ludovico and Googe - broke apart in 1989, the band developed into a band with alternating lineups. Masters of Reality resurfaced making headlines when former Cream drumming-legend Ginger Baker joined the band on their second album Sunrise on the Sufferbus which was recorded in 1992. Although the band landed a Top 10 chart hit with the single "She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On)" Baker left the band only one year later. Victor Indrizzo, at that time drummer for Circus of Power, was asked to join and fill the vacant spot and agreed.
Goss' connection to Queens of the Stone Age resulted from producing Kyuss albums and in the collaborative CD Deep in the Hole in 2001, and two years later, in the release of the subsequent live album Flak 'n' Flight.
Since their formation, Masters of Reality has made very different kinds of music, ranging from Stoner metal over progressive art rock to Beatlesque pop music.
Besides his involvement with this "project", frontman Chris Goss is also a very important producer (Kyuss, Soulwax, Melissa Auf der Maur, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster etc.) and has contributed to many other bands in the Palm Desert Scene and beyond.
John Brown
Masters of Reality Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bring him down
Pull his body
To the ground
Left him up
For long enough
Let me be
The baby gruff
Bring him down
Pull his body
To the ground
Holiday, holiday
I declare a holiday
Holiday, holiday
No matter what the doctors say
Holiday, holiday
We pull John down
At noon today
Tomorrow day, nothing rings
Nothing rings and nothing brings
The lyrics of Masters of Reality's song John Brown are quite mysterious and may have different interpretations for different listeners. However, the most obvious meaning can be derived from the repeated chorus "John Brown, bring him down, pull his body to the ground." This may refer to a revolutionary leader or figure who is being brought down by the government or the establishment. The second verse "Holiday, holiday, I declare a holiday, no matter what the doctors say" may suggest that the singer is taking a break or a rebellion against authority, possibly in honor of John Brown. The line "let me be the baby gruff" could mean that the singer is taking on the role of a rebellious child who is not afraid to challenge authority.
The song has a repetitive and hypnotic quality to it, with the same lines being repeated over and over again. This adds to the sense of rebellion and defiance that the song conveys. The reference to John Brown may also have historical significance, as John Brown was an American abolitionist who led an armed revolt against slavery in 1859. He was eventually captured and executed.
Line by Line Meaning
John Brown
Referring to the historical figure who was a radical abolitionist.
Bring him down
To bring down John Brown from his high pedestal and ideals.
Pull his body
Drag him down from his martyrdom and the glorification of his deeds.
To the ground
Lowering John Brown from his high standards and ideals.
Left him up
John Brown was praised and revered for a long time.
For long enough
The singer asserts that John Brown has received enough adulation and praise.
Let me be
I do not want to be like John Brown.
The baby gruff
The artist is expressing his dislike for John Brown's ways and beliefs.
Holiday, holiday
Declaring a day of rest and celebration.
I declare a holiday
The artist's proclamation of rest and celebration.
No matter what the doctors say
Disregarding the supposed experts' opinions and advice.
We pull John down
The artist is leading the charge to reject John Brown's values and principles.
At noon today
The time has been set for the rejection of John Brown to begin.
Tomorrow day, nothing rings
The singer implies that the legacy of John Brown will not last.
Nothing rings and nothing brings
John Brown's sacrifices and values will not be remembered or respected.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GOSS, HARRINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Bayer
Ginger was a cranky old grump, but his talent cannot be refuted. The man could flat out play the drums, and his musical sensibility was remarkable. Every note in its proper place. RIP.
Ryan Kaser
Well said. Ginger is an absolute inspiration for me to drum
mark wordsworth
Unmistakable groove and swing. Fantastique !
Mark Boyd
This is better than the version on the first album. Ginger Baker rules and this band is soooo underrated.
Joe
VERY underrated!
Mark
Ginger Baker? Cream ? Master of reality underrated???? You sure yes?
Davey Ponderosa
Hell Yah!
I’ve purchased he original album twice on vinyl. One died and one got swiped at a party.
Purchased it on cassette too, played the shi$ out of it and…more dead music.
Truly one of my favourite albums of all time too.
It didn’t hurt that Mr Goss helped out Kyus and Queens too.
Brilliant stuff.
Here’s for the great post and trip down memory lane.
👍❤️
Maximillian Cunningham
Not in my books, he's my favorite, with Dany Carey a worthy successor.
ian mack
Who else would have put this drum beat to this song, brilliant groove. Love Bakers drumming.
Maximillian Cunningham
He's playing the lead instrument. Very. very few, since, could.