For more than twenty years he has been releasing, to only marginal commercial and critical success, playful and transgressive albums on labels in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. In his lyrics and his other writing he makes seemingly random use of decontextualized pieces of continental (mostly French) philosophy, and has built up a personal world he says is "dominated by values like diversity, orientalism, and a respect for otherness." He is also known in certain circles outside the U.S. as a producer. He is fascinated by identity, Japan, the avant-garde, time travel and sex. Live Momus shows are rare but when he does perform he often sings the crowd favourite 'maf' from the Stars Forever LP.
He wears a patch over his right eye because he lost the use of it after contracting acanthamoeba keratitis from a contact lens case washed with Greek tap water.
Nick Currie currently resides in Osaka, Japan.
Nicky My Friend
Momus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From its bottom to its top
Oh but please don't get me wrong
Think of it as a reward
You might think I'm crazy but I hope you don't
I'm just grateful for all of your songs
So full of witty quotations
How should I call this fever burning in me while they play?
Intellectual titillation?
Nicky my friend, my English teacher once asked me where did I learn
The notions I put in my homework, in particular those kinky words
I don't think I replied, though both you and I know where all that comes from
It's no mystery and no secret
I just get them from your songs
I'd like to suck your cock
I'd get rid of my skirt and tweak my own nipples
While holding the microphone
Beggars the imagination truly
But I guess that making this would soon turn me
Into the wittiest of the groupies
The lyrics of Momus's song Nicky My Friend are provocative and sexually charged. However, upon further analysis, they reveal a deeper admiration for the subject of the song, Nick Currie, also known as Momus. The lyrics are an expression of the singer's appreciation for Nick's intellect and wit, as displayed in his songs. The singer sees Nick as a muse to their own creativity, referencing their English teacher questioning their use of "kinky words" in their homework and attributing it to Nick's song lyrics.
The singer also acknowledges the controversial nature of their desire to perform fellatio on Nick. They hope that Nick won't judge them for their unconventional request and will see it as a form of praise and appreciation for his artistic talents. The singer sees Nick as a celebrity figure, imagining themselves as the wittiest of his groupies should their fantasy become a reality.
Overall, the lyrics of Nicky My Friend may be off-putting to some due to their explicit nature. However, they represent a complex relationship between artist and fan, where the artist's work can deeply resonate with and inspire the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd like to suck your cock
I desire to perform oral sex on you
From its bottom to its top
I want to provide full service
Oh but please don't get me wrong
I don't want to offend you
Think of it as a reward
Consider it as a compliment
You might think I'm crazy but I hope you don't
Although my proposal might be unusual, I hope you don't judge me for it
I'm just grateful for all of your songs
I am thankful for the music you create
So full of witty quotations
Your music is clever and insightful
How should I call this fever burning in me while they play?
What should I label this intense feeling that I experience when your songs are being performed?
Intellectual titillation?
Could it be intellectual stimulation?
Nicky my friend, my English teacher once asked me where did I learn
Nicky, you are my friend and my English teacher once inquired about the source of my knowledge
The notions I put in my homework, in particular those kinky words
My teacher was particularly interested in the risqué vocabulary that I used in my assignments
I don't think I replied, though both you and I know where all that comes from
I don't recall answering, but we both know that it is derived from your songs
It's no mystery and no secret
It is not a secret or enigma
I just get them from your songs
I am inspired by your music
I'd like to suck your cock
Again, I desire to perform oral sex on you
I'd get rid of my skirt and tweak my own nipples
I would remove my garments and manipulate my own nipples
While holding the microphone
As I hold the microphone
Beggars the imagination truly
It truly stretches the imagination
But I guess that making this would soon turn me
I assume that being intimate with you would transform me
Into the wittiest of the groupies
It would elevate me into the most clever of your fans
Contributed by Eli N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DSKIPJONES
This is the best English version of Jackie that I know - I think Momus has got closer to Brel's spirit than anyone else even if he's had to take liberties. The line about Vic and Jean-Luc Godard makes me hoot every time I hear it.
@ColeFamilyMemories
I frickin love this track
@DavidJones-mo9jc
I've only just noticed the nod to Shelley in the "and acknowledged I would legislate" line. This is one of the greatest lyrics I've ever come across.
@Bigalbailey
Just perfect stuff.
@BadDreamFancyDress
Great and thanks for the lyrics too ;)
@theactorjohnlarroquette
I always thought he was saying "vernal" and when I saw that it was banal, I quite literally had the widest smirk in the world... thats about the cleverest and most ironic line ever.
@Braz216
The best Brel cover.
@harmsolidsnake
cool track thanks
@frogexpat
so do i