The style and sound of the band is a unique, somewhat bizarre mix between Anastasio's jam band style, the bass-oriented funk metal music of Claypool, and the reggae-influenced beats of Copeland. To many, this is considered to be the bridge between the music of Phish and Primus. After the release of the band's only album, The Grand Pecking Order in 2001, the band's members returned to work of material with their main bands.
On February 10, 2006, it was announced that Oysterhead would be reuniting for one more set at the Bonnaroo Music Festival.
Mr. Oysterhead
Oysterhead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a new sensation hittin' town
It's moving slow, low to the ground
It'll pick you up when you're feelin' down
He's an inspiration to us all
When all else has been done and said
I remember back in the day
When music folk had a lot to say
Now I sit, hope and pray
Someone will come along and show the way
He's an inspiration to us all
When all else has been done and said
Along comes Mr. Oysterhead
When all else has been done and said
You best look out for Mr. Oysterhead
He's an inspiration to us all
When all else has been done and said
Along comes Mr. Oysterhead
Through the long frustrating years
Of wretched din and choked back tears
Comes a man to squelch our fears
He's slippery between the ears
He's an inspiration to us all
When all else...
The song "Mr. Oysterhead" by the supergroup consisting of Les Claypool, Trey Anastasio, and Stewart Copeland is a tribute to the eccentric and iconic character of Oysterhead, who serves as a symbol of hope for the disillusioned and downtrodden masses. The opening lines of the song invites "kiddies" to gather round and witness the new sensation hittin' town, the enigmatic Mr. Oysterhead who moves "slow, low to the ground" and has the power to lift you up when you're feeling down. The song describes him as an inspiration to all, someone who comes along to show the way when all else has been done and said.
The second verse of the song reminisces about the glory days of music, when it had something to say and served as a beacon of hope for the lost and disenchanted souls. Singer Les Claypool then laments that in the present day, he sits and hopes that someone like Mr. Oysterhead will come along and guide us through these difficult times. The chorus again repeats that Mr. Oysterhead is an inspiration to all, and comes to save us when all else has failed. The final verse describes how Mr. Oysterhead manages to quell the fears and frustrations of the people, even though he may be slippery between the ears.
The song is a celebration of the power of music and the hope it can bring to people in their darkest times. It imbues the character of Mr. Oysterhead with a mythical quality, making him a symbol of hope and inspiration for those who feel like they are lost in the world. The quirky and nonsensical lyrics, combined with the eclectic sound of the band, adds to the song's off-kilter and otherworldly feel.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on kiddies gather round
Gather around, everyone, because there's something new to see.
There's a new sensation hittin' town
A new sensation has arrived in town.
It's moving slow, low to the ground
The sensation is moving slowly and close to the ground.
It'll pick you up when you're feelin' down
The sensation is uplifting and can make you feel better when you're feeling down.
He's an inspiration to us all
Mr. Oysterhead is an inspiration to everyone.
When all else has been done and said
Along comes Mr. Oysterhead
When everything seems to have been tried and said, Mr. Oysterhead comes along to offer something new.
I remember back in the day
When music folk had a lot to say
Now I sit, hope and pray
Someone will come along and show the way
The singer remembers a time when musicians had meaningful messages, but now they're hoping for someone to come along and lead the way.
When all else has been done and said
You best look out for Mr. Oysterhead
When everything has been done and said, it's best to keep an eye out for Mr. Oysterhead.
Through the long frustrating years
Of wretched din and choked back tears
Comes a man to squelch our fears
He's slippery between the ears
After years of frustration and sadness, Mr. Oysterhead arrives to alleviate fear. He's clever and hard to pin down.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: LES CLAYPOOL, STEWART COPELAND, ERNEST ANASTASIO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind