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.
Rubberneck Lions
Oysterhead Lyrics
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Double barrel under the pillow under my head
You don't wake a man when he's trying to be dead
Cause of the Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
I bought a cactus from a miser named Fred
I choose to live on water and bread
Cause of the Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
Black clouds hanging over shady ground
Full moon risin' up above my head
Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
I never listen to a word you said
Never mess with man when he's trying to be dead
Well I'm old and I'm homely but would you come around?
Ears to deaf to hear a sound
Aaron looked to Moses for his daily bread
Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
Three strips of beacon on my toasted head
Two over easy on a roll and I'm fed
Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
The lyrics to Oysterhead's song "Rubberneck Lions" paint a picture of a paranoid and isolated individual who has locked themselves away in their bedroom. The reference to "Rubberneck Lions" suggests that the individual feels as though they are being watched and judged by others, as if they were a tourist attraction. The lyrics suggest that the person is so worried about their safety that they keep a double-barrel gun under their pillow.
The lines "I bought a cactus from a miser named Fred/ I choose to live on water and bread" further emphasize the individual's isolation and the extreme measures they've taken to protect themselves. The cactus may be seen as a symbol of resilience, as it can survive in harsh conditions without much sustenance. The final lines "Three strips of beacon on my toasted head/ Two over easy on a roll and I'm fed" suggest that despite their paranoia and isolation, the individual still finds comfort in simple pleasures such as breakfast food.
Overall, the lyrics of "Rubberneck Lions" suggest a sense of alienation and paranoia that can arise from feeling watched and judged. The individual may have retreated into their bedroom to escape the scrutiny of others, but this has left them feeling even more isolated and anxious.
Line by Line Meaning
Rubberneck lions as I lie in bed
I feel paranoid and vulnerable, imagining danger lurking around me.
Double barrel under the pillow under my head
I keep a loaded shotgun within reach for self-defense.
You don't wake a man when he's trying to be dead
Don't disturb someone who wants to be left alone and isolated.
I bought a cactus from a miser named Fred
I bought a prickly plant from a stingy person.
I choose to live on water and bread
I live a basic, minimalist lifestyle to avoid attracting attention or needing possessions.
Well I'm cold and lonely but I'll come around
I may seem distant and unapproachable, but I can warm up to people over time.
Black clouds hanging over shady ground
The environment around me is ominous and bleak.
Full moon risin' up above my head
The eerie atmosphere is further enhanced by the supernatural presence of a full moon in the sky.
I never listen to a word you said
I'm accustomed to ignoring or disregarding other people's advice, opinions, or concerns.
Never mess with man when he's trying to be dead
Do not provoke or challenge someone who is intentionally staying out of harm's way.
Well I'm old and I'm homely but would you come around?
Despite my plain appearance and advanced age, I still hope to connect with others.
Ears to deaf to hear a sound
I'm either too preoccupied or too dismissive to pay attention to what others are saying.
Aaron looked to Moses for his daily bread
I depend on others, even those in positions of authority or power, to provide for me.
Three strips of beacon on my toasted head
I take pleasure in indulging in small, simple pleasures, like a breakfast of bacon.
Two over easy on a roll and I'm fed
I find satisfaction in enjoying familiar, uncomplicated foods.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEWART ARMSTRONG COPELAND, LES CLAYPOOL, TREY ANASTASIO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind