In an interview, Albini reported that 'Rapeman' is "... the title character in a Japanese comic book that I had come across through a friend of mine. The comic book is just a total mind-bender. There's a whole genre of comics in Japan, rape stories where women are raped in really graphic detail for whatever reason, and it's an amazing thing that this is just an accepted part of their sort of normal popular culture." Albini and Washam became "sort of obsessed" with the comic, and named their new group after the titular antihero.
Rapeman's performances would often be the target of protestors, who felt that the band was mocking or even encouraging rape and violence against women. Albini has described such criticisms as idiotic, arguing that punk ideology is generally very sympathetic to feminism.
The playing style at times was reminiscent of more traditional noise punk (as on "Up Beat"), at other times cranky art-rock (as on "Monobrow"), their sound gave centre stage to the signature guitar style of Albini.
The band broke up for personal reasons, but not, as has been rumoured, over a dispute relating to their name. Albini launched his career as a recording engineer and played bass with Flour before going on to form Shellac. Sims reunited with ex-Scratch Acid vocalist David Yow to form The Jesus Lizard.
Log Bass
Rapeman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i'm an entertainer, i'm a professional
i do what i do (to keep clean)?
started with twinkies, ho-hos, ding-dongs,
and now it's worked its way all the way up to real adrenaline
reached down, dislodged what i like to call a log bass
it was bathed in its own log milk,
a sweet fragrant scent
love me tender
The lyrics of "Log Bass" by Rapeman are open to interpretation, but one possible reading is that they describe the transformation of an ordinary person into a dominant figure through the performance of extreme acts. The singer is presented as a small-town mayor who also works as an entertainer, presumably to maintain his public image. He confesses to indulging in unhealthy snacks, but now his addiction has escalated to a point where he craves the rush of danger. In a moment of ecstasy, he manages to catch a "log bass" - a metaphorical creature that represents his newfound power and prowess. He celebrates his triumph by holding up the fish and claiming it as his own, finding pleasure in its "log milk" and the "sweet fragrant scent" it emits.
The lyrics can be seen as a commentary on the addictive and destructive nature of fame, as well as the tendency of people in positions of authority to abuse their power. The image of the "log bass" can be interpreted in different ways - it could represent a symbol of masculinity, a phallic object, or a trophy of conquest. Ultimately, the song is a surreal and disturbing exploration of human desire and ambition.
Line by Line Meaning
mayor of a small town
I am a person of importance within a close-knit community
i'm an entertainer, i'm a professional
I have honed my skills in a particular field and entertain others for a living
i do what i do (to keep clean)?
I engage in certain activities to maintain my emotional and psychological well-being
started with twinkies, ho-hos, ding-dongs,
I began my quest for excitement with sugary snacks
and now it's worked its way all the way up to real adrenaline
Over time, my desire for thrilling experiences has escalated to more intense levels
reached down, dislodged what i like to call a log bass
I retrieved a large object from the depths that I refer to as a 'log bass'
held it up to the sky like a newborn child, and claimed it as my own
I triumphantly embraced the object and declared my ownership over it
it was bathed in its own log milk,
The object had released a liquid substance that is characteristic of it
a sweet fragrant scent
The scent of the liquid substance was pleasing to my senses
love me tender
This phrase is not related to the other lyrics and suggests a request for affection
Contributed by Lauren F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JustDontWatch
Incredible song.
resonant.interval
@simonjphillips whats wrong? your ass all stretched outta shape from something big and black?
Ruben Abreu
@quarknimble please dont compare greenday with jonas. greenday early stuff was great but yes they did sell out . i agree. ive been listening to steve's music since the late eightees. do a little more research next time. i bet greenday was before your time.
resonant.interval
@simonjphillips why the fuck are you here if it sucks so much? fuck off and find something you do like - a search for "JONAS BROTHERS" or "GREEN DAY" will bring up music much more to your liking.
Facundo Ávila
@simonjphillips Yeah, dude, i hate when there are comic references in music, too. I just hate it. I think comics must die. I can't understand how people likes 'em, right? Like, there are drawings everywhere and stuff, and they're drawings and they talk and they feature stories and it's just AWFUL, isn't it? Good to know smart people. Love me tender.
Simon Phillips
I am no troll I am just saying this is utter shit music and the fact it references a comic makes it even worse.