Richard O'Brien (born Richard Timothy Smith on March 25, 1942 in Cheltenham… Read Full Bio ↴Richard O'Brien (born Richard Timothy Smith on March 25, 1942 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK) is a writer and performer. He is best known for writing the musical The Rocky Horror Show and its 1975 film adaptation The Rocky Horror Picture Show, in which he played the character of Riff-Raff. The stage show has been in almost continuous production since, and the cinematic version is one of the best known and most ardently followed cult films of all time.

He is also responsible for the little-known sequel, Shock Treatment.

Farley's Song
Richard O'Brien Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, why aren't they doing
Tomorrow's new dance steps
The way they used to yesterday
And who draws a perfect circle anymore

And if you're waiting for greatness
To shake hands with you
You better daydream your life away

I've only wanted one thing and that's for sure

You're not just looking at a fast food king
Just another well known face
You're not looking at a king of anything

I'm gonna shoot for the moon
I'm gonna play high noon
I'm gonna take on the entire human race

You're not looking at a king
You're looking at an ace

Oooh, I've got the sight
And I've seen the light
And I'm gonna see the coming day
When the sun in the sky
Is a spotlight just for me

I want to take my time
And rock some rhyme
Oh, it's gonna take your breath away
You'll be the front page rage of the age
Just wait and see

You're not just looking at a fast food king
Just another well known face
You're not looking at the king of anything

We're gonna shoot for the moon
We're gonna play high noon
We're gonna take on the entire human race

You're not looking at a king
No no no no no
You're looking at an ace
You're looking at an ace
You're looking at a goddamn ace
You're looking at an ace
You're looking at an ace

You're looking at an ace
You're looking at an a-a-a-a-ace

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Richard O'Brien's song "Farley's Song" are about the desire for individuals to achieve greatness in their lives. The first verse talks about how things used to be done a certain way in the past but now people have become complacent and are not pushing themselves to achieve greater heights. The second verse emphasizes the importance of having a singular goal in life which the singer refers to as "one thing." It is only when people have a specific goal in mind that they can truly achieve greatness.

The chorus of the song expresses the singer's confidence in his abilities to succeed. He is not just anyone but an "ace" with the ability to "shoot for the moon" and take on anyone who stands in his way. The bridge of the song talks about the singer's vision of the future where he is the center of attention, basking in the glow of the spotlight. He plans to "rock some rhyme" and take everyone's breath away with his skills. Overall, the song is about believing in oneself and striving towards greatness.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, why aren't they doing Tomorrow's new dance steps The way they used to yesterday And who draws a perfect circle anymore
The singer wonders why people no longer perform new dance steps like they did before and why no one can draw a perfect circle anymore.

And if you're waiting for greatness To shake hands with you You better daydream your life away I've only wanted one thing and that's for sure
The singer advises against waiting for success to come easily and urges to work for it. Their only aspiration is success.

You're not just looking at a fast food king Just another well known face You're not looking at a king of anything
The singer assures that they are not an ordinary celebrity or someone who only owns a fast food chain; they are not royalty.

I'm gonna shoot for the moon I'm gonna play high noon I'm gonna take on the entire human race
The artist declares their intention to aim for big goals and compete with everyone.

You're not looking at a king You're looking at an ace
The artist insists that they are not a king, but a very skilled and valuable person.

Oooh, I've got the sight And I've seen the light And I'm gonna see the coming day When the sun in the sky Is a spotlight just for me
The singer claims to have intuition and foresight, and anticipates a day when they will be in the spotlight.

I want to take my time And rock some rhyme Oh, it's gonna take your breath away You'll be the front page rage of the age Just wait and see
The singer wants to take their time to make art that is both captivating and impressive, promising that their work will be the talk of the town.

We're gonna shoot for the moon We're gonna play high noon We're gonna take on the entire human race
The artist includes the audience in their aspirations and declares their determination to take on the world together.

You're not looking at a king No no no no no You're looking at an ace You're looking at an ace You're looking at an ace You're looking at an a-a-a-a-ace
The artist repeats that they are not a king, but an ace, emphasizing their skill and worth.

Contributed by Mason J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@TheHellPriestess.

2y↑3

FARLEY FLAVORS:
oh, why aren't they doin'
tomorrow's new dance steps
the way they used to yesterday?
and, who draws a perfect
circle anymore?

and, if you're waiting for greatness
to shake hands with you,
you better daydream your life away!
i've only wanted one thing,
and, that's for sure..

ANSALONG, RICKY
& THE MCKINLEYS:
you're not just lookin'
at a fast food king,
just another well known face!
you're not lookin' at a king of anything..

FARLEY FLAVORS:
i'm gonna shoot for the moon,
i'm gonna play high noon,
i'm gonna take on
the entire human race!

ANSALONG, RICKY,
& THE MCKINLEYS:
you're not lookin' at a king..

FARLEY FLAVORS:
you're looking at an ace!

oooh, i've got the sight,
and i've seen the light,
and i'm gonna see the comin' day
when the sun in the sky
is a spotlight just for me!

i want to take my time,
and, rock some rhyme,
oh, it's gonna take your breath away!
you'll be the front page rage of the age,
just wait and see..

ANSALONG, RICKY,
& THE MCKINLEYS:
you're not just lookin'
at a fast food king,
just another well known face!
you're not lookin' at the king of anything..

FARLEY FLAVORS:
we're gonna shoot for the moon,
we're gonna play high noon,
we're gonna take on
the entire human race!

ANSALONG, RICKY
& THE MCKINLEYS:
you're not lookin' at a king..

FARLEY FLAVORS:
no, no, no, no, no..
you're looking at an ace!

ANSALONG, RICKY,
& THE MCKINLEYS:
you're lookin' at an ace!

FARLEY FLAVORS:
you're looking at a goddamn ace!

ANSALONG, RICKY,
& THE MCKINLEYS:
you're lookin' at an ace!

FARLEY FLAVORS:
you're looking at an ace!

ANSALONG, RICKY,
& THE MCKINLEYS:
you're lookin' at an ace!

FARLEY FLAVORS:
you're looking at an a-a-a-a-ace!

All comments from YouTube:

@kyrastube

4y↑152

Me: why doesn't Janet notice that Farley looks just like Brad? That's not realistic at all!
Also me: watched almost the entire movie without realizing it was the same actor in both parts

@jimsin101

2y↑3

Whaaaat??? I have seen this film a dozen times and never noticed this til I read your comment just now!

@ladytetrahedron

43w↑1

They're the same actor?!

@MrMrMrprofessor

3y↑71

You know you're a pretty badass villain when Richard O'Brien, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, and Rik Mayall are your backup dancers.

@kbudz

11y↑114

This video deserves a like just for Little Nell's legs

@alexwheeler4809

4y↑2

you're very welcome.

@katydawson5687

3y↑2

I would like this every day of my life if I could

@greendragon4208

2y↑1

And it got 774 of them

@Worthog117

11y↑90

To me, this is what a villain song should be. To demonstrate what the character is and how they view the world.

What this says about farley is simply "I worked to get where i am. I'm awesome, I know and revel in it"

@JackSkellingtonVA

5y↑13

I agree

Also, this song may not be Sweet Transvestite

But it's still a really magnificent melody

@stevel8862

6y↑102

Jessica Harper is so damn cute

@skydiams2668

5y↑3

She is way more cute in Phantom of the Paradise!

@MrKaywyn

4y↑9

I really LOVE her singing voice.

@nina1522

4y↑5

Patricia Quinn is pretty, too.

@greendragon4208

3y↑2

@@nina1522 that I agree with 100 %

@mikothechiko9531

6y↑64

Jessica harper's facial expressions are priceless in this scene!

@milanbeerepoot4260

4y↑3

They really rival if not beat tim curry’s during eddie(‘s teddy)

@MisterSynyster

1y↑3

She's got a very emotive face, it's a shame she never got as much a stage as others!

@CaptainSinaSparrow

13y↑36

I love this song! It's so impressive how Cliff acts those two Characters in such a different way.

@CaptainSinaSparrow

3y↑4

I got a YT account for this song alone :D This was the first comment I ever wrote! Almost 10 years ago now. Whew how time flies by.
Still love the song btw :D

@iggyeo6458

5y↑36

most interesting thing about this movie, is the fact that it correctly predicted reality TV.
people's desires to watch every detail of someone's life and try to influence it in some way.
watching it seems normal to us now, but keep in mind this came out years before the real world ever aired on MTV.

kind of creepy when you think about it.

@Scorchy666

2y↑1

Meanwhile, "Big Brother" is a popular reality show around the world where houseguests lie cheat and romance one another under 24/7 surveillance.

@thegood9

10y↑15

You're not looking at a king... You're looking at an Ace. Stellar.

@degrelleholt6314

9y↑53

"A lot of people believe they're happy. But they only think they're happy."
"That doesn't make any sense."

@marleee.2174

7y↑2

no man it's true. There are things that can temporarily keep us happy and distract us from the day-to-day struggles but deep down inside, we're still pretty sad and unfulfilled.

@Scallycowell

5y↑7

And ironically the kind of happiness Farley is offers is also entirely manufactured.

@alexwheeler4809

4y↑3

@@marleee.2174 "There are things that can temporarily keep us happy". In my case, RHPS and ST.

@ismellcandy1215

3y↑30

The dance Richard O’Brien does at 1:57 gets me every time 😂

@ianelliott5403

2y↑2

Haha literally me a minute ago, "Richard O Brien is f**kin crazy!" (in a good way lol)

@Img.o

1y↑4

I genuinely can’t stop laughing hysterically by how Richard O’Brien dances in this.. omfg, he’s so silly but I love him sm 😭😭😭

@ComicBookNerdOutCBNO

3y↑5

He looks at the TV before turning it on... Genius.

lol

@notsusan

4y↑19

ok but Rik Mayal with his chin on the table at the end of the song needs more attention, I just noticed for the first time ever and I'm dying

@ilovemusic4340

8y↑37

I love how in 2:13 Little Nell, Pat Quinn and O'Brien stand like in Sweet Transvestite and they do a close up just like in that song 😍😍

@a97188

11y↑18

My god, Jessica Harper is beautiful...

@thegood9

4y↑14

Cliff was perfect for these roles. Could watch this musical a bazillion times. I wonder why it never quite got the renaissance that RHPS did. The music is just as catchy, if not more so. It need a rebirth!

@nick37104

3y↑2

Maybe because of the major cast shift. As good as everyone is, RHPS was owned by Curry’s performance. I could see the fans of that film saying, “It’s just not a sequel without Tim Curry.”

And then the other two leads were recast. Don’t get me wrong, they were re-cast well, but people can be fickle. Nowadays we can get online and read that Sarandon wanted too much money and Bostwick was committed to another project and had to decline, but at the time, the general public may have felt they were passed over or something and generated sour grapes.

@thegood9

10y↑5

Me too. When he gets his sight back in the song "Shock Treatment", just a powerful moment---realizes how beautiful Nell and Jessica and Patricia are...

@thegood9

10y↑9

Such a great song from a vastly underrated movie. It's amazing how well this movie applies to today's society even 30 years later... There's not a bad song in this movie. Needs to be rereleased and remastered (the original CD just sounds awful!!) and they movie deserves to be cleaned up as well. Jessica Harper and Cliff De Young are the best Majors couple...

@allaboutdmagic

10y↑13

I really like the use of those 2 second head shots of the gang to reiterate Farley's charms.' You're lookin' at a goddamn Ace.'

@musikkunstetc.8465

2y↑2

One of the best songs from this movie/soundtrack!

@YourEverydayMistake

13y↑13

Brad Majors logged on twice to give this song a thumbs down :(

@hannahmcshane4393

11y↑14

WTF!?! richard o brien, patricia quinn, little nell and rik mayall! BEST FILM EVER!!!!!

@meemy19

6y↑11

Cliff de young sang perfectly, in this movie

@Emzeh2292

13y↑4

Godddddd I love him and this song <3 and this film. <3

@ChimourTheBatFurry

13y↑14

It may just be me but whenever I play Fallout New Vegas everytime I think of one of the main antagonists (Some shmuck named Benny) I IMMEDIANTLY think of Farley here! Oh yeah an awesome song too, really good song to sing to.

@kayokango

13y↑7

Two people don't seem to want to shoot for the moon,play high noon and take on the entire human race.

@frenchie7363

8y↑13

Ricky at 2:02 gets me everytime.

@fireflykisses13

11y↑5

Anyone else Notice Nation dose the "Magenta eye lift" thing Patrica dose in Sweet Transvestite not to mention her voice for a split second takes on Magenta's accent even though Nation has a different accent for the rest of the movie. Oh Patricia Quinn my idol lol

@possumpropaganda6684

28w↑1

I don't know what I like best, the backup dance going on, or Cliff DeYoung's deranged stare into the camera, but either way it gives me the good brain itch

@devanmoran

20w↑1

this movie had a lot of good songs (:

@JeremySolo

21w↑1

Damn I love this song

@shinshokulc

11y↑11

Rik Mayall!!!!

@chubbylilloser85

12y↑5

last Sunday (april 1st) Some one told me they were going to release this on blu ray.... then said april fools >:(... that person is no longer breathing..

@ALLforLOVE13

7y↑9

Until tomorrow tonight, Janet...

@MagzHalo

13y↑3

Oh Rik, is so good to see you in this again.

@springbuiltitall

2y↑1

Everyone is all pretty 😍

@darren25051987

12y↑3

I HAVE THIS FILM ON DVD

@geoffreyblackmer

26w

Pat plays it so sinister which gives such a good dark undercurrent while everybody else is being so bubbly.

@thegood9

10y↑1

Yes she is. Really is a stellar singer and dancer, and pushes this movie. It's such a shame she didn't get the proper recognition for her work here. The movie didn't either, but I'm hoping a revival is coming...

@KitTitanic

3y↑1

"I just love home movies, don't you?" LMAO

@julieporter7805

5y↑4

I am in great serious danger of liking this way more than Rocky Horror.

@feschneider1985

4y↑3

It's aged a lot better than RHPS, since reality TV ended up becoming a thing.

@quaxo87

13y↑2

Time's tight, Janet. Do it right, Janet. ...Until tonight, Janet.

@mikeyoungblood1642

52w↑1

1:25 - the Ooooww always is my favorite part of Farley Flavors’ performance in this scene…Cliff DeYoung deserved a GODDAMN Oscar for playing Farley and Brad equally brilliantly to where at first viewing, you don’t realize its the same actor! Also shout out to Jessica Harper aka Janet

@avitheproject

12y↑2

Lol love this song and whole cast

@reoreborn1209

9y↑15

Rik mayall Looks so fucking awkward in this movie lol. RIP RIk :( xxx

@shannoncliche4103

8y↑2

+Adam Warren THAT'S RICK MAYALL????? O c'mon? Super awkward.

@reoreborn1209

8y↑1

+Shannon Cliche haha it is indeed!!

@razzle8140

8y↑2

+Adam Warren It just dawned on me THAT'S COLUMBIA, wow, what a Pretty Girl she makes. And I'm normally so great at facial recognition. Ok, I need to rewatch this film.....time warp...just did. Oh God. Just didn't see the nuances this WHOLE time

@reoreborn1209

46w

I forgot i made this comment and was watching it thinking "Jesus, Rik looks so awkward", scrolled down and seen this lol

@mottdog2002

I loved this song since I was a kid.

@Seburo77

2y↑2

I loose it at 1:25 everytime. I love them!!! :D

@chrisgsayshello

11y↑2

While it says that on the wiki page this is actually a rumor, a myth. He did a great accent in Annie and he said in an interview that he was never offered a role. Richard O' Brien confirmed this... would've been a trip though!

@CoffeeCupLuv

13y↑3

hahaha i LOVE bert schnick... hes my idol :)

@lolalane69420

4y↑17

This might

JaYNiT

@aaronmercer1554

10y↑8

Is it just me, or does Farley look EXACTLY like Richard E. Grant, even though that's not him?

@angellopes9353

2y↑1

I'M LOOKING AT HIS A-A-A-A-ACE!

@Lennonfan1010

13y↑3

2 people aren't looking at an ace

@ainuralex

13y↑2

@TheAngelSpeaks15 He was going to play Farley Flavours but he dropped out because he couldn't do the american accent

@JeremySolo

21w↑1

I think this guy might be an ace

@warlockofwordschannel7901

12w

I always 'memba this video for Samuel L. Jackson reading a graphic novel in the airport.

@80swoodpanel

13y↑3

I still prefer Rocky Horror but it's a matter of taste because I think this one is just as good (especially when you watch THAT scene)! So that makes it my SECOND favorite musical!

@TheAngelSpeaks15

13y↑1

@masterofoverkill2 Oh, that sucks... he would've been awesome, and it would've been fantastic to see the whole cast together again.

@thegood9

10y↑1

Don't forget the "Shock Treatment" song...she's even more, umm...revealed...there.

@slytherinmember1009

4y↑4

Fun Fact: The original idea is Dr. Frank should return in this Sequel but Tim Curry doesn't want to play Frank anymore. So, they replaced him with Farley.

@johntangen3652

2y↑1

That's a shame. Don't get me wrong, I like the character of Farley, but imagine how amazing the reveal would've been if it was Frank N. Furter.

@rootbeer5356

2:17 Favorite part of the song

@VonValen

13y↑1

Got a pair of Queens here...

@Alex_Off-Beat

7y↑9

So who's hotter, Jessica Harper or Nell Campbell?

@reoreborn1209

5y↑3

Nell!!!

@milanbeerepoot4260

4y↑2

Little nell definitely

@alexwheeler4809

4y↑2

Nell,

@kbudz

11y↑1

Little Black Dress is the Time Warp.

@RoseRichards

11y↑1

i wonder if tim wouldve sang this song if he was in it. It wouldve been interesting to see frank n furter sing this song. JUSS SAYIN'

@ShinraTheSketcher

21w

The original Handsome Jack

@MrPSH97

11y↑1

Am i the only one that spots a bit of songs matching between RHPS and Shock Treatment? Like Time Warp - Shock Treatment(the song), Bitchin' in the kitchen - Dammit Janet etc.?

@TheHellPriestess.

2y↑3

@ALoonwolf

5y↑2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIpur6zRQLI
The Ace-King relationship. Aces are so small they are invisible. The kings breed the Aces, while the Aces ensure the Kings rule.

@jessmaree5671

5y↑1

Rip rik :(

@jamierabinowitz7102

4y↑4

Am I weird for liking both shock treatment and rocky horror

@angellopes9353

4y↑2

I also didn't hate ST when I watched first time. I thought it was good the way it was, I do loved some songs especially Jessica' singing (for me, she's the best part of the movie) and the more impressing is how this movie was really too ahead from his time, that's why it is too underrated. So, for me it doesn't exist who's better because I enjoyed both.

@angellopes9353

I also didn't hate ST when I watched first time. I thought it was good the way it was, I do loved some songs especially Jessica' singin' (for me, she's the best part of the movie) and the more impressing is how this movie was really too ahead from this time, that's why it is too underrated. So, for me it doesn't exist who's better because I enjoyed both.

@gharman19291

13y

@emlodik Thanks, I thought he looked familiar. :)

@DoveCalderwood

10y↑63

You can just tell this song was written for Tim Curry's voice. It's a shame he didn't return for this (though this actor nails it)

@Gootothesecond

9y↑15

Dove Calderwood I can't imagine him singing it, it's too "buff" for him.

@Alex_Off-Beat

7y↑17

Tim Curry was originally supposed to play both Brad and Farley. But unfortunately Tim Curry backed out because he didn't think he could pull off a convincing American accent...

@1UpProduct

7y↑7

Alex Golembeski To be fair, accents were never Curry's strong suit.

@coolcatmemes1204

5y↑7

Cliff De Young sung this song perfectly

@notsusan

4y↑6

... yeah I'm not feelin it. I love the shit out of Tim Curry, but I can't really hear him singing this

1 More Replies...

@abzdee6708

5y↑3

Looks like Michael Keaton

@chubbylilloser85

12y↑1

Which version of brad? >< Maybe it was both :O

@MaxPower2719

4y↑1

1:42

@siggie999

13y↑1

@CoffeeCupLuv We have alot in common then lol :P

@jballs9156

9y↑41

Cliff De Young, definitely the best of the "Brads". Better singing voice - just look at this and duel duet - plays two characters that are totally different from each other! RHPS would have been better with him as Brad, no question! Also, I love watching this video and it always cracks me up when you see how Richard O'Brien performs in this video with much more gusto than his co-stars...even more than the MIGHTY Rik Mayall! (RIP)

@nick37104

3y↑1

But props to Bostwick. He sang well, and he really nailed the guy who wants to be heroic, but is a terrified fish out of water struggling to cope with the increasingly weird shite going on around him in the castle.

He also really captured how sweetly naive Brad was. Sure he’s a square, but he’s good-intentioned and means well.

@avitheproject

12y

To bad Tim didn't want to be in it , that's what it said on the commentary on the DVD

@jamierabinowitz7102

I am one of the only ones that liked some of the songs fro. S

@jamierabinowitz7102

From shock treatment

@MSoulPoet

12y↑1

I heard that Cliff DeYoung based his character on Jack Nicholson but he seems oddly like Katie Holmes-era Tom Cruise.

@thethunderlion99

Bring back Time Warp

@1UpProduct

7y↑1

Farley is obviously not one to mince words.

@novacweegee

12y↑1

Ironic because the guy who played Brad Majors is the same that played Farley

@gharman19291

13y

Who is the guy in the orange suit?

@beepboop1474

5y↑1

Bert Schnick (Barry Humphries)

@damselnlace44

Is that Johnny Dangerously ???

@1rhpsfan

13y↑1

@iheartwebkinz1 As The Hottest Nurse On Screen Nurse Anslong

@themasterstoryteller5642

4y↑2

If anyone else was to play this role it would have to be Jim Carey or jack Nicholson

@nick37104

DeYoung, according to what I’ve read, channeled Nicholson for Farley.

@abigailskolnick71

9y↑24

I agree. Song was written for Tim Curry's amazing signature voice. Alas... Still good, just not stellar.

@Gootothesecond

9y↑8

abigail Skolnick I can't imagine him singing this song, it's a little too "buff" if that makes sense.

@mikeyoungblood1642

6y↑9

I think Cliff does this song perfectly and no one could have done it better.

@tombehnke9058

why do you think it was for Curry? was he set to be in this movie as Brad's brother? i don't understand. if the story revolved around two 'Brads', how does Curry's character (whomever it was to be), fit in? just wondering!

@notsusan

4y↑3

@@tombehnke9058 a lot of the songs from Shock Treatment were originally written for a very different movie that would actually have been a Rocky Horror sequel. I don't remember exactly how many drafts/versions there were, but some songs like "Looking For Trade" make a lot more sense in their original context. Can't blame O'Brien for not wanting to waste them though

@nothing-but-milk9176

4y↑2

@@notsusan yes thats true but they were re written to fit this film its not like they wrote songs for Rhps2 and just used them in shock treatment.

1 More Replies...

@MrPSH97

11y

Why would that be?

@emlodik

13y

@gharman19291 Dame Edna.

@TheAngelSpeaks15

13y↑2

why the FUCK isn't Tim Curry in this???

@thethunderlion99

7y↑1

Bring back Sweet Transvestite

@mikeyoungblood1642

I'm glad Tim Curry wasn't in Shock Treatment. I love him as an actor, but he was Frank-N-Furter, the star of Rocky Horror! He couldn't have played another character in ST.

@nick37104

The original plan was to bring Frank back to life. Once he declined, I don’t see any role he’d quite have fit in these characters as-written.

@pinesmotion-picturespresen7131

7y↑10

He looks like jack Nicholson

@nina1522

6y↑2

Cliff DeYoung actually based his performance as Farley Flavors on Jack Nicholson.

@newname34695

..I see michael keaton

@nick37104

3y↑1

I get the Nicholson vibe too, which was the intent. But more importantly, I get the VIBE. Nicholson has such a distinctive style that it’s nice DeYoung walked the fine line and put enough Nicholson into the role to give an homage, but not so much it was like he was doing a Nicholson impersonation.