Science Fiction-Double Feature
Richard O'Brien Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Michael Rennie was ill the day the earth stood still
But he told us where we stand
And Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear
Claude Rains was the invisible man
Then something went wrong for Fay Wray and King Kong
They got caught in a celluloid jam
Then at a deadly pace it came from - outer space
And this is how the message ran

Science fiction (ooh ooh ooh) - double feature
Doctor X (ooh ooh ooh ) will build a creature
See androids fighting (ooh ooh ooh)
Brad and Janet
Anne Francis stars in(ooh ooh ooh) Forbidden Planet
Wah-ah-ah-Oh-ho-ho
At the late night double feature picture show

I knew Leo G. Carroll was over a barrel when
Tarantula took to the hills
And I really got hot when I saw Jeanette Scott fight a
Triffid that spits poison and kills
Dana Andrews said Prunes gave him the runes
And passing them used lots of skills
But When Worlds Collide said George Pal to his bride
'I'm gonna give you some terrible thrills'
Like a

Science fiction *ooh ooh ooh * - double feature
Doctor X, he'll build a creature *ooh ooh ooh*
See androids fighting
Brad and Janet
Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet
Wah-ah-ah-oh-ho-oh-oh
At the late night double feature picture show
I wanna go oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
To the late night double feature picture show
By R.K.O Whoa oh-oh-oh
To the late night double feature picture show




In the back row Oh-oh-oh-oh
To the late night double-feature show

Overall Meaning

The song "Science Fiction-Double Feature" is an opening number to the 1975 cult classic film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". It introduces the concept of the movie by referencing classic science fiction and horror films from the 1930s to the 1960s. The lyrics mention characters and events from films such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still", "Flash Gordon", "The Invisible Man", "King Kong", "Tarantula", "When Worlds Collide", among others, and how they have influenced and shaped the genre of science fiction and horror films. The chorus is a celebration of late-night double features, referencing the traditional practice of showing two films back-to-back in cinemas.


The song's lyrics reflect the film's thematic interests in sexual liberation, gender identity, and counterculture. The reference to Brad and Janet in the chorus, for example, alludes to the central characters of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and their sexual awakening. The lyrics also celebrate the power of cinema, especially B movies that provide audiences with escapist thrills and offer a sense of belonging to a community.


Line by Line Meaning

Michael Rennie was ill the day the earth stood still
Even when a revered figure's health falters and the world is unstable, that figure can provide guidance and direction.


But he told us where we stand
Despite his illness, Michael Rennie provided guidance and direction to people in uncertain times.


And Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear
The iconic presence of heroes like Flash Gordon in popular culture persists over time and remains endearing to audiences.


Claude Rains was the invisible man
Actors like Claude Rains helped bring classic science fiction characters to life on the big screen.


Then something went wrong for Fay Wray and King Kong
Even beloved characters like Fay Wray and King Kong can face setbacks and obstacles.


They got caught in a celluloid jam
Fay Wray and King Kong's difficulties were not real, but were instead a result of issues with the medium of film.


Then at a deadly pace it came from - outer space
New and thrilling stories of danger from outer space capture people's imaginations and make for compelling entertainment.


And this is how the message ran
Science fiction stories have a message and meaning that resonate with audiences.


Science fiction (ooh ooh ooh) - double feature
By presenting two science fiction stories in one night, the double feature format offers a varied and exciting moviegoing experience.


Doctor X (ooh ooh ooh ) will build a creature
The potential for scientists to create new life or wreak havoc remains a popular science fiction theme.


See androids fighting (ooh ooh ooh)
The idea of robots or androids engaging in battle is a thrilling and futuristic concept.


Brad and Janet
Characters like Brad and Janet participate in the stories of science fiction films, allowing audience members to see themselves in the fictional world.


Anne Francis stars in(ooh ooh ooh) Forbidden Planet
Actors like Anne Francis bring science fiction stories to life, creating memorable characters and iconic moments.


Wah-ah-ah-Oh-ho-ho
This vocalization underscores the excitement and fun of a late-night double feature picture show.


I knew Leo G. Carroll was over a barrel when
Even legendary actors can find themselves in precarious situations, as all stories involve risk and conflict.


Tarantula took to the hills
Even bizarre or frightening premises like a rampage by a giant tarantula can make for exciting and engaging science fiction stories.


And I really got hot when I saw Jeanette Scott fight a Triffid that spits poison and kills
The thrilling and intense moments in science fiction films can stir up emotions and get audiences invested in the action onscreen.


Dana Andrews said Prunes gave him the runes
Science fiction stories can be irreverent and humorous, taking unexpected twists and turns that keep audiences engaged.


And passing them used lots of skills
Even mundane activities in science fiction stories can become exciting or important when related to the wider plot or themes.


But When Worlds Collide said George Pal to his bride
Science fiction stories often comment on larger questions about the state of humanity or the fate of the world.


'I'm gonna give you some terrible thrills'
Through its captivating and thrilling stories, science fiction can provide audiences with an adrenaline rush and a sense of excitement.


I wanna go oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
This enthusiastic declaration shows just how exciting and fun science fiction stories can be for audiences.


By R.K.O Whoa oh-oh-oh
R.K.O. Pictures, a prominent film studio in the early 20th century, produced many science fiction films popular with audiences.


In the back row Oh-oh-oh-oh
Attending a late-night double feature picture show can be a thrilling and immersive experience for moviegoers.


To the late night double-feature show
This closing line reiterates the appeal of science fiction stories and the excitement of the late-night moviegoing experience.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

surfduderik

Not only did he sing this song he wrote it. He also wrote/created The Rocky Horror Picture Show... It was all his creation

Warchrist

He sang it in the opening titles in the film, a lot of folk don't realise that!

You hear that SNAP?

This is freaking magical. What a brilliant man.

David Fleming

yup - purest class

Melissa Garza

I want to live in a world owned and operated by Richard O'Brien.

MmeDesgranges

His lifestyle's too extreme ..

Melissa Garza

@MmeDesgranges Not for me. To live in O'Brien's mind would be my utopia.

Purple Bass

So do I !

Josh Perry

Hell yeah! I'm down with it lol

Michael Wais

@MmeDesgranges I too am extreme with my extremities.

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