Pollard began releasing solo records in 1996, alongside regular releases from Guided by Voices. These albums were typically recorded with a small group consisting of current or former Guided by Voices members, and they were generally considered to informally be part of the Guided by Voices canon, as that band would regularly perform selections from the solo releases in concert.
After the dissolution of Guided by Voices in 2004, Robert Pollard launched his official solo career with the release of From a Compound Eye in February 2006. Pollard's recent studio work has eschewed the live-band format, instead relying on the multi-instrumental talents of Todd Tobias, who produced several Guided by Voices albums. In 2006, he resumed touring with a new band informally dubbed "The Ascended Masters", which featured Tommy Keene on lead guitar and keyboards, Dave Phillips on guitar, Jon Wurster on drums, and Jason Narducy on bass. After Normal Happiness was released, the band returned to the road but subsequent to the cancellation of some 2006 dates due to a leg injury, Pollard announced his retirement from touring. Pollard, however, has since toured with Boston Spaceships.
Pollard resides just outside of Dayton, OH. with his wife, Sarah.
Showbiz Opera Walrus
Robert Pollard Lyrics
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The road to excess is a time bomb
The kids in the back wipe snot on the tail
Of your silver tuxedo but still youll not fail
Youre the showbiz opera walrus
A double bassoon and a college full of christians
Expensive and horsey
The rope walking skeletons dance to the tune
Of the showbiz opera walrus
In Robert Pollard's song "Showbiz Opera Walrus" we see a perfect illustration of the intricate and often cryptic lyricism characteristic of the artist. The opening line, "Uncorking a fresh jug of Indian ripple" immediately sets the scene for a wild and reckless party, perhaps encapsulated by the idea that excess is a ticking time bomb. The image of children wiping snot on the tail of a silver tuxedo, only for the performer to remain undeterred, reinforces this notion of self-confidence and bravado in the face of chaos. The central figure is then revealed as the "Showbiz Opera Walrus", a curious amalgamation of flamboyance and animalistic power.
Line by Line Meaning
Uncorking a fresh jug of Indian ripple
Starting anew with a cheap, strong form of alcohol
The road to excess is a time bomb
Indulging in excess will eventually lead to negative consequences
The kids in the back wipe snot on the tail
Disrespectful and unappreciative audience members
Of your silver tuxedo but still youll not fail
Despite the disrespect, the performer will not falter or give up
Youre the showbiz opera walrus
You are the eccentric, larger-than-life performer with a unique style
A double bassoon and a college full of christians
Unexpected and unconventional elements
Expensive and horsey
Extravagant and snobbish
Let go the balloon
Releasing control and surrendering to the moment
The rope walking skeletons dance to the tune
The strange and unusual elements come together in harmony
Of the showbiz opera walrus
Under the guidance of the unique and eccentric performer
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBERT E. JR. POLLARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind