Sweet Transvestite
Rocky Horror Show Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

How d'you do, I
See you've met my
Faithful handyman
He's just a little brought down because
When you knocked
He thought you were the candy man

Don't get strung out by the way that I look
Don't judge a book by its cover
I'm not much of a man by the light of day
But by night I'm one hell of a lover

I'm just a sweet transvestite
From Transexual, Transylvania, ha ha

Let me show you around, maybe play you a sound
You look like you're both pretty groovy
Or if you want something visual that's not too abysmal
We could take in an old Steve Reeves movie

I'm glad we caught you at home
Could we use your phone?
We're both in a bit of a hurry (right!)
We'll just say where we are, then go back to the car
We don't want to be any worry

Well, you got caught with a flat, well, how about that?
Well, babies, don't you panic
By the light of the night, it'll all seem alright
I'll get you a satanic mechanic

I'm just a sweet transvestite
From Transexual, Transylvania, ha ha

Why don't you stay for the night? (night)
Or maybe a bite? (bite)
I could show you my favorite obsession
I've been making a man
With blond hair and a tan
And he's good for relieving my tension

I'm just a sweet transvestite
From Transexual, Transylvania, ha ha
Hit it, hit it, I'm just a sweet transvestite (sweet transvestite)
From Transexual, Transylvania, ha ha

So, come up to the lab
And see what's on the slab
I see you shiver with antici-
-Pation
But maybe the rain
Is really to blame




So I'll remove the cause
But not the symptom

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song Sweet Transvestite from the Rocky Horror Show depict the arrival and invitation of the lead character, Dr. Frank-N-Furter to Brad and Janet’s (the main characters) home. The opening line acknowledges the presence of Frank's faithful handyman and highlights how he was a little disappointed when he realized it wasn't the candy man knocking. The next verse expresses Frank's concern about people judging him by his appearance and encourages people to “not judge a book by its cover.” He also reveals that by the night, he is one hell of a lover. The chorus, "I'm just a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania, ha ha" repeats three times before Frank invites Brad and Janet to come up to his lab and see what's on the slab.


The song reflects on themes of gender fluidity, self-expression, and acceptance. The use of a transvestite character in such an iconic role is significant as it was part of the first popular mainstream cultural representations of transgender individuals that encouraged a larger conversation about inclusivity in society. Through Frank’s flamboyant outfit, makeup, and gestures, gender norms are challenged or subverted, introducing the audience to new concepts of sexuality and identity.


Line by Line Meaning

How d'you do, I
Greetings, I welcome you


See you've met my
I see that you are acquainted with my


Faithful handyman
Loyal assistant


He's just a little brought down because
He is slightly upset as


When you knocked
At the very moment when you knocked


He thought you were the candy man
He mistakenly believed you were the supplier of sweets


Don't get strung out by the way that I look
Do not get overwhelmed by my appearance


Don't judge a book by its cover
Do not evaluate anything by just its superficial appearance


I'm not much of a man by the light of day
I am not very masculine when the sun is up


But by night I'm one hell of a lover
However, when the moon is out, I am a passionate and skilled partner


I'm just a sweet transvestite
I am simply an amiable crossdresser


From Transexual, Transylvania, ha ha
I hail from a land where people embrace their sexuality, and it is called Transexual, Transylvania


Let me show you around, maybe play you a sound
Allow me to give you a tour and possibly some entertainment


You look like you're both pretty groovy
Both of you appear to be fashionable and fun


Or if you want something visual that's not too abysmal
Alternatively, if you desire something aesthetically pleasing yet not too extreme


We could take in an old Steve Reeves movie
We could view a classic film featuring the actor Steve Reeves


I'm glad we caught you at home
I am delighted that we found you here


Could we use your phone?
May we request to use your telephone?


We're both in a bit of a hurry (right!)
We are both slightly busy at the moment (correct!)


We'll just say where we are, then go back to the car
We shall inform you of our whereabouts then leave for our vehicle


We don't want to be any worry
We would not wish to cause any concerns


Well, you got caught with a flat, well, how about that?
Oh, you encountered a punctured tire, that is unfortunate


Well, babies, don't you panic
However, infants, please do not fret


By the light of the night, it'll all seem alright
In the moonlight, all problems shall disappear


I'll get you a satanic mechanic
I will acquire a skilled, yet ominous repairman for you


Why don't you stay for the night? (night)
Why don't you stay here for the evening? (evening time)


Or maybe a bite? (bite)
Or have some refreshments? (food)


I could show you my favorite obsession
I could demonstrate my preferred fixation


I've been making a man
I have been fabricating a male


With blond hair and a tan
He has blonde hair and skin darkened by the sun


And he's good for relieving my tension
He serves as an excellent source of stress relief for me


Hit it, hit it, I'm just a sweet transvestite (sweet transvestite)
Begin, initiate, I am merely a pleasant gender nonconforming individual (pleasant gender nonconforming individual)


So, come up to the lab
There is a laboratory upstairs


And see what's on the slab
Observe what has been placed on the platform


I see you shiver with antici-
I perceive you shuddering with antici-


-pation
-pation


But maybe the rain
Perhaps the precipitation


Is really to blame
Is the actual cause


So I'll remove the cause
Therefore, I shall eliminate the source


But not the symptom
Albeit not the indication




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@EasyTarget.541

This is like what my catholic parents thought college would be like for me.

@Kajira26

Where they right? 🤷🏽‍♀️ I mean…if so, fucking A! 🙌🏽👍🏽

@EasyTarget.541

@Joanna Jimenez  Absolutely right 😌🤫

@zensizensur8814

😂🤣😂

@Rippenhengst

🤣👍

@mehchocolate1257

@@EasyTarget.541 is Tim Curry gay I was wondered that

156 More Replies...

@lumiq2476

I remember my conservative dad telling me how Tim Curry is an idiot. Now I understand. He’s just mad he can’t rock pearls and fishnets like he can…

@JuanCKaun

Never could get a satanic mechanic

@thewkovacs316

who can?

@gentlesandladymen

To be fair, no one can rock them like he does

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