In 1969 the band were all arrested for possession of marijuana and Roky was incarcerated in Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane where he reportedly underwent electroshock therapy and was placed on Thorazine amongst other controversial treatments. Many claim he has never been the same since. Sadly in the intervening years record execs and managers displayed the bad side of the music business and took full advantage of his condition often leaving him living in poverty while they hoarded all the cash.
In 2001 Roky's youngest brother, Sumner Erickson (ex-tuba player for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), was appointed his legal guardian and an improvement in Roky's faculties has been reported since, leading to a return to live shows.
An excellent documentary on Roky, "You're gonna miss me" (2005), chronicled his troubled life - his schizophrenia, incarceration for possession of a joint, and talented and eccentric family.
I am
Roky Erickson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am
I am
In Satan's all perfect love
Eckstein
Eckstein
Eckstein
Eternally
Eckstein
Burn
I every
L am
I am
I am
In Satan's all perfect love
Eckstein
Eckstein
Eckstein
Eternally
Eckstein
Eckstein
Burn
I every
I am
I am
I am
In Satan's all perfect love
In Satan's all perfect love
In Satan's all perfect love
The lyrics to Roky Erickson's song "I Am" are enigmatic and can be interpreted in different ways, depending on one's perspective. At first glance, the repeated phrase "I am" conveys a sense of self-realization and affirmation in the face of adversity. However, the following lines—"In Satan's all perfect love/Eckstein/Eckstein/Eckstein/Eternally/Burn I every"—suggest a darker theme associated with evil and eternal damnation. The name "Eckstein" could be a reference to the German philosopher Johann Gottfried Eckhart, who wrote about the existence of the devil as a necessary part of creation.
The phrase "In Satan's all perfect love" could be interpreted as an ironic twist on the idea of perfect love, implying that even Satan's love can be all-encompassing and intense, albeit in a malevolent way. The repetition of "Eckstein" and "eternally" reinforces the idea of perpetual suffering and the impossibility of escape. The final line, "In Satan's all perfect love," is repeated twice, emphasizing the bleak and hopeless situation the singer finds themselves in.
Line by Line Meaning
I am
This line is repeated three times to emphasize the singer's own existence and presence.
In Satan's all perfect love
The singer declares that they are immersed in Satan's love, which they view as perfect.
Eckstein
This word doesn't have a clear meaning, but it may refer to a person or entity that the singer is addressing or invoking.
Eternally
The singer suggests that their love for Satan is eternal and unchanging.
Burn
This line suggests that the singer is willing to sacrifice themselves for their love of Satan.
I every
This line is incomplete and doesn't have a clear meaning in isolation.
Contributed by Maria V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andrew Williams
Despite the references to the Horned One, I LOVE this song. Top of my Roky Erickson playlist, followed by "Two Headed Dog," "Stand For The Fire Demon," "If You Have Ghosts" "Cold Night for Alligators"," Don't Slander Me" and "Burn Burn The Flames."
Θεοδωρος Λ.
& creature with the atom & bermuda
Ed Helvey
@Θεοδωρος Λ. the Minutemen did a cover of "Bermuda". They also covered Richard Hell's "Time".
JRK Channel
A favourite
Θεοδωρος Λ.
Topten Roky anthem
Ebola Jones
Eckstein eternally in Satan's all perfect love
Fp79
Love and hate
Jeff Darden
Burn