The Jean Genie
Soundtrack Wonder Band Lyrics
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Snuck off to the city
Strung out on lasers
And slash back blazers
Ate all your razors
While pulling the waiters
Talking bout Monroe
And walking on Snow White
And everything tastes right
Poor little Greenie
The Jean Genie lives on his back
The Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
He's outrageous, he screams and he bawls
Jean Genie let yourself go!
Sits like a man
But he smiles like a reptile
She loves him, she loves him but
Just for a short while
She′ll scratch in the sand,
Won't let go his hand
He says he's a beautician
And sells you nutrition
And keeps all your dead hair
For making up underwear
Poor little Greenie
The Jean Genie lives on his back
The Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
He′s outrageous, he screams and he bawls
Jean Genie let yourself go!
He′s so simple minded
He can't drive his module
He bites on the neon and sleeps in the capsule
Loves to be loved, loves to be loved
The Jean Genie lives on his back
The Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
He′s outrageous, he screams and he bawls
Jean Genie let yourself go!
The Jean Genie lives on his back
The Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
He's outrageous, he screams and he bawls
Jean Genie let yourself go!
"The Jean Genie" by Soundtrack Wonder Band is a classic rock song with fascinating lyrics. The opening lines paint a picture of a small and mischievous character called Jean Genie who sneaks off to the city, indulging in drugs and fashion. He eats razors and talks about famous icons, including Marilyn Monroe and the Snow White fairy tale. The lyrics suggest that the city, particularly New York, is a place where everything is exciting and tastes good, where Jean Genie feels a sense of belonging. However, the repetition of "Poor little Greenie" hints that Jean Genie's lifestyle may be harmful and unsustainable.
The chorus of "The Jean Genie" is catchy and memorable, describing Jean Genie as living on his back and loving chimney stacks, while screaming and bawling. These lines suggest that Jean Genie is a rebellious and unconventional character, who doesn't conform to societal norms. The bridge section reinforces this idea, describing Jean Genie as simple-minded, living in a capsule, and seeking love and attention from others. The overall impression from the lyrics is of a character who is fascinating and troubling, a symbol of the hedonistic and chaotic aspects of urban culture.
Line by Line Meaning
A small Jean Genie
The song introduces the character of Jean Genie - a small, possibly insignificant entity.
Snuck off to the city
Jean Genie left its usual surroundings and ventured into the city.
Strung out on lasers
Jean Genie was heavily influenced by the city's bright lights and modern technology.
And slash back blazers
Jean Genie was fascinated by the city's fashion and style trends.
Ate all your razors
Jean Genie consumed everything in its path without any reservations or consequences.
While pulling the waiters
Jean Genie caused a commotion in the city's eateries and establishments.
Talking bout Monroe
Jean Genie referenced the well-known and celebrated figure of Marilyn Monroe.
And walking on Snow White
Jean Genie seemingly walked on a fictional character named Snow White, indicating a surreal state of mind.
New York's a go-go
The city of New York is a thriving, exciting place, with much to offer.
And everything tastes right
Jean Genie was indulging in everything the city had to offer and everything seemed perfect.
Poor little Greenie
Despite its sense of excitement, Jean Genie is still described as being somewhat pitiful or small.
The Jean Genie lives on his back
Jean Genie lives in a state of perpetual indulgence and leisure.
The Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
Jean Genie is attracted to the city's towering structures and technology.
He's outrageous, he screams and he bawls
Jean Genie's behavior is over-the-top and attention-grabbing.
Jean Genie let yourself go!
The song encourages Jean Genie to continue indulging in and enjoying the city life without inhibition.
Sits like a man
Jean Genie sits like a human but is not one.
But he smiles like a reptile
Jean Genie's smile is likened to that of a reptile, suggesting a lack of genuine emotion or warmth.
She loves him, she loves him but
Someone loves Jean Genie, but their affection is short-lived or conditional.
Just for a short while
The aforementioned love is temporary or fleeting.
She'll scratch in the sand,
The woman who loves Jean Genie will leave marks or signs of affection, but they are ultimately unimportant or insignificant.
Won't let go his hand
The woman is persistent in her love despite its ephemeral nature.
He says he's a beautician
Jean Genie claims to be a professional in the beauty industry.
And sells you nutrition
Jean Genie sells products related to health or well-being.
And keeps all your dead hair
Jean Genie collects hair that has already fallen out for some unknown purpose.
For making up underwear
The collected hair is used to create a bizarre or uncomfortable item of clothing.
He's so simple minded
Despite its indulgent and outrageous behavior, Jean Genie is described as being simple or unsophisticated.
He can't drive his module
Jean Genie lacks the ability to control or navigate any sort of vehicle.
He bites on the neon and sleeps in the capsule
Jean Genie is drawn to flashy, artificial things and sleeps in a cramped or enclosed space.
Loves to be loved, loves to be loved
Jean Genie craves affection and attention from others.
Writer(s): David Bowie
Contributed by Olivia R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.