The band is a strong satire of the 70s and 80s heavy metal genre and scene, and their music reflects that, with blaring guitars, high vocals, and ridiculous lyrical themes, all of which take the stereotypes of the genre and exaggerate them to comedic extremes.
The first album of the band was a collection of songs made for the film, many of which were featured in the film itself. Their second album (Break Like The Wind) followed many years later, but was greeted with less enthusiasm, partially because people simply weren't interested in the band beyond their characters in the film, and partially because the heavy metal scene had already been killed by grunge by the time of the album's release. A third album, Back from the Dead, was released in 2009.
All three members of the band have continued to pursue their separate careers in film and television.
The first album (This is Spinal Tap) has a pure black cover, in reference to the movie, in which their latest album is forced to have a pure black cover ("none more black"). However, in the movie, the album is called "Smell the Glove," not "This is Spinal Tap."
Spın̈al Tap are played by Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer. The three also play a folk group called The Folksmen in the film A Mighty Wind.
Spın̈al Tap have appeared in The Simpsons when Homer takes Bart and Milhouse to one of their gigs.
They recently made a 'comeback' appearance at LiveEarth at Wembley in 2007, and appeared on the Main Stage at Glastonbury 2009.
Now Leaving On Track 13
Spinal Tap Lyrics
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In a hospital bed on the outskirts of town
Lay an old gray man in a soiled white gown.
His hair was all wispy, his eyes were a blank.
His breath came in spurts from an oxygen tank.
The nurse hovered near, and so did the Reaper.
But which had the number to his private beeper?
Shall he lie there forever with a tube up his nose
Or shall he be released to float towards the light?
Like a wee, baby doveling or a really good kite.
Let him go! Let him go!
It's too late for healing.
Put an end to the pain
That we know he is feeling.
His life is his burden
His death is his right.
Let's send him off gently
Into that good night.
(Spoken)
Goodnight.
The spoken word intro of "Now Leaving On Track 13" by Spinal Tap sets the scene in a poignant hospital room where an old man lies in a soiled white gown, his wispy hair and the blank expression on his face indicate his fragility. There's a battle between the nurse and the Reaper who both wait beside him, but the question is who will come first? The man is suffering, and his life is hanging by a thread. He has an oxygen tank next to him, and he is attached to a tube that helps him breathe. There is also the mention of a tube that is necessary for him to relieve himself. These are all familiar images that we associate with hospitals and people on their deathbeds.
The lyrics provide an insightful and thought-provoking commentary on life, death and releasing someone from their suffering. The first verse sets the scene, and in the second verse, the lyrics ask the question, "Shall he be released to float towards the light?" which is often used to describe the experience of dying peacefully. The chorus repeats the sentiment that it's too late for healing and that letting him go is the right thing to do. In the end, the final spoken word "Goodnight" implies that the man has been released and has passed away.
Line by Line Meaning
In a hospital bed on the outskirts of town
The setting is in a hospital bed situated out of the city center.
Lay an old gray man in a soiled white gown.
A man of advanced age with grey hair dressed in an unclean white gown.
His hair was all wispy, his eyes were a blank.
The man had thin, fragile hair and seemed to be expressionless as he lay there.
His breath came in spurts from an oxygen tank.
He took breaths in intervals with the help of an oxygen tank.
The nurse hovered near, and so did the Reaper.
Both the nurse and death itself seemed to be waiting for something.
But which had the number to his private beeper?
Neither the nurse nor Death knew who had the information to contact the man's family.
Shall he lie there forever with a tube up his nose
Should he continue to exist in his bed with a tube attached to his nostrils?
And his peepee and poopoo slipping out through a hose?
As he is unable to use the bathroom, would it be right to let urine and feces pass through a tube?
Or shall he be released to float towards the light?
Would it be more humane to let him pass away peacefully?
Like a wee, baby doveling or a really good kite.
The man could depart in a peaceful manner like a baby bird that has just learned to fly or a kite that soars above.
Let him go! Let him go!
He should be allowed to pass away.
It's too late for healing.
There is no hope of recovery at this point.
Put an end to the pain
It is time to put an end to the suffering.
That we know he is feeling.
It is comprehended that he is in discomfort.
His life is his burden
The man has suffered through his whole life.
His death is his right.
He deserves the right to die with dignity.
Let's send him off gently
He should be allowed to pass away peacefully.
Into that good night.
He'll pass away, and it should be without trouble or strife.
Goodnight.
Simple farewell.
Contributed by Grace T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.