Sun City Girls were an American experimental rock band, formed in 1979 in P… Read Full Bio ↴Sun City Girls were an American experimental rock band, formed in 1979 in Phoenix, Arizona. From 1981, the group consisted of Alan Bishop (bass guitar, vocals), his brother Richard Bishop (guitar, piano, vocals), and Charles Gocher (drums, vocals). Considered a neo-mystic melting pot of free rock, demented surf, ragas, Arabic folk songs, free-form freakouts, gamelan percussion and Dadaist poetry, their name was inspired by Sun City, an Arizona retirement community. Performances by the group were often wildly unpredictable, sometimes verging on performance art, with elaborate costumes, kabuki-inspired makeup, and the creation of a festive, ritualistic atmosphere with audience participation.

They found little mainstream success, but they have inspired and continue to inspire a devoted cult following and have recorded numerous critically acclaimed albums, released in small editions by labels like Placebo, Majora, Eclipse Records, Amarillo Records, and their own Abduction Records. Their music was hugely varied, spreading across genres such as spoken word, free improvisation, jazz and rock. Their records typically incorporated lyrics that rely heavily on their interests in mysticism, paranormal topics (especially UFOs), religious cults and other esoterica, often also manifested in their song titles, lyrics and album art. Charles Gocher died on February 19, 2007 after suffering from cancer for a long time, bringing an end to the group. In a prolific 26-year-career, they produced 50 albums, 23 cassettes, 6 feature-length videos, and many other recordings.

Civet's Tango
Sun City Girls Lyrics

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Well My Death it Lies alone between the seeds of 7 mangos
Amidst a yellow patch of shrubbery where a couple Civets
Tango
And a droplet and a dollup dance decrepit dumplings
deadly
Where a bobcat peers around the swag to listen to the
medley --
And its 5, 4, 3, 2 Fingers up the neck of Django

In a yellow patch of shrubbery where a couple civets
Tengo
My heart is only honest in a town of 3 tomorrows
Where yesterday is flavored and the way is never sorrow
Sippin' on a straw plugged into 7 lucky mangos

Amidst a yellow patch shrubery where a couple civets
Tengo

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sun City Girls' song "Civet's Tango" can be interpreted in a variety of ways but one common interpretation is that the song is about mortality and the transience of life. The first verse suggests that the singer's death is imminent and that it will occur in a place that is marked by the presence of mangos and civets. While the first verse is somewhat morbid, the second verse presents a more optimistic perspective. The singer suggests that their heart is only honest in a place where yesterday is remembered but the focus is always on tomorrow. Drinking from seven lucky mangos, the singer dances in a yellow patch of shrubbery with a couple civets, enjoying the moment and celebrating life.

The song is quite surreal and filled with nonsensical imagery, but the overall feeling that it conveys is one of joy and wonder. The reference to Django, a legendary jazz guitarist, adds to the sense of celebration and the idea that life is a dance that we should all participate in. The bobcat that peers around the swag to listen to the medley may represent a kind of wild, untamed spirit that is drawn to the energy of the music.

Overall, "Civet's Tango" is a song that invites us to embrace life fully, even in the face of mortality. It is a celebration of the beauty of existence and a reminder to savor every moment.

Line by Line Meaning

Well My Death it Lies alone between the seeds of 7 mangos
I will find my demise in a place where seven mangoes lay, perhaps in a fruit orchard.

Amidst a yellow patch of shrubbery where a couple Civets Tango
There are civets dancing and playing in this yellow patch of shrubbery.

And a droplet and a dollup dance decrepit dumplings deadly
Something small and insignificant is moving with deadly intent.

Where a bobcat peers around the swag to listen to the medley --
A curious bobcat is watching the performance intently.

And its 5, 4, 3, 2 Fingers up the neck of Django
The music is being played on a guitar with skill and precision.

In a yellow patch of shrubbery where a couple civets Tengo
The civets are still dancing in the yellow shrubbery.

My heart is only honest in a town of 3 tomorrows
I am only true to myself in certain situations, perhaps when the future is uncertain.

Where yesterday is flavored and the way is never sorrow
The past is enjoyable and the future is bright.

Sippin' on a straw plugged into 7 lucky mangos
I am drinking something, likely a cocktail or smoothie, with a tropical feel.

Amidst a yellow patch shrubbery where a couple civets Tengo
The civets are still dancing in the yellow shrubbery, a recurring image throughout the song.

Contributed by Audrey K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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