The band's only appearance on the UK Singles Charts was "I'm the Urban Spaceman", which reached #5 in October 1968. The single was produced by Paul McCartney under the pseudonym "Apollo C. Vermouth". The band disbanded in 1970. The band reunited briefly in 1972 and again in 1988, before reuniting permanently in 2002.
After the initial split, Innes provided songs for "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and the Monty Python troupe's subsequent films, and is often considered to be an "unofficial member" of the troupe. Stanshall died in a house fire in 1995.
The band's six albums are: "Gorilla" (1967), "The Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse" (1968, released as "Urban Spaceman" in the US), "Tadpoles" (1969), "Keynsham" (1969), "Let's Make Up and Be Friendly" (1972) and "Pour l'Amour des Chiens" (2007).
Death Cab For Cutie
The Bonzo Dog Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
-Baby don't do it
She left her East Side drum so drab
-Baby don't do it
She went out on the town
Knowing it would make her lover frown
-Death cab for Cutie
-Death cab for Cutie
The cab was racing through the night
-Baby don't do it
His eyes in the mirror, keeping Cutie in sight
-Baby don't do it
When he saw Cutie it gave him a thrill
Don't you know Baby, curves can kill
-Death cab for Cutie
-Death cab for Cutie
Someone's going to make you pay your fare
Cutie, don't you play with fate
Don't leave your lover alone
If you go out on this date
His heart will turn to stone
Bad girl Cutie, what have you done
-Baby don't do it
Slipping sliding down Highway 31
-Baby don't do it
The traffic lights changed from green to red
They tried to stop but they both wound up dead
-Death cab for Cutie
-Death cab for Cutie
Someone's going to make you pay your fare
Someone's going to make you pay your fare
Someone's going to make you pay your fare
Someone's going to make you pay your fare
The Bonzo Dog Band's song "Death Cab for Cutie" tells a cautionary tale of a woman named Cutie who decides to go out for the night despite her lover's reservations. As she takes a cab through the city, the driver becomes fixated on her and eventually crashes, killing them both. The repeated refrain of "Death cab for Cutie, someone's going to make you pay your fare" serves as a haunting reminder that Cutie's actions had consequences.
The lyrics, while appearing straightforward, can also be interpreted as a commentary on societal expectations for women. Cutie's desire for independence and adventure is met with disapproval from her lover, suggesting that women were expected to conform to traditional gender roles. Additionally, the cab driver's predatory behavior serves as a warning to women about the dangers of being alone in public spaces.
Line by Line Meaning
That night Cutie called a cab
Despite warnings to reconsider, Cutie chooses to leave and calls a cab.
She left her East Side drum so drab
Cutie leaves behind her boring life, seeking adventure on the town.
She went out on the town
Cutie engages in nighttime activities in the city.
Knowing it would make her lover frown
Even though she knows her actions will upset her partner, Cutie chooses to continue on this path.
-Death cab for Cutie
A reference to a funeral hearse for Cutie, foreshadowing danger.
-Death cab for Cutie
Continued reference to death and danger for Cutie.
Someone's going to make you pay your fare
A threat that Cutie will face the consequences for her actions.
The cab was racing through the night
As they speed through the city, the danger surrounding Cutie increases.
His eyes in the mirror, keeping Cutie in sight
The driver is keeping a watchful eye on Cutie's every move.
When he saw Cutie it gave him a thrill
Cutie's allure and danger excites the cab driver.
Don't you know Baby, curves can kill
The driver tries to warn Cutie of the dangers of the road, while also playing into her dangerous persona.
-Death cab for Cutie
Continued reference to death and danger for Cutie.
-Death cab for Cutie
Repeated reference to danger for Cutie.
Someone's going to make you pay your fare
A threat that Cutie will face the consequences for her actions.
Cutie, don't you play with fate
A warning to Cutie that she is toying with danger and death.
Don't leave your lover alone
An appeal to Cutie's loyalty to her partner.
If you go out on this date
Cutie's night out is portrayed as a dangerous rendezvous.
His heart will turn to stone
Cutie risks losing her lover's love and emotional warmth if she continues down this path.
Bad girl Cutie, what have you done
A condemnation of Cutie's actions and choices.
-Baby don't do it
A plea for Cutie to reconsider her actions.
Slipping sliding down Highway 31
Cutie's cab ride veers off course and could lead to her downfall.
The traffic lights changed from green to red
The danger and obstacles Cutie faces during her ride continue to mount.
They tried to stop but they both wound up dead
Cutie and her cab driver ultimately meet their unfortunate end.
-Death cab for Cutie
Final reference to Cutie's fateful ride and death.
-Death cab for Cutie
A reminder of the ongoing danger for Cutie.
Someone's going to make you pay your fare
The final warning that Cutie will ultimately face the consequences of her actions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NEIL INNES, VIVIAN STANSHALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind