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).
I'm the Urban Spaceman
The Bonzo Dog Band Lyrics
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I've got everything I need
I'm the urban spaceman, baby; I can fly
I'm a supersonic guy
I don't need pleasure
I don't feel pain
If you were to knock me down I'd just get up again
I'm all about
(instrumental)
I wake up every morning with a smile upon my face
My natural exuberance spills out all over the place
I'm the urban spaceman, I'm intelligent and clean
Know what I mean?
I'm the urban spaceman, as a lover second to none
It's a lot of fun
I never let my friends down
I've never made a boob
I'm a glossy magazine, an advert in the tube
I'm the urban spaceman, baby; here comes the twist--
I don't exist
The Bonzo Dog Band's song "I'm The Urban Spaceman" is a satirical comment on the egoistic and self-obsessed nature of modern society. The song is sung from the point of view of an urban spaceman who is perceived as invincible, untouchable and has all the qualities that signify power and success materialistically. He claims to have all the luxuries and comforts he needs and is proud of his speed and his ability to fly, symbolising his superiority over others. He also declares that he doesn't need pleasures or feel pain, portraying his apathy and lack of empathy towards others.
The singer refers to himself as intelligent and clean, "know what I mean?" indicating that he demands validation from others, further highlighting his ego. In the end, there is a twist when the singer reveals that he doesn't exist, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the emptiness and superficiality of the modern world, where people focus more on external appearance and possessions than on real emotions and connections with others.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the dehumanisation and detachment that occurs in contemporary society due to an obsession with materialism and an excessively self-centred and individualistic approach to life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the urban spaceman, baby; I've got speed
I'm a city-dwelling individual who moves swiftly
I've got everything I need
I possess all that I require to thrive in my urban environment
I'm the urban spaceman, baby; I can fly
I have the freedom to soar through the air in my mind
I'm a supersonic guy
I move at a pace faster than most
I don't need pleasure
I don't require indulgences to live my life
I don't feel pain
I am immune to discomfort
If you were to knock me down I'd just get up again
I possess resilience and can recover from setbacks with ease
I'm the urban spaceman, baby; I'm makin' out
I am succeeding in my environment and making the most of it
I'm all about
I am entirely focused on my urban lifestyle
I wake up every morning with a smile upon my face
I greet each day with optimism and positivity
My natural exuberance spills out all over the place
My enthusiastic spirit emanates from me frequently
I'm the urban spaceman, I'm intelligent and clean
I possess knowledge and am well-maintained
Know what I mean?
Do you understand?
I'm the urban spaceman, as a lover second to none
I excel in romantic relationships
It's a lot of fun
It brings me great joy
I never let my friends down
I am reliable and dependable for my friends
I've never made a boob
I have never made a mistake or foolish error
I'm a glossy magazine, an advert in the tube
I am polished and appealing, likened to a magazine or advertisement
I'm the urban spaceman, baby; here comes the twist--
I, the urban spaceman, am about to reveal a surprising truth
I don't exist
I am merely a concept or persona, lacking true substance or existence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NEIL INNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind