Originally together from 1981-1983, they played basement and club shows fairly often. Aside from the 1983 cassette Flex Your Mind, though, no recorded material was available from them until 1998's Devolver CD-R anthology. Several songs on the album were produced by their friend (outsider psychedelic singer-songwriter) Bobb Trimble.
At their first-ever gig, the band distributed a simultaneously prank-ish and poker-faced "manifesto", using 60s rock album liner notes as a wobbly template. It began:
"...Was it only 3 or 4 weeks ago that the future PREFAB MESSIAHS first pooled their cosmic energies and talents, and – crooning their messages about our Plastic Age – decided to totally revolutionize Pop Music? The Concept was shocking in its boldness – 4 young men with a Destiny – from the Store 24 to Mister Donut their eyes burned with what they saw, even as they lapped it up faster than a small order of McDonald's fries. Reality could not keep the PREFAB MESSIAHS down! Still, if the Media is the Message, just what are these guys talking about? In short, they're talking about you and me and no one in particular – about the kind of Eternal Struggle that most "bands" and "musicians" don't even realize exists..."
Armed with borrowed guitars, puny amps, and a mission to confound the status quo, the three Clark University undergrads began a unique post-punk musical trajectory through the burgeoning-yet-insular Wormtown (Worcester, MA) underground.
The stark reality of the Reagan Era had already taken hold, with its yuppie-driven consumerist, conformist and "product"-focused fetish culture. In an attempt to deal with it all, our heroes sought refuge in the Dada reverie and post-WWII existentialism that ended up yielding their moniker. In the New Religion of mall culture, product placement and instant gratification, "prefab messiahs" like Ronald McDonald and the Pillsbury Dough Boy were trotted out by their corporate masters to replace the old guard of unprofitable prophets.
That was the working Concept, at least – and the The Prefabs mischievously (naively?) married it to an unlikely collision of primitive post-punk, grainy psych, and left-field garage pop – all at a time when terms like "indie" and "alternative" weren't even bandied about yet.
The Prefab Messiahs have reunited (or as they say, "re-franchised") several times for the Wormtown Anniversary Bash festivals, including the 20th in 1998 and the 25th in 2003. The anniversaries marked time since the first issue of the '70s/'80s punk fanzine Wormtown Punk Punk Press.
An appearance of the "2008 franchise" of the Prefabs occured at the Wormtown 30th Anniversary Bash on May 3, 2008, in a combined set with Bobb Trimble. Guest members in this franchise included Gary War and Ned Egg (Gary was a member of Ariel Pink's band; also, Gary and Ned previously comprised the band Chas. Mtn.).
In early 2011, Almost Ready Records (known for their The World's Lousy With Ideas compilation series) issued a 7" single of archival Prefabs material, "Franz Kafka / Prefab Sun".
In December 2011, Fixed Identity released Peace Love & Alienation, a collection of eight archival Prefabs songs newly remastered by Jay Rajeck (of TRS-80), who has also worked with Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti. Two of the songs were produced by Bobb Trimble in 1982.
In June 2012, the band embarked upon on a four-date 30th Anniversary "Reunion micro-Tour™" with Bobb Trimble's Flying Spiders, playing shows in New York and Massachusetts. Other bands playing on the tour included Spectre Folk, Sore Eros, Weyes Blood and the Dark Juices, and Secret Lover.
In September 2013, Burger Records reissued the Prefabs' Devolver on cassette. Also beginning in 2013, the band began their first new sessions in 30 years, recorded by Doug Tuttle (formerly of MMOSS) and Jesse Gallagher (ex-Apollo Sunshine; recorded the first Quilt LP).
On March 10, 2015, Burger Records and KLYAM Records co-released the 8-song Maxi-EP Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive, the band's first new sounds in 32 years. The album peaked at #58 on the CMJ Top 200 Radio chart, and was widely praised.
On January 26, 2018, Lolipop Records and Burger Records will co-release the 10-song Psychsploitation Today, the band's fourth album.
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
The Prefab Messiahs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a full time job not to lose your mind
You gotta do what you gotta do
Gotta do what you gotta do to survive
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Never mind the answer, what's the question again?
Hide out in your garden 'til you cash it in
You gotta go where you gotta go
You gotta go wherever to escape the hive
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
The lyrics in "Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive" by The Prefab Messiahs invite listeners to reflect on the daily struggles and pressures of life while also emphasizing the importance of holding onto one's dreams and aspirations. The opening lines, "Sip a cuppa coffee from your daily grind // It's a full-time job not to lose your mind," paint a picture of the mundane routine and mental exhaustion that can accompany everyday life. The act of drinking coffee symbolizes the need for sustenance and energy to keep going, while the reference to not losing one's mind speaks to the challenges of maintaining sanity in a hectic world.
The chorus repetitively encourages the listener to "Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive," reinforcing the idea that regardless of the obstacles and obligations one faces, it is crucial to preserve one's dreams and ambitions. The term "stupid dreams" may suggest that these aspirations may seem impractical or out of reach to others, but the song urges individuals to remain steadfast in pursuing them nonetheless. By emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination, the lyrics champion the significance of personal goals and passions in the face of adversity.
The lyrics proceed with the lines, "Never mind the answer, what's the question again? // Hide out in your garden 'til you cash it in," which suggest a sense of detachment from societal norms and expectations. The notion of disregarding the answer and focusing on the question points to a deeper contemplation of one's purpose and journey, while the imagery of hiding in the garden implies seeking refuge and solace in a private space. This could speak to the idea of finding peace and clarity amidst external pressures, allowing oneself to reconnect with one's inner thoughts and desires.
The final stanza, "You gotta go where you gotta go // You gotta go wherever to escape the hive," reflects a sentiment of breaking free from conformity and exploring uncharted paths in pursuit of individual fulfillment. The reference to escaping the hive alludes to breaking away from societal constraints and following one's own unique path, even if it means diverging from the expected route. Ultimately, "Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive" encapsulates a message of resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering commitment to one's dreams despite the challenges and uncertainties that may arise.
Line by Line Meaning
Sip a cuppa coffee from your daily grind
Take a moment to enjoy the small things in life amidst the routine of everyday work.
It's a full time job not to lose your mind
It can be overwhelming to maintain your sanity in the face of constant stress and pressure.
You gotta do what you gotta do
Sometimes you have to make tough choices and take action to get through difficult situations.
Gotta do what you gotta do to survive
You must do whatever it takes to keep going and push through challenging circumstances.
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Hold on to your dreams, no matter how far-fetched they may seem, because they give you hope and motivation.
Never mind the answer, what's the question again?
Don't get too caught up in trying to find solutions without understanding the problem in the first place.
Hide out in your garden 'til you cash it in
Find solace in a peaceful place until you reach your ultimate goal or retire from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
You gotta go where you gotta go
Sometimes you have to venture into unfamiliar territories or situations to grow and develop as a person.
You gotta go wherever to escape the hive
Consider exploring new environments or perspectives to break free from the conformity and monotony of societal norms.
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Continue to pursue your seemingly unrealistic dreams, as they provide inspiration and drive for personal growth.
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Don't let anyone or anything discourage you from chasing your dreams, no matter how unconventional they may be.
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Persist in nurturing your passions and aspirations, even if others may not understand or support them.
Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive
Embrace your dreams, no matter how impractical they may seem, because they are what give your life meaning and purpose.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Xerox Feinberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind