The band released their self-titled first album in March 1995 via PopLlama Records. After they garnered massive acclaim, Columbia Records quickly signed them. The album peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 and has shipped over three million copies. The RIAA has certified it as triple platinum. Songs "Peaches", "Kitty", "Lump", and "Dune Buggy" received major airplay.
Their 1996 follow-up album, "II", did not reach the same acclaim, though it reached the top forty on the Billboard 2000. Single "Mach 5" also garnered some airplay. The band then fell of the radar for many listeners, dropped by their major label. However, their albums of the new millennium, 'Freaked Out and Small' followed by 'Love Everybody' and 'These Are the Good Times People' (released in 2000, 2004, and 2008, respectively), picked up positive critical reviews, such as from the All Music Guide. Although their touring schedule became more sporadic into the 00s and 10s, they continue to perform and satisfy audiences with their off-beat humor and catchy hooks.
Froggie
The Presidents of the United States of America Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rolling Stone magazine... sucked him dry and made him king
Froggie let rip with a big burp
Mick Jagger kissin' froggie's lips... studying films of froggie's hips
His eyes are closed cause he's off in a world of ecstasy
Where froggie folks get the froggie scene
WATCH HIM JUMP!
The rocker doctor came downtown to write prescriptions by the pound
And froggie spread it all around
Got 50,000 in his flock
He plays arena animal rock
He can barely stand up straight but somehow he does
Make his way directly to the front of the stage and
WATCH HIM JUMP!!!
The show is over... the band is gone... the crowd is gone...
His girlfriend's gone... his make-up's all been sweated off...
He's all alone...
He goes to fill that one last prescription...
The one with the deadly description...
He swallows it down...
His brain explodes... his eyes implode... his tiny heart goes peuny pop...
His shiny legs refuse to hop... he floats on down...
To a burning place... he looks around... for a friendly face...
The band is there patiently waitin' for a froggie's brand new sonic creation
He starts to ribbit... he starts to kick it
Rolling Sone magazine made him cry and missed the king
Froggie let rip with a big burp
Froggie jumped all over the stage that day
The song "Froggie" by The Presidents of the United States of America is primarily a humorous commentary on the nature of fame and success. The lyrics describe a frog who becomes famous for his stage presence and musical talent, but eventually falls victim to the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle, including drugs and the pressure to continually produce new material. The chorus, "Watch him jump!", is a repeated call to attention, both highlighting the frog's ability to move and entertain and reflecting the excitement and adoration of the audience.
The song contains several satirical references to real-life rock stars and events, such as Rolling Stone magazine (a major music publication), Mick Jagger (lead singer of The Rolling Stones), and the drugs and excesses associated with many bands of the era. The references to a "rocker doctor" and "prescriptions by the pound" also symbolize the commercialization and commodification of music, which can lead to the exploitation of both artists and audiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Froggie jumped all over the stage that day
The titular character, Froggie, performed energetically on stage on that particular day.
Rolling Stone magazine... sucked him dry and made him king
The famous music magazine Rolling Stone completely exploited Froggie's talents and elevated him to a high status.
Froggie let rip with a big burp
Froggie produced a loud belch, possibly indicating his lack of concern for social norms.
Mick Jagger kissin' froggie's lips... studying films of froggie's hips
Famous rock star Mick Jagger was paying close attention to Froggie's actions, both physically and psychologically, possibly with the intent of understanding and incorporating them into his own performances.
His eyes are closed cause he's off in a world of ecstasy
Froggie is experiencing an overwhelming sensation of pleasure and joy, seemingly lost in his own world.
Where froggie folks get the froggie scene
Where people who are fans of Froggie's style and demeanor come together to appreciate and experience his unique performances.
WATCH HIM JUMP!
Encouragement for the audience to closely observe Froggie's physical movements, as they are believed to be significant or impressive in some way.
The rocker doctor came downtown to write prescriptions by the pound
A physician who is also a fan of rock music was present to prescribe large amounts of drugs, possibly for recreational use rather than actual medical treatment.
And froggie spread it all around
Froggie shared the drugs with those around him, possibly motivated by a desire to be popular or impressive.
Got 50,000 in his flock
Froggie has amassed a large and devoted following, with many fans eager to see his performances and emulate his behavior.
He plays arena animal rock
Froggie's musical style is characterized by its loudness, energy, and wildness, making it popular in large concert venues.
He can barely stand up straight but somehow he does
Despite potentially being under the influence of drugs, Froggie is able to maintain his balance and remain standing, perhaps a testament to his physical resilience and strength.
Make his way directly to the front of the stage and
Froggie moves to the closest point to the audience, ensuring he is as visible and prominent as possible.
WATCH HIM JUMP!!!
Further reinforcement for the audience to keep their eyes focused on Froggie, with the implication that he will continue to display impressive physical feats.
The show is over... the band is gone... the crowd is gone...
After the concert has concluded, everyone else has left, leaving Froggie alone.
His girlfriend's gone... his make-up's all been sweated off...
Froggie's romantic partner has also left, possibly due to the volatile nature of his behavior. Additionally, his makeup has been ruined due to his excessive sweating.
He's all alone...
Froggie is isolated and without companionship.
He goes to fill that one last prescription...
In a state of desperation or longing, Froggie acquires a final set of drugs.
The one with the deadly description...
The drugs in question are particularly dangerous or toxic.
He swallows it down...
Froggie consumes the deadly drugs, with the implication that he is either unaware of their dangerous nature or has lost the desire to live.
His brain explodes... his eyes implode... his tiny heart goes peuny pop...
The lethal drugs have taken effect, causing severe damage to Froggie's body and vital organs.
His shiny legs refuse to hop... he floats on down...
Froggie's legs, which were once a defining trait of his dynamic persona, have become immobile and his entire body now moves passively or without control.
To a burning place... he looks around... for a friendly face...
Froggie's consciousness now exists in some sort of afterlife or purgatory, where he seeks out companionship or comfort he was unable to find in life.
The band is there patiently waitin' for a froggie's brand new sonic creation
The band that once played with Froggie in life is still present, waiting for him to produce some form of new music or work.
He starts to ribbit... he starts to kick it
Even in death, Froggie is creating new music and entertainment, possibly indicating that his talent or influence has transcended mortality.
Rolling Sone magazine made him cry and missed the king
Froggie is somehow lamenting the negative impact of Rolling Stone on his life, wishing he could have been a more authentic or respected musical figure.
Froggie let rip with a big burp
In what may be a final instance of behavior that was both grotesque and humorous, Froggie produces another large burp.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER WELDON BALLEW, DAVID MICHAEL DEDERER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind