The Shamen were preceded by Alone Again Or, the Love-inspired name under which they recorded their first singles. After their name change, further singles picked up airplay from John Peel. Released in June 1987, The Shamen's first album Drop illustrated their love of 60s psychedelia, with influences such as Love, Pink Floyd and the 13th Floor Elevators.
By mid-1987, frontman Colin Angus was discovering the sounds of early house music pioneers such as S-Express and M/A/R/R/S and increasing his knowledge of the latest studio gadgetry. By September 1987, the Shamen were applying these techniques to their own music, mixing rock guitars, techno and hip-hop rhythms and sampled radio voices to create the prototype rock-dance sound which was to prove so influential to other indie dance groups like Pop Will Eat Itself, Jesus Jones and EMF. However, the newfound sound proved too radical for co-founder and vocalist Derek McKenzie, who the left the band in late 1987 to study at university. The Shamen were suddenly one crucial player short. Help was at hand in the charismatic form of Will Sinnott (23 December, 1960 - 23 May, 1991), who joined the group in October 1987, on bass and keyboards, freeing up Colin Angus to handle vocal and guitar chores.
Knature of a Girl was the first record by the Shamen to feature Sinnott, but it wasn't until June's Jesus Loves Amerika single that the techno influence began to show. By this stage, Angus and Sinnott had become hooked on the acid house movement taking place in London, and its music and clubs were to exert a massive influence on the pair. Keith McKenzie and Peter Stephenson were less impressed by these new developments, and left the group the following summer, after the January 1989 release of the In Gorbachev We Trust album, which saw the group further enhancing their sound.
Angus and Sinnott relocated to London, allowing them to start afresh, and plunge headfirst into the emerging rave scene. 1989 was to be a busy year. They set out on their legendary Synergy tour, a nightclub experience combined with live music from The Shamen and others and DJing from the likes of Mixmaster Morris. The tour was to last nearly two years. They also released the Phorward mini album, a genre-defining release in the history of the acid house movement.
Their third album, En-Tact, was released in 1990, and it spawned the hit singles Move Any Mountain, Hyperreal and Make It Mine. Also notable was the appearance of rapper and DJ Mr.C (real name Richard West). The transformation into a successful rave act was complete.
In May 1991, The Shamen headed to Tenerife to film a video for Move Any Mountain. On May 23, Sinnott drowned in an accident off coast of La Gomera. However, with the Sinnott family's encouragement, the group decided to continue.
With Mr C now a full member of The Shamen, and Jhelisa Anderson providing guest vocals, the Boss Drum album followed in 1992. The LP featured a noted spoken-word collaboration, Re:Evolution with Terence McKenna, and The Shamen's biggest and most controversial hit: Ebeneezer Goode. Ebeneezer Goode was accused of promoting drug use owing to the refrain "Ezer Goode, Ezer Goode" - homophonic with "E's are good" ("E" being slang for the dance drug ecstasy) - and to double entendre drug references throughout the song. This echoed similar references in previous songs such as Synergy's "M D M A-zing... we are together in ecstasy". Despite - or maybe because of - the subsequent storm of publicity, the song stayed at the top of the UK charts for 4 weeks.
Although the single was a commercial hit, it was considered a 'novelty record' and severely impacted on the 'underground' credibility of the band. Subsequent singles such as Boss Drum and Phorever People were chart hits, but some long term fans believed they paled in comparison to earlier singles.
However, The Shamen's new mainstream popularity enabled them to release an unusually large number of remix singles, EPs, and LPs during the Boss Drum era, including the Face EP, the S.O.S. EP, and the On Air and Different Drum albums. On Air featured a series of popular tracks from En-Tact and Boss Drum as performed live on BBC radio; Different Drum was a remix album containing alternate versions of every track from Boss Drum. The tracks Boss Drum, LSI (Love Sex Intelligence), Phorever People, Ebeneezer Goode, and Re:Evolution were all released as singles in their own right.
Axis Mutatis in 1995, with new vocalist Victoria Wilson James replacing Jhelisa Anderson, did not make as much of an impact. Early special editions of this album featured a bonus disk, Arbor Bona Arbor Mala, a bizarre ambient album. The Shamen continued recording into the late 1990s, releasing two additional LPs with an increasingly experimental bent. Their penultimate studio album, the instrumental Hempton Manor, followed an acrimonious split with their label One Little Indian. It is alleged to have been recorded in seven days to conclude the recording contract with One Little Indian, and the first letter of each track spell out F**k Birket, referring to label founder Derek Birket, who wanted the group to move back into more commercial territory. UV, in 1998, was their last album. UV was released independently and marked a return to form with both modern techno production and classic Shamen song structures. Mr C. has since continued as an inspiring house DJ and become a successful night-club owner.
Ebeneezer Goode
The Shamen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Naughty, naughty, very naughty
Ha ha ha ha ha
There's a guy in the place who's got a bittersweet face
And he goes by the name of Ebeneezer Goode
His friends call him 'Ezeer and he is the main geezer
And he'll vibe up the place like no other man could
Though very much maligned and misunderstood
But if you know 'Ezeer he's a real crowd pleaser
He's ever so good, he's Ebeneezer Goode
You can see that he's mischievous, mysterious and devious
When he circulates amongst the people in the place
But once you know he's fun, and something of a genius
He gives a grin that goes around from face to face to face
Backwards and then forwards, forwards and then backwards
'Eezer is the geezer who loves to muscle in
That's about the time the crowd all shout the name of 'Eezer
As he's kotcheled in the corner, laughing by the bass bin
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
"Has anyone got any Vera's?"
Lovely Ya Ha Ha Ha
A Great Philospher once wrote
Naughty Naughty, Very Naughty
Ha Ha Ha Ha
Ebeneezer Goode, leading light of the scene, know what I mean?
He created the vibe - He takes you for a ride as if by Design
The party ignites like it's comin' alive
He takes you to the top, shakes you all around
Then back down - you know as he gets mellow
Then as smooth as the groove that is making you move
He glides into your mind with a sunny "Hello!"
A gentleman of leisure he's there for your pleasure
But go easy on old 'Ezeer he's the love you could lose
Extraordinary fellow, like Mr Punchinello
He's the kind of geezer who must never be abused
When you're in town and Ebeneezer is around
You can sense a presence in the sound of the crowd
He gets them all at it, the party starts rocking, the people get excited
It's time to shout loud
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
"Got any salmon Sorted"
Ha ha ha ha ha
Ha ha ha ha ha
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
Oh what a carry on, ha ha ha ha ha
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
Wicked
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
Oh what a carry on, ha ha ha ha ha
He's Ebeneezer Goode
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
Wicked
Eezer Goode, Eezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
He's Ebeneezer Goode
The Shamen's song "Ebeneezer Goode" is a highly controversial song that has divided opinion since its release in 1992. The song was actually written as an ode to Ecstasy, the popular recreational drug in the club scene in the UK in the early 90s. The lyrics describe Ebeneezer Goode as a charismatic figure with a bittersweet face, who knows how to vibe up the place like no other man could. He is highly respected in the club scene and is a real crowd-pleaser.
Despite his mischievous, mysterious, and devious character, Ebeneezer Goode is portrayed as fun-loving and genius-like among his friends. It takes time to understand his true nature, but once you do, he can take you for a ride, shake you all around, and make you feel alive. He's there for your pleasure, but you must go easy on him, or you could lose the love of your life.
Line by Line Meaning
A great philosopher once wrote
The song opens with an indication of the wisdom to be shared.
Naughty, naughty, very naughty
The following lyrics may be interpreted with a naughty connotation.
Ha ha ha ha ha
The song invokes laughter from the listener.
There's a guy in the place who's got a bittersweet face
Introducing the main character, Ebeneezer Goode, with a peculiar face.
And he goes by the name of Ebeneezer Goode
The name of the character is being shared.
His friends call him 'Ezeer and he is the main geezer
The character is well-known by his friends, known as 'Ezeer, and is an important part of the community.
And he'll vibe up the place like no other man could
The character brings an exciting energy to any situation.
He's refined, sublime, he makes you feel fine
Despite being misunderstood, Ebeneezer is a charming individual who uplifts those around him.
Though very much maligned and misunderstood
Even though he is not well understood, he is appreciated and loved by those who do understand him.
But if you know 'Ezeer he's a real crowd pleaser
Those who know Ebeneezer appreciate his contributions to the community by uplifting and pleasing the crowds.
You can see that he's mischievous, mysterious and devious
Ebeneezer has an air of mysteriousness and mischievousness about him.
When he circulates amongst the people in the place
As Ebeneezer interacts with the people, the energy and atmosphere changes.
But once you know he's fun, and something of a genius
Once you understand the character, you realize he is not only fun but also a genius in his own way.
He gives a grin that goes around from face to face to face
Ebeneezer's happiness and joy are contagious and spread to those around him.
Backwards and then forwards, forwards and then backwards
'Eezer is a master of dance, and his moves inspire others to join in.
'Eezer is the geezer who loves to muscle in
Ebeneezer is the kind of person to become involved in events and make them more exciting.
That's about the time the crowd all shout the name of 'Eezer
Ebeneezer is loved and appreciated by the crowd, who will praise him when he joins in on the dance floor.
As he's kotcheled in the corner, laughing by the bass bin
Ebeneezer is not one to shy away from a good time and will enjoy himself wherever he finds himself.
'Eezer Goode 'Eezer Goode He's Ebeneezer Goode
The chorus repeats the catchy name of the character.
Has anyone got any Vera's?
Vera is rhyming slang for an illegal substance, this is a reference to the party atmosphere.
Lovely Ya Ha Ha Ha
The song brings joy and happiness to those who listen.
Ebeneezer Goode, leading light of the scene, know what I mean?
Ebeneezer is a major player within the scene and is well respected.
He created the vibe - He takes you for a ride as if by Design
Ebeneezer has an innate ability to create a positive atmosphere, and take people on a ride with him.
The party ignites like it's comin' alive
When the party starts to die down, that's when Ebeneezer steps in to reignite the energy.
He takes you to the top, shakes you all around
Ebeneezer is the kind of person that makes you feel alive and exciting.
Then back down - you know as he gets mellow
While Ebeneezer may bring a wild side, he also has a mellow side where he helps you relax.
Then as smooth as the groove that is making you move
Just like the music that moves the people, Ebeneezer has a smooth attitude.
He glides into your mind with a sunny "Hello!"
Ebenezer is the kind of person to greet others with a warm and friendly attitude.
A gentleman of leisure he's there for your pleasure
Ebeneezer is the type of person that enjoys his time, and loves making sure others enjoy their time as well.
But go easy on old 'Ezeer he's the love you could lose
While he is loved by many, Ebeneezer is not invincible and could be easily lost.
Extraordinary fellow, like Mr Punchinello
Ebeneezer is a unique and extraordinary character, like Mr. Punchinello, a character from the comedia dell'arte.
He's the kind of geezer who must never be abused
While he may be involved in comical scenes, Ebeneezer is the type of character to be respected and never taken advantage of.
When you're in town and Ebeneezer is around
The town becomes more exciting with Ebeneezer in town.
You can sense a presence in the sound of the crowd
The energy of the crowds around Ebeneezer feels alive and exciting, his presence adding to the overall aura of the room.
He gets them all at it, the party starts rocking, the people get excited
Ebeneezer continuously promotes a fun, exciting, and uplifting atmosphere that encourages everyone to join in on the party.
It's time to shout loud
The excitement has reached a climax and everyone is encouraged to shout at the top of their lungs.
Oh what a carry on, ha ha ha ha ha
The excitement ebbs and flows, but always creates an overall atmosphere of joy.
He's Ebeneezer Goode
We are reminded of the character, with the name being repeated in a catchy way.
Wicked
'Wicked' is used here as an exclamation of an exciting happening or event.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: (GB) WEST RICHARD, COLIN GILBERT ANGUS, RICHARD (GB) WEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind