Aspiring musician and scenester Bob Markley managed to join the group the Laughing Wind in exchange for his connections in the music industry and substantial bankroll. The original five-piece line-up consisted of Michael Lloyd (rhythm guitar, vocals), Shaun Harris (bass guitar, vocals, Danny Harris (lead guitar, vocals), John Ware (drums), and Markley (tambourine, vocals). Although Markley possessed the least musical talent, his expertise in law enabled him to assume control of the group's name and publishing, which generated a divide in the WCPAEB's creative mindset.
The band debuted with the album Volume One in 1966 on the small FiFo record label. In the early years of the group, much was made of the WCPAEB's elaborate psychedelic light shows, which became the focal point of their live performances in Los Angeles. Following the release of Volume One, the WCPAEB signed with Reprise Records, recording three albums with the company, including arguably their most accomplished work Volume 3: A Child's Guide to Good and Evil in 1968. Two additional albums, Where's My Daddy? and Markley, A Group, were distributed on independent labels before the group disbanded in 1970.
Help I'm A Rock
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Lyrics
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Help! I'm a rock
Help! I'm a rock (Help! I'm a rock)
Help! I'm a rock help! I'm a rock
(Help! I'm a rock, Help! I'm a rock)
(Help! I'm a rock, Help! I'm a rock)
(Help! I'm a rock)
(Help! I'm a rock)
I think I'm gonna be a cop
And go up and get my driver's license
(Help! I'm a rock)
Pick up some freaks in front of Pandora's Box
(Help! I'm a rock)
(Meow, freak out)
(Help! I'm a rock) help! I'm a rock
Somebody, please, please help me
Help! I'm a rock (Help! Help)
Please, please, help! I'm a rock
(Help! I'm a rock)
Help! I'm a rock (Help! I'm a rock)
(Help! I'm a rock)
I wonder if they're freaking out
(Help! I'm a rock)
Somewhere in Minnesota (Help! I'm a rock)
Minnesota, Minnesota, Minnesota
(Help! I'm a rock, Help! I'm a rock)
(Help! I'm a rock)
I wonder if they're freaking out
In Kansas City
(Help! I'm a rock, Help! I'm a rock)
Kansas City, Kansas City, Kansas City
(Help! I'm a rock, Help! I'm a rock)
(Help! I'm a rock, Help! I'm a rock)
(Oh, I get it, Help! I'm a rock)
(Break down)
(What do you think about that?)
Help! I'm a rock (Help! I'm a rock)
Help! I'm a rock (I'm a rock)
Help! I'm a rock (Help! I'm a rock)
I wonder if they're freaking out
In Washington DC aC, DC, DC, AC
Dc, dc, dc, ac, ac
DC, DC, AC, DC (Help! I'm a rock)
(Help! I'm a rock, Help! I'm a rock)
Help! I'm a rock
Help! I'm a rock (Help! I'm a rock)
Help! (Help! I'm a rock) Help!
(Help! I'm a rock)
Help! Help! Help! I'm a rock
(Help! I'm a rock) help! I'm a rock
Help! Help! I'm a rock (Help)
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band's song "Help I'm A Rock" is a psychedelic rock track that seamlessly blends thematic elements of counterculture with the band's signature sound to deliver a track that is simultaneously humorous and thought-provoking. The track begins with a looped vocal sample of "Help! I'm a rock" that signifies that the song is going to be about the experience of being isolated in a modern world. The titular line is repeated throughout the track, with the lead vocalist expressing frustration at the limitations of being a rock. The lyrics carry a heavy subtext of social commentary, with the rock acting as a metaphor for the isolation of conformist society.
The second verse of the song sees the vocalist expressing a desire to be a cop, which can be seen as a parody of the youth's obsession with authority in the 60s. The following lines about getting a driver's license and picking up some freaks in front of Pandora's Box highlight the singer's desire to break free from society's limitations and embrace the counterculture movement. The middle of the song features a shift in tone, with a sample of a meowing cat signaling the transition. The song then takes on a more experimental structure, with random vocal samples and sounds that reflect the chaotic nature of the time period.
In conclusion, "Help I'm A Rock" is a complex and reflective piece of psychedelic rock music that uses metaphors and experimentation to comment on society's conformist nature. The song's appeal lies in its unconventional structure and ability to deliver a social message using metaphorical language.
Line by Line Meaning
Help! I'm a rock
The singer is overwhelmed and feels trapped in their current state of being.
What a drag it is being a rock
The singer is mocking the idea of being a rock and expressing boredom with their current state.
I think I'm gonna be a cop
The singer is considering a career change to break out of their rock persona.
And go up and get my driver's license
The artist is expressing a desire to gain more freedom and mobility.
Pick up some freaks in front of Pandora's Box
The artist is seeking out new experiences and people outside of their usual circle.
Somebody, please, please help me
The singer is desperate for a way out of their current situation.
I wonder if they're freaking out
The singer is speculating whether others are also feeling trapped and overwhelmed in their lives.
In Kansas City
The artist is pondering over a specific location where others might be experiencing the same feelings.
DC, DC, AC, DC
This is a nonsensical phrase meant to convey the chaos and confusion in the artist's mind.
Help! Help! Help! I'm a rock
The artist is begging for someone or something to break them out of their stagnant state of existence.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frank Zappa
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind