Fischer was institutionalized at age 19 for attacking his mother with a knife. Following his release, Fischer wandered L.A. singing his unique brand of songs for 10¢ to by-passers. Discovered by Frank Zappa, with whom he recorded his first album, Fischer became an underground concert favorite, earning him the title "godfather of outsider music." Zappa was responsible for Fischer's initial foray into the business of music, an album called An Evening with Wild Man Fischer, contains 36 tracks of "something not exactly musical." Frank and the Wild Man remained close--until Fischer threw a beer bottle at baby Moon Unit.
He has collaborated with Linda Ronstadt, Tom Waits, Jim Morrison, and Janis Joplin, and has recorded with Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo.
Fischer went on to record three full-length albums for Rhino. In the 1980s, Fischer worked with Art (Bill Mumy) and Artie Barnes (Robert Haimer), to produce two albums, Pronounced Normal (1981) and Nothing Scary (1984). Fischer has appeared on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and has been the subject of his own comic book The Legend Of Wild Man Fischer. In 1986, Barnes and Barnes also wrote and produced "It's A Hard Business", a duet featuring Fischer singing along with the late Rosemary Clooney. The song was the result of a bizarre telephone friendship that began after Clooney heard Fischer's song "Oh God, Please Send Me A Kid To Love."
Merry Go Round
Wild Man Fischer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Me and you can go merry go round!
It's very easy, just go up and down!
C'mon, c'mon let's merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Everybody's going merry go round!
Let us go-ho-ho uh-up and down!
C'mon, c'mon let's merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Mary taught me to go merry go round!
We're all going merry go round!
C'mon, c'mon let's merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Merry go, merry go, merry go round!
I say let's merry go, merry go, merry go round!
I say let's merry go, merry go, merry go . . .
The lyrics of "Merry Go Round" by Wild Man Fischer seem to be a playful invitation to join in on the fun of a merry-go-round ride. The repetitive chorus of "Merry go, merry go, merry go round" and the nonsensical "Boop boop boop" add to the whimsy and light-heartedness of the song. The verses describe how easy it is to ride the merry-go-round, and it seems like the singer is encouraging someone to join them in the activity, perhaps a friend or a love interest.
However, it's worth noting that Wild Man Fischer was known for his unconventional approach to songwriting and performance, often incorporating elements of his mental illness into his work. In this context, the lyrics could be interpreted as a manifestation of his manic energy and a desire to escape from reality through the thrill of the ride.
Line by Line Meaning
C'mon let's merry go, merry go, merry go round! Boop boop boop!
Let's ride the merry-go-round and enjoy ourselves!
Me and you can go merry go round! It's very easy, just go up and down!
Riding the merry-go-round is simple and fun, so we should do it together!
Everybody's going merry go round! Let us go-ho-ho uh-up and down!
Everyone is enjoying riding the merry-go-round, so let's join in and experience the same excitement!
Mary taught me to go merry go round! We're all going merry go round!
Someone named Mary showed me how to ride the merry-go-round, and now we're all enjoying it together!
I say let's merry go, merry go, merry go round!
I suggest we keep riding the merry-go-round and continue having a good time!
Contributed by Jasmine M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@garywillens7792
Hi everyone. I actually knew him personally back in the late 60's/early 70's when he was hanging around the Westwood Village. He loved to carry around his vinyl album and show the cover to everyone and then sing a song to them. I was working at Woody's Smorgasburger. He would come in and walk around the tables and if someone happened to leave part of their burger on the plate he would pick it up and eat it. Sometimes I would slip him a burger if the manager was not around. I was fortunate not to ever see him in one of his moods. Anyway, for some strange reason I really enjoy his music. Best wishes to everyone from here in L.A. on 6/30/2021
@streetleveltech
I was at UCLA back then and I remember seeing Wild Man Fischer around town. I also remember being a regular for the weekly special at Woody's so you might have served me and my roomie a time or two.
@indigohammer5732
"I actually knew him personally". Nae luck.
@Stefanio64
That is great man, dig your openmind/heartedness!!! Take care.
@bytessquared
I never had the pleasure but a friend of mine showed me a documentary about him.
@teddratch_owner_signature_4920
A bit like Andy Kaufman but more on the musical side.
@ekolke
Love this album! Wild Man Fisher was a true original!
@tokengimp
Any song that puts a smile on your face can't be all bad can it?
@UncleChuck2000
Back in the day, I purchased the "Zapped" loss leader album from Warner Bros for $1. Since the day I received it in the mail, most of the songs have been swirling in my head. To this day, Merry-Go-Round echos in my head whenever I see something totally messed up. Since 11/8/16, it has become a continuous earworm soundtrack whenever I watch the news. Where is Wild Man Fischer when you really need him??? Thank you Larry F. and Frank Z.
@jonathanhains814
Charles Olszewski what happened on that dsy?