Harry You're A Beast
Zappa Mothers Lyrics
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And I'm not gonna be kind or easy
Your whole attitude stinks, I say
And the life you lead is completely empty
You paint your head
Your mind is dead
You don't even know what I just said
THAT'S YOU: AMERICAN WOMANHOOD!
You're phony on top
You're phony underneath
You lay in bed & grit your teeth
MADGE, I WANT YOUR BODY!
HARRY, GET BACK!
MADGE, IT'S NOT MERELY PHYSICAL!
HARRY, YOU'RE A BEAST!
Don't come in me, in me
Don't come in me, in me
Don't come in me, in me
Don't come in me, in me
MADGE, I... MADGE... I COULDN'T HELP IT...
I... DOGGONE IT!
The lyrics of Frank Zappa’s song, “Harry, You’re a Beast” speaks straight to the point, as the singer openly criticizes Harry’s lifestyle and attitude. The first two lines serve as an introduction to the forthcoming criticism from the singer to Harry. The singer proceeds to declare the Harry's attitude stinks and the life he leads is devoid of meaning. After highlighting his displeasure with Harry, the singer then focuses on American womanhood, identifying it as something phony, pointing out that this phoniness is not just surface-level, and that American women are gritting their teeth over empty lives.
The reference to "Madge" and "Harry" adds an interesting twist to the song. One interpretation of this chorus could be that Harry is pursuing Madge, who is resisting his advances on a physical level, while still giving in to him somewhat. Harry, in turn, seems to justify his behavior with the belief that it's "not merely physical," adding further complexity to their relationship.
Overall, "Harry You're A Beast" is about the emptiness of a certain kind of lifestyle and the men and women who pursue it, as well as the societal expectations that keep them trapped in it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna tell you the way it is
I'm going to speak the truth to you without any sugarcoating.
And I'm not gonna be kind or easy
I won't be gentle or lenient while speaking the truth.
Your whole attitude stinks, I say
Your entire outlook and behavior are unpleasant and offensive.
And the life you lead is completely empty
The way you're living your life is devoid of purpose or fulfillment.
You paint your head
You color your hair.
Your mind is dead
Your intellect or creativity is non-existent.
You don't even know what I just said
You lack the mental capacity to comprehend my words.
THAT'S YOU: AMERICAN WOMANHOOD!
Your behavior epitomizes the negative stereotypes associated with American women.
You're phony on top
You're superficial and fake on the surface.
You're phony underneath
Your insincerity extends beneath your surface-level behavior.
You lay in bed & grit your teeth
You lie awake in bed and clench your teeth, indicating your internal anxiety or distress.
MADGE, I WANT YOUR BODY!
I desire your physicality, Madge.
HARRY, GET BACK!
Harry, stay away or give me space.
MADGE, IT'S NOT MERELY PHYSICAL!
Madge, our relationship is not solely about physical attraction.
HARRY, YOU'RE A BEAST!
Harry, you have animalistic or brutish qualities.
Don't come in me, in me
Don't ejaculate inside of me.
Don't come in me, in me
Don't ejaculate inside of me.
Don't come in me, in me
Don't ejaculate inside of me.
Don't come in me, in me
Don't ejaculate inside of me.
MADGE, I... MADGE... I COULDN'T HELP IT...
I... DOGGONE IT!
Madge, I am sorry I couldn't control myself and ejaculated inside of you. I am frustrated and upset with myself.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frank Zappa
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind