- Friedrich Nietzsche
If you don't know how Joe Fox feels about you or anything else for that matter, you haven't listened closely enough. He'll tell you anything you need to know with ease, albeit in a quiet, no-nonsense manner. You'll know if he loves you or not, what else he loves or hates, and why, if you listen. Joe Fox as you hear him now began about five years ago when he was twenty years old. His collection of instruments consists of guitars, bass, his voice, and a plethora of synthesizers and weird little boxes that hum, buzz and control each other. Given his love of bands like Air and Blonde Redhead, the variety of tools he chose to wield makes perfect sense.
Speaking of electronics: a synth has never sounded so expressive as it has in his songs. 'A' synth? No - I should comment upon the plurality of devices which you will hear....each, like a traveller from a unique, remote crevasse or wrinkle of the globe, stepping up and telling his or her part of the story. The guitars, too, add a sort of urgent narrative.... as if the flesh pressing tightly-wound metal against stained wood knows this isn't possible forever. His vocals, as well, speak with a contempt of his own humanity but a soaring love for all that makes him human. The traces of this human frailty you might pick up from his voice belie his knack for pronounced emotional clarity; you'll never be confused as to how to feel, if you really listen.
Inspired directly by a tragically intense best friend back in the school days, Joe became interested in writing & recording at the age of fourteen. His musical and thematic inspiration could safely be attributed to his family thus: his mother (a teacher of middle eastern music and dance and former pianist) and his father (well-versed in the blues) left many instruments available as precursory playthings to a developing musical personality. He was also most certainly influenced by his sister's musical tastes of the Reagan era, such as the Cure, Devo, & The Talking Heads. Speaking of influences, I feel as if I should mention this: Joe's music and friendship has made probably the most direct and personal effect upon my own tinkering with electronic music and home recording that I can recall.
What you might not find out, however, if your dialogue with him was a bit brief, is that he makes music. Praise be to the attenuation (or volume control) of modern and not-so-modern electronics. Whereas when in person you might be prone to lean in to catch every word, here ... a quick clockwise motion is all that's necessary. This is something you will want to do. You'll probably also feel like moving around quite a bit.
-Ryan Hampton
(for more info, music, photos, etc. go here: http://jfox.raygunarmy.com/)
What's The Word
joe fox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You bought that flake, get through the day
And I'm inside just countin' blues
Hiding from the TV news
Sex and drugs is all my pleasure
In this little life of leisure
A pretty girl, she don't believe
Well, what's the word on the street?
What's the word on the street?
What's the word I need to tell myself
'Cause all these pills, they just ain't helpin' me
I can't think or see
Soon in love we all succumb
You get nine lives and then you're done
But here they comes, your politician
Stage magician, little difference
Well, what's the word on the street?
What's the word on the street?
I said, what's the word I need to tell myself
'Cause all these pills, they just ain't helpin' me
Well, what's the word on the street?
Ah tell me, what's the word on the street?
What's the word on the street?
Ah tell me, what's the word on the street?
What's the word I need to tell myself
'Cause all these pills, they just ain't helpin' me
I can't fight the sea
What's the word I need to tell myself
All these pills, they just ain't helpin' me
In "What's the Word," Joe Fox seems to be describing a life of aimlessness and boredom. He expresses a sense of detachment from the world around him, as he observes the kids in his neighborhood resorting to drugs to get through the day, while he remains inside counting his problems. He confesses to finding pleasure in sex and drugs, but at the same time acknowledges that they haven't provided him with any real sense of relief. He then poses the question, "what's the word on the street?" as if he is seeking answers or guidance from outside himself. He seems to be grappling with a sense of hopelessness and a lack of direction, yearning for something more meaningful to hold on to.
The imagery of the politician and the stage magician that he employs in the final verse suggests that he sees these figures as manipulators, who present false images of reality to the masses. It seems to imply a sense of disillusionment with the systems and institutions that he encounters in his everyday life. The repeated refrain of "what's the word on the street?", serves as a reminder of the search for truth and meaning that lies at the heart of the song.
Overall, "What's the Word" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of modern life, and the search for authenticity and truth amidst a sea of noise and confusion.
Line by Line Meaning
All the kids around my way
Referring to people in the neighborhood who engage in drug use to cope with their problems.
You bought that flake, get through the day
People resort to using drugs such as cocaine to cope with everyday challenges.
And I'm inside just countin' blues
Expressing personal sadness and loneliness while contemplating life.
Hiding from the TV news
Trying to avoid the depressing news and negative energy in the media.
Sex and drugs is all my pleasure
Describing addiction as the only source of pleasure in life.
In this little life of leisure
Describing a life of comfort, but with no real purpose or fulfillment.
A pretty girl, she don't believe
A pretty girl, who is skeptical of what she sees and hears around her.
Anything she hears or sees
Questioning the validity and authenticity of information presented to her.
Well, what's the word on the street?
Asking for the current situation and gossip that is going around the neighborhood.
What's the word I need to tell myself
Asking for the truth and most important information to help improve his life.
'Cause all these pills, they just ain't helpin' me
Realizing that drugs and medication are not the solution to his problems.
I can't think or see
Acknowledging the negative effects of drug abuse on cognitive function and perception.
Soon in love we all succumb
Discussing the inevitability of falling in love and becoming vulnerable.
You get nine lives and then you're done
Metaphorically implying that humans have limited chances or opportunities in life before they die.
But here they comes, your politician
Referring to political figures who frequently make false promises and use manipulation tactics.
Stage magician, little difference
Comparing politicians to magicians who use illusions to deceive and distract the public.
Ah tell me, what's the word on the street?
Repeating the question in order to emphasize the importance of knowing what is truly happening.
What's the word I need to tell myself
Reiterating the importance of seeking truth and helpful information.
I can't fight the sea
Acknowledging the futility and helplessness he feels when faced with overwhelming problems in life.
All these pills, they just ain't helpin' me
Reaffirming that drugs are not the solution to his problems.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: OLIVER JOSEPH FOX-WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind