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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
 Posted - 02/21/2005 : 16:31:55
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Here is a song that seems a wee bit angry. I'm curious to hear any opinions on its inspiration. Who is Frank talking about, and
what is "solid gold". |
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IceCream
= Quote Accumulator =
USA
1850 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 16:41:04
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| it's about road rage....someone else could explain this better |
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NSpannaus
- FB Fan -
32 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 17:26:25
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| my least favorite song from an otherwise great album |
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fumanbru
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1462 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 18:49:13
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i thought it was about that dance show in the 80's with marilyn mccoo and arsenio hall.
 "I joined the Cult of Frank/ and I got a free t-shirt with this dude on it." |
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2005 : 20:18:11
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| road rage? i like that. "pedal to the metal" sure. |
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frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 04:03:44
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| I think the 'solid gold' maybe a ring. could be wrong. whatever it is, it's for your finger |
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lonely persuader
= Cult of Ray =
Ireland
488 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 04:47:01
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think its about a guy whose girlfriend is'nt so happy, a bit of a terror really...
i think "pedal to the metal" is that he think's he should really be getting the fuck outa there
(the relationship) cos she's not really in a good place (shall we say)... now, i not sure if he's married to the girl or not (cos of the ring) but he could be, and he may be feeling trapped...
sin eá really |
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frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 05:06:17
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yeah i think its about a girl too.
love gone wrong, gone stale maybe. or someone he's into but it's unrequited.
and not for the first time.
Fourthly you're suspect
Thirdly you don't get
Secondly you've got no respect
Finally you're not the first |
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ivandivel
= Cult of Ray =
394 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 06:58:17
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| I think it is a brilliant song, absolutely one of mye all-time FB favorites. I thought it was about someone who is not happy with his current girl who seems to be putting him down, wearing a frown, and scary (oh i know how, she is a terror) - clearly not a good person for the "I" in the song. He offers the goods, but it's no good. Lyrics about being miserable, still there's a cool swing and punch to the song, so it doesn't come off as whiney. Great song. |
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 19:44:00
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sounds like a scolding to me, I'm thinking "pedal to the metal" is a distortion pedal
and "you get the medal" (different spelling) is an award type thing
"mister it's a sin" thats no girl he's singin bout. then i think he turns it on himself kinda relating to
"getting so down" |
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Jordo
- FB Fan -
USA
98 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 21:40:56
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One of my favorite Frank Black songs. Captures the HORROR and nightmare of a doomed awful relationship that just keeps getting worse.
Jordan
my music! my music!
www.jordancooperLaLaLa.com
www.myspace.com/jordancooper |
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OldManInaCoffeeCan
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1467 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 22:04:35
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A real tear-jerker for me. I love it! Very therapeutic.
My take on it is this: This guy is in love ("I'd give you sold gold just for your finger) with a girl suffering from bi-polar disorder ("Pedal to the metal [manic episode], Mister it's a sin getting so down,[depression], anger management and/or delusional behavior (I was glad when you couldn't hear me, Nervous laughter when you shouted and cursed) that worries, embarrasses, and scares him.
He knows it's not all her fault and that she is somewhat a victim of circumstances ("I'm not saying I understand, Lord knows who can understand, Life can be an awful plan, And yours it ain't the worst")
But, damn, he just can't take it anymore, finally forced to end the relationship, give up, and move on...
("Here she comes now,In my mirror[this is when they first met, he is driving and he sees her in his rear view mirror,]
("Now I see her,In her mirror,Wearing a frown [this is when they have parted, she is driving off and he catches one last look at her frown in her rear view mirror])
Anyway, that's my take on it, might not be what the author was singing about, but those are the visuals and the emotions I get from it.
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Jason
* Dog in the Sand *
1446 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 22:20:37
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I really loved that post from awhile back interpreting the song as being about being stuck in traffic (or road rage, whatever). It made me like the song more.
"Never since I met you did let me in". Seeing her in his mirror. She not hearing his nervous laughter while she shouts and curses (in her car).
The finger is a raised middle finger. The solid gold (or the medal for getting so down and scariest frown) is Frank's odd way of remarking "Wow, you're the angriest driver I've seen in all day".
I'm not sure what the part about the sky "when the clouds are turned to isles" is about. Maybe it's Frank's way of saying "Do you ever slow down? Ever stop to smell the roses?"
By all means, the free and open interpretation of song lyrics is to be encouraged, though. |
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2005 : 22:39:55
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I'm with ya on smellin the roses. FRANK sounds a little like LOU REED there dont she? and the "shouted and cursed" I think thats someone with mild terets
syndrome. |
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TarTar
* Dog in the Sand *
1965 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 05:09:06
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Someone named OxNard had this theory a few years ago when the idea was presented that much of the self-titled Catholics album was about the break-up of the Pixies:
Believe it or not you might not have too bad of an idea there. "All My Ghosts", "The Man Who Was Too Loud", and "Do You Feel Bad About It?" might all be about the demise of the Pixies. In "Solid Gold" is not Mr. Francis basically telling Kim deal that his bass player now really sucks and if she would just came back into his fold then a HUGE record could be released:
"I'd give you solid gold, just for your finger..."
Let 'em riot. We're Sonic-fuckin'-Death Monkey. |
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frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 05:17:32
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I always thought Man Who Was... was about FB and his solo stuff, being too loud and now he's turned down the distortion, still being able to makehis sound. That is until I found out it's about Jonathan Richman (correct?) a few years later.
That kim theory's a good one TarTar, i'm gonna go with that one just becasue it's funny.
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Jason
* Dog in the Sand *
1446 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 08:29:45
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Personally I think the Pixies thing is the least interesting (and least likely) interpretation of those songs.
I actually can't think of a single Frank Black song that strikes me as being about the Pixies break-up. Maybe the choice of "Hang on to Your Ego" as a cover was his statement on that (and the idea of him expressing it through someone else's song rather than his own is interesting to me). Or maybe not. |
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MMD
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
233 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 08:32:39
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This song is about road rage, obviously. Just read the lyrics. "Never since I met you, Did you let me in" "Pedal to the metal, Mister, it’s a sin" "I’d give you solid gold, Just for your finger" "I was glad when you couldn’t hear me, Nervous laughter when you shouted and cursed" "Here she comes now. In my mirror"
“Not since Orson Welles had one man so many fingers in so many pies, and been the chef as well. And then looked like he went and ate them all. The guy was out of control.” |
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frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 09:26:00
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MMD, speak some more.
You could be wrong, but thinking of my experiences over the last few days on the motorway, you may just have cracked it.
(even though it was mentioned earlier, your words are more visionary) |
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BrotherMoe
- FB Fan -
Faroe Islands
1 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 11:24:42
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| THIS SONG IS WITHOUT A DOUBT ABOUT ROAD RAGE. FB HAS SAID SO AT NUMEROUS LIVE SHOWS I ATTENDED. |
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Frog in the Sand
-+ Le premiere frog +-
France
2715 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 12:02:00
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| Probably a pure coincidence, but a strange one: Larry Norman, who wrote 'Six-Sixty-Six', the track before 'Solid Gold', created a label called 'Solid Rock'. |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 12:55:22
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Brother Moe, ye of one post, please tell us more. Love the all-caps look, just like Frank types when he's here. So which shows? When? More, please, Moe.
I still believe in the excellent joy of the Frank |
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Frog in the Sand
-+ Le premiere frog +-
France
2715 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 13:09:48
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| Looks like Frank has at least 17 accounts here. This guy should be banned from the forum. |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 14:45:52
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I think Frank has said it was about driving on a particular highway in the LA area. I'm not sure which one, though. I've never actually been to that area.
"Reunion? Shit union!" |
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 17:38:45
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brother moe welcome to the forum. I'm new here myself . I last saw FRANK solo
at FEZ (sp?) in NYC its a little place under the Time cafe. Reid Paley went on first
then FRANK and Reid made some noise together then it was all FRANK were you there? |
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frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2005 : 05:13:31
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| hey brothermoe, so how's frank going down in the Land of the Faroe |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2005 : 11:04:05
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I've heard the road-rage story myself from Frank live. This song is one of my all-time favorite Frank tunes. His theatrical vocals are so groovy, and even though "Here she comes now, in my mirror" is definatly associated with a rearview mirror view, I cannot help but visualize the old "Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary" chant droned by children enveloped in the scary darkness of the bathroom...in front of the mirror...calling upon the evil spectress. I also visualize a bloody finger seperated from it's finger post (ha!) when he shreiks "I'll give you solid gold...just for your finger!" as though he is crazed and determined enough for a peice of his rival. It's such a manic and visual song for me...I love it!
Catchin' blue in his eyes that were brown
-bRIAN |
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misterwoe
= Cult of Ray =
Greece
675 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2005 : 17:49:41
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If the song is really about road rage, that line that says, "I'll give solid gold just for your finger," it could be a little sarcasm about somebody flipping the bird. You know what I mean?
Do it--flip me off. I want you to. Bitch.
Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole. |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5454 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2005 : 22:10:25
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"I’d give you solid gold
Just for your finger
You get the medal
For getting so down"
Someone is getting the gold medal for doing such a good job of road rage (the finger and later the scariest frown).
A companion song to the "Scene". |
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frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2005 : 03:24:55
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quote:
Originally posted by BrotherMoe
THIS SONG IS WITHOUT A DOUBT ABOUT ROAD RAGE. FB HAS SAID SO AT NUMEROUS LIVE SHOWS I ATTENDED.
if frank says it's so, then it be.
love the 'flip the bird' reference misterwoe, this song has taken on a whole new meaning to me. i never really thought about it before, just enjoyed the song as much as the album it's on. My fave Catholics record. |
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misterwoe
= Cult of Ray =
Greece
675 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2005 : 12:11:18
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Yeah, man. Me too. I'll really have to crank this song up next time I'm driving on the highway, weaving through incompetent drivers, gambling with my own life, all the while jamming to FB. I mean I'll really turn it up, you know? It would be to go like one hundred miles per hour too, but I probably won't go that fast because I don't have the money to pay for such an outrageous ticket. I don't want to die either. That would suck. I'll probably go 75 mph. That's how fast I usually go on the interstate.
Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole. |
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Wade
- FB Fan -
115 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2005 : 13:57:04
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Good thread. I never really have been one of these "try to figure out what was in their head when they wrote it " type of people... and this song always made me, like some others her, think of either a relationship gone bad, or revelations in disgust of people he knew... but the road rage thing brings some perspective. Nice. Great when you find out one of your favorite songs is even better than you thought once you know what the hell he's talking about. I always like this one.... for the "Gettin' So Dow ow ownnnn." and "Scary-essst Frow ow ownnn" parts. Just a unique tonal direction for that part of the song... pardon my lack of eloquence.
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2005 : 17:11:51
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thanks for playing along everyone,
road rage kills, at the least its a waste of energy.
"and i wish we all waved.....all waved" |
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frank black conspiracy
~ Abstract Brain ~
1126 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2005 : 17:29:09
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job well done dan
another fb song explained away
1 down, how many to go? a few!
and a comment from the man too, or was it
road rage will never be the same |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2005 : 18:37:49
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It was, it was...It had to be. I mean, think about it.
I still believe in the excellent joy of the Catholics |
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2005 : 20:08:21
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i've thought about and i think its YOU KATHRYN! you're FRANK oh i knew you were sly but i got you now. lookout
here comes a hundred no a zillion questions and words of praise to your email. like FRANK will you give me guitar lessons? i mean your music alone has inspired me to play, but how about some pointers some tips
on the song wrighting process, nothin too fancy just some 2 minute dittie type stuff. oh.. and singing and playing
at the same time, i'm workin at it but i'm sure you have a method. please share. yes even more then you allready have. ok i'll wait.
just kiddin kathryn i know how you feel.
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Edited by - danjersey on 02/27/2005 20:11:30 |
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Topic |
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solid gold
