(Recorded August 1976)
One of the first songs to ever openly and graphically comment on pedophilia, the music combines pounding, fast, relentless punk rhythms, clashing progressive atonal jazz improvisations, and 20th century avant garde harmonies juxtaposed against garage Rock power chords.
LYRICS
You're an executive with your own office
You are a rich man
You dress in tailored clothes
You drive a nice car
You wear a diamond ring
Good reputation throughout your neighborhood
You hold good standing in your community
You go to church and you give to charity
You pick the check up in fancy restaurants
Sneak off from work go down by school
Behind the bushes wait be cool
And when the kids get out of class
Go snatch one quick down with your pants
Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! Exposed!
You finished high school then on to college
You studied pretty hard
Received your degree
You met your partner then worked your way up
You met the girl who became your lovely wife
You two made babies and made your family
You love your children
You want the best for them
You give them money
You buy them presents
Flip flop flip flop your pee pee 'round
Doodle doodle it up and down
Gobs of pleasure you receive
Just watching all the children scream
Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! Exposed!
The children run the children scream
Oh mommy mommy help me please
She is mad and quite disturbed
The whole community's perturbed
Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! Exposed!
Throw him out of our town
Far away from children
He belongs in sick home
Nowhere near my kid
Throw him out of our town
Far away from children
He belongs in sick home
Nowhere near my kid
Throw him our of our town
Far away from children
He belongs in sick home
Nowhere near my children
Throw him out of our town
Far away from children
He belongs in sick home
Nowhere near my children
Skafish – Lead & Backing Vocals, Pianos
Larry Mazalan – Guitar
David Prochazka – Organ
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar
Larry Mysliwiec – Drums
(Recorded August 1976)
A fast Punk rhythmical structure repeatedly accented by military style snare drum roles sounds the battle cry for the physical attack of someone strange, weird, a sissy, "a fag." A raw, repetitive musical riff becomes the foundation for wildly atonal improvisations and 20th century avant garde harmonies, including an unusual polytonal waltz section.
LYRICS
Hey little boy you want a sandwich to eat
It can make your mouth flow and it tastes pretty neat
I can feel good when I feed you some food
You're gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on white
Can't throw a football you don't know how to fight
Don't hang around don't you tag on along
'Cause we only run with boys who are big and strong
Go to your bedroom read your science magazine
You're gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on rye
Can't throw a football you don't know how to fight
Your legs are thin and your arms of flab
And your stomach is mush and you walk like a fag
Don't come around I'm gonna give it to you
You're gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on white
Can't throw a football you don't know how to fight
You study hard get the top grades in class
Miss Landers pet 'cause you never would sass
Wait till the bell rings I'm a kickin' your ass
You're gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on white
Can't throw a football you don't know how to fight
Waltz this way boy
I'll grab your limp wrist
I'll show you the way
Because we've dealt with your kind before yeah
Mommas little boy always stay close to home
Play with your sister can't you leave her alone
Splash in your pool daddy bought just for you
But you're gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on white
Can't throw a football you don't know how to fight
Your sister wants to leave she's goin' out with her boyfriend
He comes to pick her up he will not pretend
He hates your little guts about the same as me
He says, "Hey little boy go play in the street!"
Skafish – Vocals, Piano, Organ Solo, Finger Snaps, Tambourine
Larry Mazalan – Guitar, Slide Guitar
David Prochazka – Organ
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar
Larry Mysliwiec – Drums
(Recorded August 1976)
A raw garage drum beat lays the groundwork for wild 1950's Rock 'n' Roll piano mixed with splashes of Progressive Jazz, lyrically featuring the invitation to those who are persecuted and physically harmed to find solace in Skafish's home.
LYRICS
They give you bad feelings
Just keep punchin' and pokin' you
They trip you and you fall
They grab your dime
There's no one to call
If you're all inhibited up ready to explode
I'll let you scream and yell in my home
In - in my home - in my home
They will give you the old one-two
and as they pulverize you
Then they smash you
and knock your block off
You're bloody black and blue
There's nothing to do
If you're all inhibited up ready to explode
I'll let you scream and yell in my home
In - in my home - in my home
After they leave to find a new one
You work and grow old
Embedded memories on your heart
You almost fall apart
Those bad days don't seem to go
If you're all inhibited up ready to explode
I'll let you scream and yell in my home
In - in my home - in my home
Just walk right in...
Skafish – Lead & Backing Vocals, Lead Piano
Larry Mazalan – Guitar
David Prochazka – Rhythm Piano
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar
Larry Mysliwiec – Drums
(1976) (Recorded August 1976)
A simple plea for love, featuring a classic pop vocal and instrumental performance.
LYRICS
As my spirit cries out
Hopin' someone might be there
Well I guess I could forget
All the affection I wish to get
Watch me look the other way
As I watch them walk right by me
Holding hands being close
My half smile is forced
Just look at me
You know I'm a sight
After all this time
Love still ain't right
I'm warm and safe
Yet shakin' with fright
Such a lonely night
They are clingin' together
Never alone
Out every single night
Love could end anytime
Hangin' on hangin' on
Till a good-bye
Just look at me
You know I'm a sight
After all this time
Love still ain't right
I'm warm and safe
Yet shakin' with fright
Such a lonely night
They touch each other
I'm touched by it
If I could run to the store buy it - it's mine
How much would it cost to be held?
Maybe one time
Maybe one time
Maybe one time
Maybe one time
Skafish – Lead & Backing Vocals, Piano
Larry Mazalan – Guitar, Conga
David Prochazka – Organ, Electric Piano
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar
Larry Mysliwiec – Drums
(Recorded October 1977)
The true lyrical story of Skafish going to a posh party of upper class rich women, dressed as one of them, terrorizing the proceedings along with the Skafish posse. Musically Punk, Alternative and Indie, continuing changes are akin to endlessly scurrying-through-a-maze featuring altered jazz harmonies alongside simple classic Rock 'n' Roll chords, punctuated by a piano solo combining Little Richard with traditional Jazz.
LYRICS
Such a nice party
Such a nice home
So many nice pieces of furniture
I tried to warn you
Now I blame you
It 's your fault 'cause you invited me
Please will you show me through your house?
Yes I'll pretend I'm not a louse
I got my eye on all your things
All of the doom I'm gonna bring
Yes I will ruin your time
Then I will wreck your life
Then I will know your party flopped
Drag for your friends hostess
You are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
I love the cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
All of the bodies got the curves
Yes I see everyone is nice
So I will give them lots of lice
I'm gonna dance and crash
All of your lamps go bash
All of your crystal gets a zing
Drag for your friends hostess
You are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
I see we have a party
I'm gonna smash the cake now
It really is so elegant
I'll make your little guests split
Little baby come to me – oh!
You are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
Oh yes I see everyone is nice
So I will give them lots of lice
Then I will wreck your fancy furniture
Then I will wreck your fancy living style
Then I will sign your death
Then you will lose your breath
Then I will wreck your fancy car
Drag for your friends hostess
You are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
I see we have a party
I'm gonna smash the cake now
It really is so elegant
I'll make your little guests split
Little baby sleeping nice come to me – oh!
You are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
Oh little baby oh
(improvised)
Oh oh oh
Little baby sleeping soundly
Dreaming sweet things
I know you
You see me
I'm a face filled with glee
Yes I know I look big
How I will hold you tight
Come to me – oh!
You are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
Yeah you are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
You are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
You are a dope
You didn't know what I would do
You invited me
I'm gonna wreck it for you
It's your fault - it's your fault
You invited me
It's your fault you invited me
Skafish – Lead Vocals, Piano Solo, Party Favor Voice Effect
Larry Mazalan – Guitar, Chorus Co-Lead Vocal
Karen Winner - Guitar
David Prochazka – Organ, Electric Piano
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar
Larry Mysliwiec – Drums
(Recorded October 1977)
Inspired by the true life story of Skafish being chased home, repeatedly persecuted by other kids. New Wave, Chicago Blues, Pop and Punk lay the musical foundation for this "Dear Diary" entry.
LYRICS
Hey little tattle tale you tell on me
(na na na na na na na na na na na)
Tattle tale never let me be
(na na na na na na na na na na na)
The teacher she says she cares
That's why she calls my parents on the phone and warns them to beware
Push me and my books down the stairs
I run to the nurse for care and a band-aid
Nurse is laughing hah hah hah
Even she's down on me
They didn't give me therapy
Just lots of slapping and pushing around
Therapy was later when they all lost hope in washing out my mouth with soap
I'd love to play
I have no friends today
And it feels real bad - oh
That I am not ok
I ran home today
I hid in the garage
All day in the garage
My mother found me
She asks, "Why is everyone down on me?"
(I'm gonna push you down I'm gonna tell on you)
I'm leaving
I'm going
Farewell good-bye
The truant officer was out and looking all around for me
I don't care I'm gonna leave
My mouth is bleeding
My clothes are ripped
I'm in hell
Every day I'm hit
Hey little tattle tale you tell on me
And you knock me down, down, down
I said, "Hey little tattle tale when will you stop beating another kid up?"
(I'm gonna tell on you I'm gonna tell on you)
(I'm gonna push you down I'm gonna tell on you)
I said, "Hey little tattle tale everyday you make me cry and run away everyday"
(na na na na na na na na na na na)
(na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na)
Skafish – Lead Vocals, Piano
Larry Mazalan – Lead Guitar, Guitar
Karen Winner - Guitar
David Prochazka – Organ, Backing Vocals
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar
Larry Mysliwiec – Drums
(Studio) (Recorded October 1977)
The first blatantly sacrilegious Rock song in history, "heavenly" inspired by 12 years of daily Catholic school and Church abuse by nuns, priests, teachers and students. Motivated as well by Skafish's classmates' repeated molestation by a priest. Musically punk, alternative and hardcore, performed with classical level precision, and surreal harmonies recalling ancient church organ echoes with the shocking lyric line: "Do a genuflection, maybe you will get a huge erection."
LYRICS
I wanna have some fun tonight
I never have a happy day
I never get to feel right
Please will you help me find the way
Let's do the Sign of the Cross
It'll make you feel real boss
Do a genuflection
Oh maybe you'll get an erection doin' the Sign of the Cross
If you're depressed and full of strife
If you are sick of living life
If you are sad and full of woe
I have the key to fun behold
Let's do the Sign of the Cross
It'll make us feel real boss
Do a genuflection
Oh maybe you'll get an erection doin' the Sign of the Cross
All of the kids who bop around
Everyone rocks around the town
All of the kids are getting down
Even the adults are foolin' around
They do the Sign of the Cross
It makes them feel real boss
Get up get down get dancing do the Sign of the Cross
Do a genuflection maybe you will get a huge erection
Get up get down get dancing do the Sign of the Cross
I would have killed myself today
I would have smeared myself away
I would have been so glad to die
But in the midst of all my strife
I did the Sign of the Cross
It made me feel real boss
Do a genuflection
Oh maybe you'll get an erection doin' the Sign of the Cross
If you're afraid you'll go to hell
You better start your dancing now
If you don't quite get up to heaven
I'll guarantee at least purgatory
Let's do the Sign of the Cross
It'll make us feel real boss
Get up get down get dancing do the Sign of the Cross
Do a genuflection
Oh maybe you'll get an erection
Get up get down get dancing do the Sign of the Cross
Follow me before it's too late for your eternal salvation
Skafish – Vocals
Larry Mazalan – Guitar, Lead Guitar
Karen Winner – Guitar, Adapted Slide Guitar
David Prochazka – Organ, Electric Piano
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar
Larry Mysliwiec – Drums
(1977) (Recorded October 1977)
Punk / Metal meets Chicago Urban Blues with a burlesque rhythmical flare, the self deprivation, hatred and guilt based on complete ostracism from society is expressed in lyrically graphic, pummeling shame, beginning with the opening line, "I am feeling like I need some abuse."
LYRICS
I am feeling like I need some abuse
Throw me 'round the room let me be misused
I don't feel right
No liberation here
Rub my nose in doggie's duty today
Please embarrass me so I'll be ashamed
I cannot be proud
No liberation here
I have close to no pride
Which way?
Where is the bathroom?
I will do my duty here
Where's the disease infested toilet seat that I can plunge in deep?
Bury my head and face in crappy toilet water in shit
Let me kiss the one with bad breath that reeks
Let my tongue caress the rotted brown teeth
I can't walk with my head held high
No liberation here
I can't look at myself with pride or joy
Every night I'm filled with fright
I look all up and down
Behold what a sight
Mother nature secretly told me this is not right
Well my darling let's see what I can be
When my body does defy the basic birds and bees
There's a couple who wear fry boots today
And they make good love in the outdoors today
Love in the great outdoors
How does it feel to be free in the great outdoors?
I have close to no pride
Which way?
Where is the bathroom?
I will do my duty here
Where's the disease infested toilet seat that I can plunge in deep?
Bury my head and face in crappy toilet water in shit
I don't feel right
No liberation here
I cannot be proud
No liberation here
I can't walk with my head held high
No liberation here
I don't feel right
I'm a prisoner
I'm a prisoner
I'm a prisoner
I cannot be proud
I have nothing to be proud of
I am not proud
I am not proud
I can't walk with my head held high
No liberation here
Skafish – Lead Vocals, Piano
Larry Mazalan – Guitar, Lead Guitar, Vocals
Karen Winner – Guitar
David Prochazka – Electric Piano,
Spoken Vocal "Which Way?"
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar
Larry Mysliwiec – Drums, Tambourine
(Breath vocal effects by entire band)
(Single Version) (Recorded July/August 1978 - Previously released November 1979)
With an introduction that foreshadowed the industrial movement, multiple sections make this complex musical / vocal piece a social commentary for the working man, featuring an intricate group vocal performance.
LYRICS
What's the average guy gonna do?
What's the average guy gonna do?
He just has a labor job
He can't find a better job
Work all day in the steel mill
Be a cop or drive a truck
Get a four-year college degree
End up in the factory
Be the man who works all day
You get your pay
Spend it on a Friday night
Life's not great but it's not bad
You don't think much about being sad
You just do what you have to do
Work all day you got a job to do
Muscles work
Your body is as hard as rock
Hit him like a rock tonight
Drive the car through morning traffic
Punch the clock and start the day
The loud machines ring in your ear
The air is grey your body's aching
When does it stop so you can relax?
Get up every morning work for your money
There's a bar right down the street
After the work the guys meet
They're dirty and hot they want a beer
They watch the baseball game here
Chicago Cubs will play today
They're gonna shout "Hey! Hey!"
Blacks and whites and Mexicans
Ethnic men from Poland
Call your friends
You'll have some fun when you get drunk
Drinking with the guys tonight
Drive the car through morning traffic
Punch the clock and start the day
The loud machines ring in your ear
The air is grey your body's aching
When does it stop so you can relax?
Get up in the morning work for your money
No one helps you out
You're stuck like millions working everyday
Just work work work work
Work work work work
Work work work work work
It won't stop
All the men work they're stuck in the middle
Nowhere near richness
But they aren't starving
Taxes, food, car payments, electric bills
Oh but you're not starving
Now you're an old man
Do you get to retire or do you die soon from a heart attack?
You worked your whole life and broke your back
Every day just seems the same you did your work
Work work work work
Work work work work
Skafish – Lead Vocals, Piano, Lead Guitar
Larry Mazalan - Guitar, Slide Whistle, Vocals
Karen Winner - Guitar, Adapted Slide Guitar,
Vibraslap, Vocals, Chorus Co-Lead Vocal
Mark Winner - Electric Piano, Organ, Vocals
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar, Bugle, Vocals
Larry Mysliwiec - Drums
(Recorded July/August 1978)
Sophisticated Pop and Jazz harmonies, rich vocal textures and lyrics which express empathy for the disenfranchised, showcasing the versatility of Skafish and his band.
LYRICS
You ask your best friend for some nice advice
What you might do with your life and time
He said, "You were dumb and you won't succeed"
Right then and there you were about to cry
About to cry so sad
Don't you cry there's a world
There's a world
Passing by
Why do you let it pass?
Find your world
Grab your special world
It's your life - your life
What to do - and your choice
I feel you can do ok
It's hard to face things don't run away
I'll be by your side
You won't even know
I'll send your spirit the healing of
The healing of above
Don't you cry there's a world
There's a world
Passing by
Why do you let it pass?
Find your world
Grab your special world
It's your life - your life
What to do - and your choice
You are strong
I'll make you strong
You'll be strong
So you won't just survive
You'll climb and have a choice tonight
You won't fall I'll hold you up
You won't fall
You'll be the strongest thing
That I ever did see
You answer the ad for a job interview
They are so harsh they intimidate you
They say "We are busy we don't have time"
You stop and think
Now what can I do what can I do at all?
Don't you cry there's a world
There's a world
Passing by
Why do you let it pass?
Find your world
Grab your special world
It's your life - it's your life
What to do - and your choice
They will say you will flop
They will hold you down
They will laugh as you fall
They don't care for you
It's your choice
Try and break free - if you can
Skafish – Lead Vocals, Piano, Vibes, Sleigh Bells, Tambourine
Larry Mazalan - Guitar, Vocals
Karen Winner - Guitar, Vocals
Mark Winner - Electric Piano, Vocals
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Larry Mysliwiec - Drums
(Single Version) (Recorded July/August 1978 - Previously released November 1979)
Skafish's mother thought she would shame her freakish son by proclaiming, "All you ever do is disgrace the family name," but instead, she inspired a Punk, New Wave, Alternative and Indie anthem, composed with a single guitar in merely a few minutes. MTV's Kurt Loder described the piece in Rolling Stone magazine on December 11, 1980 as "...the amazing "Disgracing The Family Name," a thundering slice of autobiographical bile that sounds like a berserk merry-go-round cut loose from its linchpins."
LYRICS
How are the old folks at home?
Grandmother built respect for family name
My father worked to keep it just the same
My mother once was proud of family name
Paralyzing the family name with paralysis
My brother Peter does not understand
My sister Mary Lou she hopes the best
When I was small they knew I was a pest
Pesty little moron (Oh what a shame)
Disgracing the family name
Debasing the family name
Erasing their fine fine reputation
How are the old folks at home?
Parents rejected me household germ
I crawl all through the garden with the worms
I am the rotten apple with the worms
Chewing at my core (Oh what a shame)
Disgracing the family name
Debasing the family name
Erasing their fine fine reputation
Listen to them whine as they dine
Whine - whine - whine -whine - whine
I started school at a primal age
Teachers were so enraged hated me
I lifted old ladies dresses at age three
Dirty as a baby (Ooh - oh what a shame)
Disgracing the family name
Debasing the family name
Erasing their fine fine reputation
How are the old folks at home?
Oh they hang their heads in shame
You better leave the neighborhood
And change your name 'cause I am
Disgracing - Destroy the family name
Debasing - Wrecking, ruining the family name
Disgracing - Erasing, erasing their fine fine reputation
Disgracing - I will embarrass my family name
Debasing - Destroy the family name
Debasing - Suffocating their fine fine reputation
Disgracing - Erasing the family name
Erasing - Wrecking, ruining their fine fine reputation
Skafish - Lead Vocals, Piano, Lead Guitar
Larry Mazalan - Guitar, Vocals
Karen Winner - Guitar, Vocals
Mark Winner – Organ, Electric Piano, Vocals
Greg Sarchet – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Larry Mysliwiec - Drums
(Hand Claps by entire band)