| Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros – Mondo Bongo Lyrics | 13 years ago |
| Of course, in this case, it could very well mean "drug zone" as previously suggested. I was just adding a little extra info on the word. It probably doesn't mean "clean canoe." Heh. | |
| Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros – Mondo Bongo Lyrics | 13 years ago |
| p.s. Pachinko is a type of Japanese pinball. I have a pachinko machine that my grandfather brought back in the late 30's. They've been common all over the world in casinos for years, and they're small and portable, so they can be placed anywhere. | |
| Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros – Mondo Bongo Lyrics | 13 years ago |
|
Identifying info in the song: CIA, monorail, bauxite mine, Zapatistas, latino caribo The only Caribbean area with bauxite production, a monorail service for workers (now defunct), Zapatista influence and widely known CIA influence would be Jamaica. In the late 70's through the 80's, this would have been a good depiction of Jamaican life in the bauxite mining industries. Our narrator seems to be observing, as well as using the impersonal "you." Past that there is only speculation, so I'll keep it brief: "The CIA was on the phone" always sounded to me like the CIA was tapping the phones; just generally maintaining an intelligence presence in the area. It's consistent with the mood of the song, but it's obviously not verifiable without more info. A general languor seems present; a world of unrest, but with little to do but drift through the days, waiting to go home. |
|
* This information can be up to 15 minutes delayed.