I don't really think this song is about taking acid. From what I can tell Don wasn't a big proponent of drugs. And yeah, LSD sometimes comes with pretty pictures, I don't think just having a picture on something qualifies it as a decal.
A decal is like a little sticker that you put on something (model airplane for example). Yeah, that model plane may look like the real deal with all those cool decals on it, but the decals are just a thin, artificial mask that only hides what really is. Beneath all the stickers, it's just a hunk of plastic.
I think Beefheart is using decals as a metaphor for the masks we wear and the personas we portray in social situations. It's only when you get rid of the decals, that you get to the true nature of yourself.
I also agree with ozacrot that the sexual aspect of this song was intended. "I want to lick you everywhere it's pink 'N everywhere you think". You may say I have a dirty mind but I know what I'M thinking...
And that nod to the Beatles is a great opener for both the song and the entire album. It lets you know just what kind of ride you've strapped yourself in for.
@earthlycitizen We now know Don was an enthusiastic LSD user for quite a while, even though he denied it.
But your analysis of the song is pretty spot on.
John French made a fool of himself in his book, getting all prudish about the oral sex part of the lyrics.
@earthlycitizen We now know Don was an enthusiastic LSD user for quite a while, even though he denied it.
But your analysis of the song is pretty spot on.
John French made a fool of himself in his book, getting all prudish about the oral sex part of the lyrics.
I don't really think this song is about taking acid. From what I can tell Don wasn't a big proponent of drugs. And yeah, LSD sometimes comes with pretty pictures, I don't think just having a picture on something qualifies it as a decal.
A decal is like a little sticker that you put on something (model airplane for example). Yeah, that model plane may look like the real deal with all those cool decals on it, but the decals are just a thin, artificial mask that only hides what really is. Beneath all the stickers, it's just a hunk of plastic.
I think Beefheart is using decals as a metaphor for the masks we wear and the personas we portray in social situations. It's only when you get rid of the decals, that you get to the true nature of yourself.
I also agree with ozacrot that the sexual aspect of this song was intended. "I want to lick you everywhere it's pink 'N everywhere you think". You may say I have a dirty mind but I know what I'M thinking...
And that nod to the Beatles is a great opener for both the song and the entire album. It lets you know just what kind of ride you've strapped yourself in for.
@earthlycitizen We now know Don was an enthusiastic LSD user for quite a while, even though he denied it. But your analysis of the song is pretty spot on.
John French made a fool of himself in his book, getting all prudish about the oral sex part of the lyrics.
@earthlycitizen We now know Don was an enthusiastic LSD user for quite a while, even though he denied it. But your analysis of the song is pretty spot on.
John French made a fool of himself in his book, getting all prudish about the oral sex part of the lyrics.