I remember reading (many years ago, back when the album first came out) that this song was a veiled slap at a record executive who apparently had a monumental ego, with the obvious implication about a child holding their breath until they turn blue, but I can't find the original reference anywhere. Having Mel Torme sing this was, of course, absolute genius. There's also a very interesting cover of this song by PJ Harvey.
I remember reading (many years ago, back when the album first came out) that this song was a veiled slap at a record executive who apparently had a monumental ego, with the obvious implication about a child holding their breath until they turn blue, but I can't find the original reference anywhere. Having Mel Torme sing this was, of course, absolute genius. There's also a very interesting cover of this song by PJ Harvey.