BIG AL's JOVIAL JUKEBOX #8: "Circus Mystery" by SKID ROPER, 1989

Albie's note:  I have been long been a fan of the totally unique American musicain and song-writer Skid Roper, best remembered today as the '80s era sidekick of wild-man goof-a-billy Mojo Nixon.  I like Mojo, too, of course, but the strange poetry and spotty career of the laid-back Skid [born Richard Banke, 19 October 1954 in National City, California] fascinates me more.  After he and Mojo split, Skid would record at least 3 indescribable solo albums containing songs with titles like "The Return Of Rodan,"  "Teen-age Caveman," "Lincoln Logs" and "Shack Out On 101." 

This weird and funny song/poem comes from the classic 1989 Nixon/Roper effort ROOT HOG OR DIE, where Brother Skid was credited with "vocals, bongos, washboard, harmonica and guitar."  It was the only Roper solo song on that album, but young Albie always dug it.

I should warn ya, he's probably whatcha would call... "an acquired taste."  Anyway, here's the tune:

 

"CIRCUS MYSTERY"

Words and music by

SKID ROPER

 

The laughing clown sat down and cried

The wiry contortionist straightened out her act

The lion tamer put away his whip

"Save it for some other cat..."

And the dwarves cried giant tears...

Circus Mystery.

 

The strong man suddenly became weak

Nagging thoughts came from the horse's pen

The ventriloquist had to dummy up

Couldn't even say "when..."

And the dwarves cried giant tears...

Circus Mystery.

 

The puppet show was still and quiet

The fat lady's chances were slim

All the acro-bats looked for a new cave

Their wits had... dimmed...

And the dwarves cried giant tears...

Circus Mystery.

 

All those things in large jars were gone

Aligator man though it was all a "crock"

Dumb elephants can't tell their tales

Houdini Jr. just couldn't pick the lock...

And the dwarves cried giant tears...

Circus Mystery.

 

 

 

PEACE