(Original title “Kevorkian red-letter days”): I’m having trouble remembering how this was thought up musically. Probably via the recurring scenario of me going for a quick piss and the terrible twosome writing a whole opus whilst I drain the lizard. All I know is the lyrics were inspired (if you can call it that) by a radio programme dedicated to the pathologist /activist /convict, Jack Kevorkian or Dr Death as he is sometimes known. Though my stance on physician-assisted suicide is hazy at the best of times, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by this jazz-playing, right-to-die activist. And then the perverse side of me kicked in: what if you could pay Jack to bundle into his van of no return all of the scum that has caused so much pain and suffering to humanity. I’m not helping anyone with the list, the choice is yours, though a certain Mr Moyles and Mr Morgan would definitely be making their final decision between the Thanatron or Mercitron if I had my red-letter day!
The Martin (Marten) and Corder reference is to do with the Red Barn Murder, which fascinated me for a time, as well. Corder would definitely get a ride in Jack’s van. The ‘eloping to Oregon’ touches on the Red Barn story and the work of Kevorkian. William Corder kept Maria Marten’s family believing that the couple had eloped and Oregon is the only American state where physician-assisted suicide is legal. God, I really scare myself sometimes.
I still have trouble keeping time in the latter part of the mid-section of the song. That tom-pattern that Kimbo’s knocking out is seriously effed-up. In a good way, of course. :0)
The ‘Power, Corruption and Lies’ line is a tip of my cap to bass god Peter Hook.
Physician assisted suicide,
Jack’s assured me dying’s not a crime
Power, corruption and lies
Nowhere to hide now, no-one to blame,
No-one to blame
Because we are all guilty our sentence is just.
Suffer, Ignorant, Bloated and Crazed,
Wasted, give it to me, I will devour your crime (of a life)
130 and counting
we’re eloping to Oregon
Where the red barn is waiting
You be Corder, I’ll be Martin
Press the button you cunt
Again and again.
Kevorkian red-letter days
Let this moment never end
In blood i have written
The ultimate guest list
May god have mercy on our souls
Shoot up the Thanatron
Release the Mercitron
Eight years
Is a blink of the eye
When you’e helping the dying die
Suffer, Ignorant, Bloated and Crazed,
Wasted, give it to me, I will devour your crime (of a life)
