Master Of The Zoo. The original demo of this song was total kick butt. I played what I had for my friend. Dale Pleven. He added a killer bass track on his Gibson Thunderbird. Whoa. That just encouraged me. That was a few months before we began recording at Desolation Sound. I was bummed when Dale had to pass on the sessions. A work schedule thing. So I recruited Dave Pollock. We fleshed out the song. I ended doing a last minute change on the intro. Extended it. I wasn’t popular for the first hour or so. I think of that session and laugh. Kirsten. Kirsten Nash. Kirsten asked me what I had in mind for the sax solo and I told her I wanted to hear an elephant. The look on her face was priceless. Well. She split a reed getting it for me. I'd love to see World Wildlife Federation or Green Peace have this one. I'd sign the rights away in a heartbeat. So much is happening so fast. And the tempo just keeps escalating. I have to thank World Party and Mark Wallinger for the lyrical inspiration. Ship Of Fools from their Private Revolution album really hit home. And left a mark. Much like we’ve done to this beautiful planet. So clean up aisle six. What would the real master think ... xoRJ
B-r-r-o-o oow .. yeah …
Somewhere a lion's roaring in the distance
Nearby a monkey cries out in the night
The neighbours live in constant fear
There's nothing they can do
They sense and feel the master of the zoo
The river's thick, she's runnin', lord, she's twistin'
She'll toss her toys like wild rivers do
Throw toxins in the ocean
No ripple of emotion
Small presents from the master of the zoo
Who wants to be the master of the zoo
Make mistakes, beat the earth black and blue
Be responsible for all the wildest nightmares that come true
Who wants to be the master of the zoo
The sun is hot ... so white it makes you blister
Yeah, mister it's just coming down on you
You're deadly when you deal
For the things you cannot steal
Small wonder for the master of the zoo
Who wants to be the master of the zoo
Make mistakes, beat the earth black and blue
Be responsible for all the wildest nightmares that come true ..
Who wants to be the master of the zoo
Make mistakes, beat the earth black and blue
Be responsible for all the wildest nightmares that come true
Who wants to be the master
Who wants to be the master
Who wants to be the master of the zoo
Lyrics & Music (c)1992 Robert James
Angry Lion Publishing SOCAN/ASCAP
A Division of Horace Media 2016
from
Lizard On A Rock (RM) 2000,
released July 1, 2000
RJ: Lead & Backing Vocals, Electric Guitars
Maarten Ene: Electric Guitars
Kirsten Nash: Saxophone
Dave Pollock: Bass Guitar
Richard Trann: Drums, Percussion & Congas
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered at
Desolation Sound, North Vancouver, Canada
Engineer/Mix: Craig Arnott
Remix/Master: Craig Arnott/CINRAM
*Originally released on 1992's Desolation Sound Volume III *
Remastered by Robert James and Landr Services 2016
Produced by Robert James for The Kingsway Group 2000
A division of Horace Media 2016
Lyrics reprinted by permission. Angry Lion Publishing
Cover Design & Layout:
Malcolm Summersby & MAS for The Kingsway Group
Cover Photo of old mush head: Rick Bird collection
This release* Remastered 2016 Horace Media
Special Thanks to:
Kirsten Nash: You split a reed. I owe you one …
As always, my three F’s: Family, friends and fans. You cats rock.
Just like lizards … Most of all this is your album.
*To see individual track listings and album art
please click on the song title …
