About the song
Frank Zappa’s 1979 song “Bobby Brown Goes Down” is a satirical and provocative track from his album Sheik Yerbouti. Known for his sharp wit and social commentary, Zappa uses this song to critique American culture and the stereotypical “all-American” male.
The lyrics tell the story of Bobby Brown, a seemingly perfect and successful individual who embodies many societal ideals, but whose life takes a series of dark and ironic turns. Zappa’s humorous yet biting lyrics are matched with a catchy, upbeat melody, creating a stark contrast that highlights the song’s satirical nature.
“Bobby Brown Goes Down” showcases Zappa’s talent for blending musical complexity with incisive social critique, making it a memorable and thought-provoking piece in his extensive catalog. Despite its controversial content, the song remains a notable example of Zappa’s fearless approach to addressing sensitive topics through music.
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Lyric
Hey there, people, I’m Bobby BrownThey say I’m the cutest boy in townMy car is fast, my teeth are shinyI tell all the girls they can kiss my heineHere I am at a famous schoolI dressin’ sharp and I’m acting coolI’ve got a cheerleader hereWants to help with my paperLet her do all the workAnd maybe later I’ll rape herOh God, I am the American dreamI do not think I’m too extremeAnd I’m a handsome son of a bitchI’m gonna get a good job and be real rich(Get a good, get a good, get a good, get a good job)Women’s liberationCame creepin’ all across the nationI tell you, people, I was not readyWhen I fucked this dyke by the name of FreddieShe made a little speech thenOh, she tried to make me say whenShe had my balls in a vice but she left the dickI guess it’s still hooked on but now it shoots too quickOh God, I am the American dreamBut now I smell like VaselineAnd I’m a miserable son of a bitchAm I a boy or a lady, I don’t know which(I wonder, wonder, wonder, wonder)So I went out and bought me a leisure suitI jingle my change but I’m still kinda cuteGot a job doing radio promoAnd none of the jocks can even tell I’m a homoEventually me and a friendSorta drifted along into S&MI can take about an hour on the tower of powerAs long as I get a little golden showerOh God, I am the American dreamWith a spindle up my butt ’til it makes me screamAnd I’ll do anything to get aheadI lay awake nights, sayin’, “thank you, Fred”Oh God, Oh God, I’m so fantasticThanks to Freddie, I’m a sexual spasticAnd my name is Bobby BrownWatch me now, I’m goin’ downAnd my name is Bobby BrownWatch me now, I’m goin’ downAnd my name is Bobby BrownWatch me now, I’m going downYeah, I knew you’d be surprised