Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Song of the Week: The Bluebeats - Social End Product

Day three of our down under series has us crossing the Tasman Sea to Auckland, New Zealand. It was there that The Bluestars -- John Harris, Rick Van Bockhoven, Murray Savidan and Jim Crowley -- released their own fist-waving-in-the-air anthem, Social End Product, in September of 1966. This barn burner is tough to find these days but makes it's way on to numerous comps.

John Harris sings and plays lead guitar on this number he penned about his pent-up frustrations with an oppressive culture. Let's turn to the lyrics of Social End Product for some guidance:
I carry my girl through the mean city streets
I change up my mind with everya-aweek
I don't stand for the dream
In a house where traditions mean... 
I've been labeled as an angry young man
Because I don't fit into the master plan
Under society's microscope
I look funny but it's no joke. 
I'm a social end product so don't blame me
I'm a social end product of society
It's not my fault that I don't belong
It's the world around me that's gone all wrong 
Social end product, social end product, social end product, social end product 
How did you expect me to turn out?
Did you want me just a little boy scout?
Before you start to criticize me
Take a look and you will see 
See, see, see 
I'm a social end product so don't blame me
I'm a social end product of society
It's not my fault that I don't belong
It's the world around me that's gone all wrong 
Social end product, social end product, social end product, social end product 
Aaaah, how do you expect me to turn out?
I'm Just a little boy scout?
You try to criticize me
Dig the bassist mistake at 1:30 after "boy scout". What? You gotta problem with it? You can't blame Murray for the mistake. He's just a shhhhhocial end product of quick takes!

Until next time, we'll see you On The Flip-Side!

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