Caesar
Iggy Pop · Roadkill Rising: The Bootleg Collection 1977-09 [2007]
To preserve peace in our empire
Throw them to the lions
Darling, let us go to the banquet hall
There will be a great feast tonight
Who are these Christians?
What is this strange religion?
I've heard it said they turn the other cheek
Throw them to the lions
Throw them to the lions
Throw them to the lions, two thumbs down
Ten pieces of gold for every man
Hail Caesar, hail Caesar
Grapes from Sicily, silks from Asia Minor
All the tea in China
Throw them to the lions
Throw them to the lions
Throw them to the lions
Who are these Christians?
Turn the other cheek
Two thumbs down
The Christians are restless
Why not let them worship their God?
No one believes in the old gods
How tiresome, attending the rituals
Paying lip service to the portents
Burning incense at their shrine
No one believes in the old gods
Throw them to the lions
Throw them to the lions
Throw them to the lions
The Roman Empire, the glory of Rome
Hail, all hail
Caesar, Caesar, beware, beware, the ides of March
Who is this man? Caesar, he is but a soothsayer
He is old and his brain is addled, pay him no mind
Throw him to the lions
Hail Caesar Emperor of Rome, hail Caesar
Caesar, Caesar, beware, the ides of March
Hey, who is this man? Caesar, he is but an old soothsayer
Addled in his brain, pay him no mind
Throw him to the lions
Throw him to the lions
No one believes in the old gods
The empire is tired, Caesar will rest now
We depart for my chambers
Come darling, yes, Caesar
Caesar will rest now
Hail Rome, hail Caesar, hail
Put him in the fiery pit
Caesar
Caesar stands as a compelling song in Iggy Pop's expansive discography, showcasing the raw energy that has defined his career since the punk era. Recorded during a prolific period of experimentation, the track reflects Pop's ability to blend gritty rock textures with theatrical delivery. While often associated with his major studio releases, this recording highlights the depth of his bootleg collections, offering listeners a glimpse into his evolving sound during the late 1970s. The song captures the artist's signature intensity, maintaining the rebellious spirit found in classics like The Passenger and Lust For Life. It serves as a testament to Pop's enduring influence on rock music, demonstrating his capacity to craft memorable anthems that resonate across decades. Fans of his work will appreciate how Caesar fits within the broader narrative of his artistic journey, bridging the gap between his early punk roots and later explorations.