Mask
Iggy Pop · Beat 'em Up [2001]
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You look better that way
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You look better that way
Are you my friend?
Are you my plumber?
Are you my God?
What do you do?
Wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
Which mask are you?
Which mask are you?
Complicated, crushed up, disappointed
Squirming, angry, thrusting, stabbing, regretting, starving
Greedy human alien being, struggling down the street
Up the alley, in the elevator, through the party
To the office, in the bedroom, on your way to the morgue
Bullshitting, lying, doing a good deed or feeling loved barely possible
Aware of insatiable demands of not a society all around you
Chunky frat boys in their shorts, pimps with old Semite eyes
Sex hoochies of the jungle, sensitive smart Alec college graduates
Critics fronting franticly in New York city, every body in L.A.
Just plain licking ass or having it licked
Irony in place of balls, balls in place of brains
Brains in place of soul, where is the soul?
Where is the love, where am I?
Which mask are you?
Which mask are you?
Which mask are you?
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
You're wearing a mask
Which mask are you?
Mask
Iggy Pop's "Mask" serves as a gritty, rhythmic centerpiece on the 2001 compilation "Beat 'em Up." The track exemplifies his signature blend of punk energy and theatrical rock, characterized by his distinctive vocal delivery and driving instrumentation. Released during a period where Pop revisited his classic sound while engaging with contemporary audiences, the recording captures the raw intensity that defined his career. As part of a collection of essential tracks, the song highlights his ability to craft memorable, high-octane performances that resonate within the broader landscape of rock music. It stands as a testament to his enduring influence on the genre, offering a direct connection to the rebellious spirit of his earlier work.