The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing
Frank Zappa · Buffalo [2010]
For what it's worth
When it says that the meek
Shall inherit the Earth
Well, I heard that some sheik
Has bought New Jersey last week
'N you suckers ain't gettin' nothin'
Is Hare Rama really wrong
If you wander around
With a napkin on
With a bell on a stick
An' your hair is all gone . . .
(The geek shall inherit nothin')
You say yer life's a bum deal
'N yer up against the wall . . .
Well, people, you ain't even got no kinda
Deal at all
'Cause what they do
In Washington
They just takes care of NUMBER ONE
An' NUMBER ONE ain't YOU
You ain't even NUMBER TWO
Those Jesus Freaks
Well, they're friendly but
The shit they believe
Has got their minds all shut
An' they don't even care
When the church takes a cut
Ain't it bleak when you got so much nothin'
(So whaddya do? Hey!)
Eat that pork
Eat that ham
Laugh till ya choke
On Billy Graham
Moses, Aaron 'n Abraham . . .
They're all a waste of time
'N it's your ass that's on the line
(IT'S YOUR ASS THAT'S ON THE LINE)
Do what you wanna
Do what you will
Just don't mess up
Your neighbor's thrill
'N when you pay the bill
Kindly leave a little tip
And help the next poor sucker
On his one way trip . . .
SOME TAKE THE BIBLE . . .
(Aw gimme a half a dozen for the hotel room!)
The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing
Frank Zappa's 'The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing' stands as a sharp, satirical commentary on societal hypocrisy, delivered with his signature rhythmic precision and vocal acrobatics. Recorded for the 2010 compilation 'Buffalo,' the track exemplifies Zappa's lifelong commitment to challenging authority and exposing the absurdities of mainstream culture. Through a complex arrangement that blends jazz improvisation with rock energy, the song critiques the notion that virtue is rewarded while the arrogant are punished, flipping the biblical proverb on its head. This recording showcases Zappa's mastery of orchestral textures and his ability to weave intricate musical narratives that demand active listening. It remains a quintessential piece of his discography, reflecting his unique voice as a provocateur who used music to dissect the human condition and the structures of power.