Brown Moses
Frank Zappa · Other Songs - Frank Zappa
Oh-oh! Wait a minute!
What?
What wickedness id dis?
De way you's carryin' on!
Dis pygmy I be clutchin'
Have been lef' out on de lawn!
De daddy were ne-GLIJ-ible,
De mama were de-FLATE-able,
De trauma to de imfunt
Be mostly not ne-GATE-able
Yo' urgin' to be exitin'
Because of dem fla-min-i-go's
Be thoroughly perplexin' him
Because of where yo' petuh goes
If only you been 'siderate
Erbout dis lil' illiterate
I wouldna been trudgin' cross de san'
Fum way down yonder in E-gyp-lan'
Dey callin' me BROWN MOSES,
Fo' dat id sho'ly what I am,
Ancient an' re-lij-er-mus
Solemn an' pres-tig-i-mus
Wisdom reekin' outa me
'Long wif summa dis baby pee
'Minds me of dem River Weeds
'N all dem ignint Bible deeds
Growed up in de Pharaoh place,
Lef' de sucker in disgrace!
Some dem boys refuse to loin
Somthin' smokin': Somthin' boin!
Somethin' borry: Somethin' blue!
Best keeps a lil' paper
In yo shoe!
Hear me when I's tellin' you:
Leavin' de midgit were
WRONG T'DO!
It's a terr'ble thang, done did to him
Left wit de crab-grass
Over his chin!
Sho'ly one day he will grow,
'N put some shit
In yo' sack o' woe
OL' BROWN MOSES now have spoke!
Could ya lends me 'bout a dollar?
I's a tiny bit broke
I likes my wine
I loves my gin
'N fo a lil' collateral,
I'll gives ya HIM!
A lil' collateral,
I'll gives ya HIM!
A lil' collateral,
I'll gives ya HIM!
I said a lil' collateral,
A lil' collateral,
A lil' collateral,
A lil' collateral,
A lil' collateral,
I'll gives ya HIM!
I'll gives ya HIM!
Brown Moses
Frank Zappa's "Brown Moses" stands as a potent critique of racial inequality, utilizing a driving, blues-inflected rhythm to challenge societal norms. Released within the broader context of Zappa's prolific output, the track exemplifies his signature blend of social commentary and musical virtuosity. The song's aggressive tempo and biting lyrics mirror Zappa's lifelong commitment to exposing hypocrisy, particularly regarding civil rights issues in America. By channeling the spirit of the biblical figure Moses, Zappa metaphorically calls for liberation from systemic oppression, a theme that resonates deeply within his catalog of protest music. The recording captures the raw energy of his live performances and studio experiments, reinforcing his status as a provocateur who refused to compromise his artistic vision for commercial appeal.