Shoe Salesman
Alice Cooper · Easy Action [1970]
He's an acquaintance of mine
One day he showed me some
Marks on his arm in a line
I did not know what to say
"Do you think those freckles will stay?"
I need a popsicle
Do you want lemon or lime
I've got a special today
If you've got the time
Winking, she poked me in the side
"Well, we could go for a ride"
I did not know what to say
"Do you think those freckles will stay?"
Well, you think that she will see
I don't think she will see
Yeah..
Shoe Salesman
Released on the 1970 album Easy Action, "Shoe Salesman" stands as a defining track in Alice Cooper's evolution from horror-themed shock rock to polished arena rock. The song features a driving, upbeat rhythm that contrasts sharply with the band's earlier dark aesthetic, showcasing their growing ability to craft anthemic melodies suitable for large venues. While the lyrics reference the mundane struggles of a salesperson, the delivery maintains the theatrical flair and vocal intensity that characterized Cooper's career. This recording exemplifies the band's transition during this era, blending theatrical performance with a more conventional rock structure that would influence countless artists in the hard rock and glam metal genres.