The Lone Rhinoceros
Adrian Belew · Salad Days [1999]
There ain't one hell of a lots of us left in this world
I stand alone in my concrete cell
Where people stare and toss me coke cans
I guess it's better than being poached
But I'd give my horn just to see my homeland
I'm a lone rhinoceros
There ain't one hell of a lots of us
I'm a lone rhinoceros
There ain't one hell of a lots of us left in this world
They say I am ugly, call me a beast
I hear them snicker when I'm half asleep
Is beauty such a big commodity
I always heard it was only so deep
I know the zoos protect my species
They give me food, collect my feces
But I can't help it, I miss the past
I'll never again see my good old mud bath
About The Lone Rhinoceros
Adrian Belew's "The Lone Rhinoceros" stands as a defining track on the 1999 album *Salad Days*, showcasing his signature blend of progressive rock, punk energy, and experimental guitar work. Recorded during a period where Belew expanded his sonic palette beyond the grunge and alternative rock scenes that dominated the early 1990s, the song reflects his commitment to complex time signatures and melodic intensity. The track exemplifies his ability to merge technical proficiency with raw emotional expression, characteristic of his broader discography which includes seminal works like *Op Zop Too Wah* and *Side One*. As a solo project, *Salad Days* represents a distinct chapter in Belew's career, highlighting his evolution as a guitarist and composer who consistently challenges conventional structures while maintaining a unique voice within the rock genre.