Roky's lyrics might seem like nonsense, but he expresses things that people with mental illness can relate to. He went into the madness, returned and reported what he experienced. It's really powerful and important stuff. And it's also kick ass rock. Best of both.
All of that stuff is nothing compared to Erikson’s Solo work; this stuff is brilliant whereas the 13 floor elevators stuff gets to me with all the electric jug playing and what not.
I just recently heard Roky passed away! Bummer.. I saw a documentary about him back in 2007 and he made a comeback! Saw him on TV a concert. Some of his songs are totally Demented! I love some of his songs.. he'll be sadly missed..
it's so funny how the best music is so often misunderstood. who cares if the lyrics reflect the suffering he was experiencing? The music is fun, awesome, kicks total arse and the lyrics just add to it's 'artistic' appeal. It's an unfortunate fact that some of the most moving art comes from suffering.
Some one oughta make a biography movie portraying as Roky and that person is Jack Black! The goofy actor and rocker! Some one oughta get ahold of Jack Black and tell him! He could imitate Roky Erickson....
It's about how Roky Erickson sold his soul to the devil once after papers appeared from nowhere and he signed them, this song is about how he wants Lucifer to stay with him because that way, in his own words, he 'could make no mistakes.'
I'm finding that Roky's solo work is darn good. He's just talented, as singer and songwriter. Also saw a film with him playing acoustic guitar and his strumming (and picking) kicks ass.
