Come sit with a total stranger, now’s the time to vent your anger — and dance on the sidewalk! Or maybe that’s just me.
“Pretend you’re at the disco and someone just spiked your drink.” Haha. The interplay of light and dark is delivered beautifully (and a little unexpectedly) by Imperial Drag in “Boy or a Girl”.
Lyrics and credits, below. Enjoy!
Come sit with a total stranger
Now’s the time to vent your anger
And oh, are you a boy or a girl?Do you get off casting hexes
Assuming forms of either sexes
And oh, are you a boy or a girl?Well, I’ve been confused
By the startled look in your eyes
Have I been misused
Falling head over heels for a star
While you feed me a lineDo you feel misunderstood?
You feel straight, but you knock on wood
Are you a boy or a girl?You came to grips with what you know
And boosted ratings for the daytime shows
Now you’re on top of the world
I’m a fan so don’t dismiss me
America is armed and listeningWell, I’ve been confused
By the startled look in your eyes
Have I been misused
Falling head over heels for a star
While you feed me a lineDo you feel misunderstood?
You feel straight, but you knock on wood
Are you a boy or a girl?Well, I’ve been confused
By the startled look in your eyes
Have I been misused
Falling head over heels for a star
While you feed me a line‘Cause I feel misunderstood
I feel straight, but I’m not so sure
Are you a boy or a girl?
Are you a boy or a girl?
Are you a boy or a girl?Are you a boy or a girl?
Are you a boy or a girl?
Are you a boy or a girl?
____
[“Boy or a Girl,” by Imperial Drag. Written by: Eric Dover and Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. Original release: Imperial Drag, 1996. Note: The lyrics in this live performance differ a bit from those on the album.]
Imperial Drag: Eric Dover (Guitar, Vocals (Lead)); Joseph Karnes (Bass, Vocals); Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (Keyboards, Vocals); and, Eric Skodis (Drums, Vocals).
Video posted to youtube by user ssteele10
For a more in-depth discussion on Imperial Drag, see Rich Kamerman’s post, ONE AND DONE – My Favorite One-Album Artists Part 5.
Kind of a modern take on Lola, innit? Or maybe Walk on the Wild Side with less heroin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ian, Yes those are excellent comparisons and it wouldn’t be surprising if both were influences. You must be right that this one features less heroin given its lighter feel. Interestingly, the lyrics were changed here…I don’t know the background of this performance so not sure if it’s venue/broadcast-specific censorship or if the band lightened things up a couple of notches on their own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you shared this song (and band) with your readers, Danica. They’re one of those artists people are likely unaware of unless they were there at the time. We Jellyfish fans lapped up anything those guys did after they split up, and Imperial Drag transports me back to a wonderful time in my life. Thanks for linking to my post. Hopefully we’ve created a few new Imperial Drag fans. Enjoy your weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, Rich! I love this song! Thank you so much for brining them to my attention. Their sound is fantastic and I know there’s so much more to explore. I hope others have discovered them, because I’m sure to know them is to love them.
Have a wonderful weekend as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person