This song is all about accountability, responsibility and authenticity..... the world always needs this, especially from people elected or appointed to positions of decision making and power.... still relevant in 2019
One of the things that kept me hooked on Steve Taylor was his obvious disdain for TV preachers. He hated how they always cried poor and demanded money and kept a bunch of it to live luxury lifestyles, especially Swaggart. "So the crowds grew, and the praise did too, and a mailing list sent you money. So they loved Jerry Lewis in France, does that make him funny?"
I saw him at Summerfest 85 in Washington when this song first came out. I bought the cassette right after his incredible performance. It was a great show. 26 band performed during the event. Randy Stonehill was the MC.
Lyrics:
He wished to right the wrongs
he sang religious songs
he kept the private he
under a lock and key
heat keeps rising in an age of passion
shakes a conscience to the core
stopgap, hand-slap, take a tongue-lashing
my poor soul can't take any more
On the fritz
on the fritz
there he sits
on the fritz
He kept his ego there
it was a sad affair... on the fritz
the inner circle knows
and so the story goes... on the fritz
airborne rumors chip away the image
but you knew the stakes were high
first they get you thinking you're a prophet
now they've got you living a lie
On the fritz
on the fritz
there he sits
on the fritz
So the crowds grew, and their praise did too
and a mailing list sent you money
so they love Jerry Lewis in France
does that make him funny?
it's too late for apologies when trust has been betrayed
now victims of your double life are naming names
He kept his ego there
it was a sad affair... on the fritz
the public's had enough
they've come to call your bluff... on the fritz
small talk breeds where kingdoms come crashing
rumor conquers where it wills
no one hears you, go ahead and cash in
if you don't die to yourself
pride kills
On the fritz
on the fritz
there he sits
on the fritz
I love you man. I was in radio in East Texas mid 80's and you were and are an inspiration. I got to hang with you all for a minute in Tyler, Texas back at the group's hotel/motel setup and your realness was nice too.