BOBBY BROWN (FRANK ZAPPA)
Answers to Talking Points
1. Why is the boy called Bobby Brown ?
Ad 1. Bobby Brown is a common American name like Jim Jones. He is meant to be an average, typical American. Brown might be an allusion to his brown skin, however, this is not supported by the rest of the words.
2. Evaluate Bobby Brown's sexual development !
Ad 2. In the beginning, he is a normal heterosexual, who is interested in a cheerleader. Later he has a strange sexual affair: he makes love with a lesbian called Freddie. His sexual behavior becomes more and more extreme: After sexual experiments his dick shoots too quick, eventually he drifts into S&M: he screams with a spindle up his butt and calls himself a sexual spastic.
3. The song evaluates the descent of a hopeful boy. Explain !
Ad 3. He starts out as a well adapted, middle class kid, he goes to a good school, owns a car, girls are interested in him. He dreams of getting a good job and becoming rich. But soon he becomes "miserable". Instead of becoming rich he does radio promotion, works as a sado-maso model and is exploited by his friend Fred.
And he is still "going down".
4. "The song is an extreme, sexualized example of young, opportunistic Americans who do "anything to get ahead"." Comment on that statement !
Ad 4. You often hear rumors of actors and singers who fuck themselves up the social ladder.
5. Why do you think the song became a hit ?
Ad 5. The lyrics are funny, although some might call it sick humor. The song deals with sexual taboos, so it is provocative. The song criticizes the American way of life.
6. Is it realistic that a hetero turns into a homo ?
Ad 6. No, it isn't, because homosexuality is hereditary. Yes, because a lot of gay men do not realize their sexual preferences until a later age.
7. What is normally meant by the "American dream" ? Is the term used ironically here ?
Ad 7. The American dream includes freedom and liberty, unlimited opportunities, the dream of starting as a dishwasher and ending as a millionnaire.
8. Do you think the song is anti-homosexual ?
Ad 8. Maybe.
9. The singer seems to insinuate that women's liberation drove some men into homosexuality. What is your opinion ?
Ad 9. Nonsense.
10. The lyrics of this song might enrage several groups of people. Which ones and why ?
Ad 10. a) proud Americans b) puritans who object to talking about sexuality in public c) homosexuals who feel they are ridiculed in the song d) yuppies, who are sketched as being opportunistic
11. Look for the parts full of black humor !
Ad 11. a) "Let her do all the work ..."
b) "It's still hooked on but now it shoots too quick."