Cosmik Debris

Frank Zappa

About Cosmik Debris

"Cosmik Debris" is a song by American composer Frank Zappa, from his 1974 album Apostrophe ('). It concerns the Mystery Man, a typical guru or psychic, offering to help the narrator reach Nervanna [sic] for a "nominal service charge," and the narrator's refusal to buy into his act, "Look here, brother, who you jiving with that cosmik debris?" When the Mystery Man gets pushy, Zappa as the narrator tells how he snatched the crystal ball, hypnotized the Mystery Man, stole his stuff and blew his mind. The song was popular on the Dr. Demento Show in the 1970s, and in Zappa's concerts, with memorable guitar solos from Zappa, also featuring George Duke on keyboard and Napoleon Murphy Brock on sax. The song was featured in the late-2010 Zappa Plays Zappa tour, where through video and editing (from 1970s-era shows), Frank Zappa on a large video screen both sang and played a guitar solo while the ZPZ band provided a live backing. This song was also a b-side to the single "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow." 


Year:
1974
4:14
957 
#3

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The mystery man came over
And he said I'm outta sight
He said for a nominal service charge
I could reach nirvana tonight
If I was ready, willing and able
To pay him his regular fee
He would drop all the rest of his pressing affairs 
And devote his attention to me

But I said look here brother
Who you jiving with that cosmik debris? 
Now who you jiving with that cosmik debris? 
Look here brother, don't waste your time on me

The mystery man got nervous and he fidget around a bit
He reached in the pocket of his mystery robe
And he whipped out a shaving kit
Now I thought it was a razor
And a can of foaming goo
But he told me right then when the top popped open
There was nothin' his box won't do
With the oil of aphrodite, and the dust of the grand wazoo
He said you might not believe this, little fella
But it'll cure your asthma too

And I said look here brother
Who you jiving with that cosmik debris? 
Now what kind of a guru are you, anyway? 
Look here brother, don't waste your time on me
(Don't waste your time)

I've got troubles of my own, I said
And you can't help me out
So, take your meditations and your preparations
And ram it up your snout
But I got the crystal ball, he said
And held it to the light
So I snatched it, all away from him
And I showed him how to do it right

I wrapped a newspaper 'round my head
So I looked like I was deep
I said some mumbo-jumbo, then
I told him he was going to sleep
I robbed his rings and pocketwatch
And everything else I found
I had that sucker hypnotized
He couldn't even make a sound
I proceeded to tell him his future, then
As long as he was hanging around
I said the price of meat has just gone up
And your old lady has just gone down

Look here brother
Who you jiving with that cosmik debris? 
Now is that a real poncho or is that a Sears poncho? 
Don't you know, you could make more money as a butcher? 
So, don't waste your time on me
Don't waste it, don't waste your time on me (om shanti, om shanti, om shanti, shanti)

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Frank Zappa

Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, singer-songwriter, guitarist, recording engineer, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed album covers. Zappa produced almost all of the more than 60 albums he released with the band The Mothers of Invention and as a solo artist. While in his teens, he acquired a taste for 20th-century classical composers such as Edgard Varèse, Igor Stravinsky, and Anton Webern along with 1950s rhythm and blues music. He began writing classical music in high school, while at the same time playing drums in rhythm and blues bands… more »

5 fans

Written by: FRANK ZAPPA

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Information
"Cosmik Debris" is a song by Frank Zappa, an American musician known for his blend of rock, jazz, and experimental music. Zappa is known for his eclectic compositions and satirical lyrics.
Album Details
The song "Cosmik Debris" is from Frank Zappa's 1974 album "Apostrophe (‘)" which is his 18th album and reached No. 10 on the Billboard 200.
Song Inspiration
The lyrics of "Cosmik Debris" are a satirical commentary on mysticism and commercial exploitation of people's gullibility, typical of the pseudo-spiritual gurus Zappa felt were prevalent in the 1970s.
Song Style
The song begins with a dialog between Zappa (the narrator) and a sort of mystic, guru or spiritual advisor. It is stylistically rooted in bluesy rock, and has a distinctive jazz-inflected guitar solo.
Live Performance
"Cosmik Debris" was regularly performed live by Zappa, with notable performances included on the live albums "You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 1" and "YCDTOSA Vol. 6."
Musical Composition
The song features complex compositions, distinct guitar work, and intricate syncopated rhythms that were staples of Zappa's music. It is a good example of his skills as a guitarist and composer.
Song Reception
While not released as a single, the song has remained a fan favorite due to its satirical humor, musical complexity, and insightful social commentary.
Legacy
In 2016, Alex Winter started a crowdfunding to produce a documentary about Zappa’s life. In thank you videos for those who contributed, Winter included portions of unreleased performances of “Cosmik Debris”.
Lyrics
The song's lyrics directly address the observation of societal tendencies, mainly centered around belief systems and the commercialization of spirituality, showcasing Zappa's renowned lyrical wit.
Cultural Impact
Since its release, "Cosmik Debris" maintains its cultural relevance, often being cited or referenced when discussing the commercialization and exploitation within the realm of spirituality and religion.

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