The Alice Cooper Thread

[Susan Foreman]

The 7th song on the album, 'Pessi-Mystic' has lyrics that are very dark, depressing and nihilistic. Musically, it's quieter than what has gone before, but much more atmospheric

By now, you should have realised that the entire 'Brutal Planet' album is not a feel good thing! What makes it even more disturbing is the fact that the themes covered on the record are just as relevant today (if not more so) then they were when the album was released

One of the co-writers of the song is Brian Nelson, who is better known to Alice fans as 'Renfield'. He was a superfan, who ended us as Alice's personal assistant, and much of the memorabilia that is available is from his personal collection. He died in June 2009, and is much missed by the whole Alice family

07/11 - Pessi-Mystic (Cooper, Marlette, Nelson)



"Don't need a crystal ball for me to see clearly
No astrology or Tarot cards
Watching CNN and holding my breath
To face the daily news scares me to death

I'm pessi-mystic
I'm so fatalistic
I'm pessi-mystic
I don't believe a thing
I'm pessi-mystic
I'm so nihlistic
I'm pessi-mystic
For what tomorrow brings

I can't hear a word you say
So shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
I like being sick this way
So shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up

Everybody's mind is badly infected
Everybody feeds the parasite
Everything is dark so why not accept it?
Everything is far more black than white

I'm pessi-mystic
I'm so fatalistic
I'm pessi-mystic
I don't believe a thing
I'm pessi-mystic
I'm so pissed-off-istic
I'm pessi-mystic
Of what tomorrow brings

I can't hear a word you say
So shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
I like feeling sick this way
So shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up

Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up

I'm pessi-mystic
I'm so fatalistic
I'm pessi-mystic
I don't believe a thing
I'm pessi-mystic
I'm so nihlistic
I'm pessi-mystic
Of what tomorrow brings

I can't hear a word you say
So shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
I like being sick this way
So shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
I can't hear a word you say
So shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
I like feeing sick this way
So shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up"

The following song, 'Gimme', was the only single release from the album. The 'B' side was 'Brutal Planet'. It reached #103 in the UK chart.

Lyrically, it's interesting. Moving away from the realities of the true life horrors that has filled the album up to this point, this song is about a Faustian pact with the Devil. I wonder if it was originally meant for 'The Last Temptation' album, because it would have fitted in perfectly with the story told there - Alice as The Showman/Satan

After the previous 'wrist-slashing' songs on the album, it's good to have a return to the lighter, 'fun' side of Alice Cooper

08/11 - Gimme (Cooper, Marlette)



"I know all your desires
Your heart is so full of pain
Is there something I can provide
When you feel like life's passed you by

I'm on your side
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that

Please don't ask me my name
Does it matter? I'm just here for you
Trust me. just let yourself go
And that's all you need to know

I'm on your side, sincerely
I'm your only friend
Yes I'm on your side, sincerely

Don't you wish you had it all
Don't you deserve to have it all
Kneel down and tell me what you need
Fame and money all for you
I can make your every dream come true

Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that

Tell me whose more important than you
You're the apple of my ancient eyes
How could the world be so cruel
I'll make you my own precious jewel

I'm on your side, sincerely
I'm the only one that cares
Yes, I'm on your side, sincerely

Don't you wish you had it all
Don't you deserve to have it all
Kneel down and tell me what you need
Fame and money all for you
I can make your every dream come true

There is one thing
I mean, everything has a price
I really hate to repeat myself but... nothing's free

Yes I'm on your side, sincerely
I'm the only one that cares
Oh I'm on your side, sincerely

Don't you wish you had it all
Don't you deserve to have it all
Kneel down and tell me what you need
Don't you deserve to have it all
Don't you wish you had it all
Don't you deserve to have it all
Kneel down and tell me what you need
Fame and money all for you
I can make your every dream come true

Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that
Gimme this gimme that"