A Perfect Circle — So Long, And Thanks For All the Fish
Album: Eat The ElephantAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2438
Length: 4:21
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Time is money and money is time
We wasted every second dime
On diets, lawyers, shrinks and apps
And flags, and plastic surgery
Now Willy Wonka, Major Tom
Ali and Leia have moved on
Signal the final curtain call
In all this atomic pageantry
Bravissimo, hip-hip hooray
For this fireworks display
Mind and body blown away
What a radiant crescendo
Ticker tape parade
Our hair and skin like
Like Marilyn Monroe
In an empty wind
Time is money and money is time
We wasted every second dime
On politicians, fancy water
And guns, and plastic surgery
Like old Prince and Brady's mom
All the dolphins have moved on
Signaling the final curtain call
In all this atomic pageantry
Bravissimo, hip-hip hooray
What a glorious display
Melt our joyous hearts away
Under the mushroom cloud confetti
Hip-hip hooray
For this fireworks display
Mind and body blown away
What a radiant crescendo
Hip-hip hooray
Hip-hip hooray
Ticker tape parade
Our hair and skin like
Like Marilyn Monroe
In an empty wind
Time is money and money is time
We wasted every second dime
On diets, lawyers, shrinks and apps
And flags, and plastic surgery
Now Willy Wonka, Major Tom
Ali and Leia have moved on
Signal the final curtain call
In all this atomic pageantry
We wasted every second dime
On diets, lawyers, shrinks and apps
And flags, and plastic surgery
Now Willy Wonka, Major Tom
Ali and Leia have moved on
Signal the final curtain call
In all this atomic pageantry
Bravissimo, hip-hip hooray
For this fireworks display
Mind and body blown away
What a radiant crescendo
Ticker tape parade
Our hair and skin like
Like Marilyn Monroe
In an empty wind
Time is money and money is time
We wasted every second dime
On politicians, fancy water
And guns, and plastic surgery
Like old Prince and Brady's mom
All the dolphins have moved on
Signaling the final curtain call
In all this atomic pageantry
Bravissimo, hip-hip hooray
What a glorious display
Melt our joyous hearts away
Under the mushroom cloud confetti
Hip-hip hooray
For this fireworks display
Mind and body blown away
What a radiant crescendo
Hip-hip hooray
Hip-hip hooray
Ticker tape parade
Our hair and skin like
Like Marilyn Monroe
In an empty wind
Time is money and money is time
We wasted every second dime
On diets, lawyers, shrinks and apps
And flags, and plastic surgery
Now Willy Wonka, Major Tom
Ali and Leia have moved on
Signal the final curtain call
In all this atomic pageantry
Comments (121)add comment
MJK's "We Didn't Start The Fire"
Gets a 10 for the theme and for referencing The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
mgkiwi wrote:
Boredom, starvation, or experiment. Maynard would probably agree. LOL
Why would you want to eat an Elephant 
Boredom, starvation, or experiment. Maynard would probably agree. LOL
mgkiwi wrote:
One bite at a time, of course.
Oh, you asked "Why?" Don't know that one.
Why would you want to eat an Elephant
One bite at a time, of course.
Oh, you asked "Why?" Don't know that one.
reijkman wrote:
What the heck DCFC have you been listening to?
I can't hear that anywhere, at all. This track doesn't sound like Perfect Circle either... just like... pop radio "alternative".
Not really typically Perfect Circle, and that's too bad. It has much of a DCFC vibe even.
What the heck DCFC have you been listening to?
I can't hear that anywhere, at all. This track doesn't sound like Perfect Circle either... just like... pop radio "alternative".
RP strikes again! I'm contributing permanently because this cannot ever stop!!
This man, MJK, saved my life.
Insane musicianship, nostalgia, and resonance from his three brilliant bands.
A true, unique inspiration.
🌀
Why would you want to eat an Elephant
Definition of catchy but cheesy or cheesy but catchy?
I thought the line was "Ole and Lena have moved on." Too long in Minnesota.
I like to think the band had some writers block trying to write this song.
"Time is money and money is time, I'll wipe this counter clean of grime"
"No man, that's ridiculous, let's not write a song about cleaning. How about one about the news headlines. Wait, turn up the TV, is that David Bowie? Oh man."
Have seen them in Vienna a few years ago. Best concert I had in the last years. Great sound, good performance and I love every single song of this album. Listened to it multiple times a day. Not the best of this album though, but a good one nevertheless. Can't wait to see them again.
....but wo is Ali?
love this! great song great guitar and beats
So Long, and Thanks for this great song!
bseib wrote:
Personally, I like to think of this as a re-imagination of Tool's "Third eye" but with less Bill Hicks and more Ricky Gervais.
Either way the song is pretty great.
Edit: total brain-fart... I do of course mean Ænima, and not Third eye...
... shucks, I was not expecting the "pop" sound from A Perfect Circle. :-/ Disillusioned might be a better track from this album to play here. I guess I'm used to the Mer De Noms sound, which is probably a bit heavy sounding for RP.
Personally, I like to think of this as a re-imagination of Tool's "Third eye" but with less Bill Hicks and more Ricky Gervais.
Either way the song is pretty great.
Edit: total brain-fart... I do of course mean Ænima, and not Third eye...
EdEastridge wrote:
So long, and thanks for all the fish...
I tend to disagree with this. I'm thinking humanity is bordering on jumping said shark (or would that be a dolphin in this case, hm) and Keenan in his attempt to find words to make sense out of it found good ol' Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy about the best analogy for his perspective.
Guess we better check to make sure the Vogons aren't on their way. Everyone got their towel ready?
Guess we better check to make sure the Vogons aren't on their way. Everyone got their towel ready?
So long, and thanks for all the fish...
Don't forget your towel!
Blah, blah blah. (comments)
I just bought this album, i love this song. It's not at all typical of the rest of the CD but i was pleasantly surprised by how many songs i'd heard before, thanks to RP. Horrible cover, though!
This is giving me a bit of a Placebo vibe. I like it on first hearing.
lastchance911 wrote:
yes
Been reading a bit `o Douglas Adams, have we?
yes
Disturbing.
In the lyrics, I believe "In an empty wind" should be "In an afterwind".
MJK projects => I like most of it. I adore some of it.
Puscifer is uneven. Tool and Nine Inch Nails strike me as warranting more immersion on my part.
MJK and mates are brilliant.
Puscifer is uneven. Tool and Nine Inch Nails strike me as warranting more immersion on my part.
MJK and mates are brilliant.
Excellent Tune!!! ...Creepy album cover!!
nomnol wrote:
You have a point Zig and I listened closely and heard shrinks and apps...
Well, I've flipped my verdict. Found a comment elsewhere explaining an "absent flag" can refer to the flag a yacht owner flies to signal that they aren't on their boat. If that's what he's referring to, then it makes sense, so while this seems like an unexpected metaphor from what I'm used to from MJK, I can see how this lyric would fit. Apps and flags, absent flags, let's call the whole thing off!
You have a point Zig and I listened closely and heard shrinks and apps...
Well, I've flipped my verdict. Found a comment elsewhere explaining an "absent flag" can refer to the flag a yacht owner flies to signal that they aren't on their boat. If that's what he's referring to, then it makes sense, so while this seems like an unexpected metaphor from what I'm used to from MJK, I can see how this lyric would fit. Apps and flags, absent flags, let's call the whole thing off!
lastchance911 wrote:
You have got to love those Dolphins.
Been reading a bit `o Douglas Adams, have we?
You have got to love those Dolphins.
Today, on Songs That Make Me Want To Run Through A Brick Wall . . .
<someone downvoted>
In a good way, I swear!
<someone downvoted>
In a good way, I swear!
That guy on the cover kind of has a Riff Raff energy from Rocky Horror Picture Show.
<3 APC.
How come no Mer de noms on RP? Easily one of the finest albums ever released.
How come no Mer de noms on RP? Easily one of the finest albums ever released.
maboleth wrote:
I did my best. Sorry you don't like it.
Good music, terrible cover. And it's not because it's 'gothic' but because it looks it was done by complete amateur.
I did my best. Sorry you don't like it.
maboleth wrote:
Candidate for https://lousybookcovers.com/
Good music, terrible cover. And it's not because it's 'gothic' but because it looks it was done by complete amateur.
Candidate for https://lousybookcovers.com/
I know I'm not the first to say I don't care for much from A Perfect Circle, but I like this. HHGTTG reference doesn't hurt.
I still love this song
No way ,what a sound departure for P. C !
Lovin it!
This can not be Maynard on vocal ?
Lovin it!
This can not be Maynard on vocal ?
such a great song
Is it just me or do I hear Ahead By a Century in here?
Good music, terrible cover. And it's not because it's 'gothic' but because it looks it was done by complete amateur.
This is one of the weirdest songs I've ever heard, the beat is good and the lyrics are confusing.
I love it
I love it
such a fantastic album
Gromit_42 wrote:
Oh my....i'll have to watch the link, thanks Gromit!
so long and thanks for all the fish!
edited to say that was a fascinating program on the history of the HHGTTG and , of course, Douglas Adams.
Don't panic! It's the 42nd anniversary of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- Hitchhikers Guide: 42nd Birthday Celebration (YouTube)
Oh my....i'll have to watch the link, thanks Gromit!
so long and thanks for all the fish!
edited to say that was a fascinating program on the history of the HHGTTG and , of course, Douglas Adams.
You know, I'm half expecting new verses to be written after the dumpster fire 2020 has been.
You know, come to think of it, Maynard likely go on a Leonard Cohen "Hallelujah" like writing spree based on this year.
You know, come to think of it, Maynard likely go on a Leonard Cohen "Hallelujah" like writing spree based on this year.
It's grown on me since first listen
Bumping my rating up to a "7"
Bumping my rating up to a "7"
davewski wrote:
Ya know...things change over time. Been a Tool fan since the beginning...maybe he changed...so what...this is a very good song...IMHO
In between sips of Coke, he told me that he thought we were selling out, laying down, sucking up to the man...
Ya know...things change over time. Been a Tool fan since the beginning...maybe he changed...so what...this is a very good song...IMHO
In between sips of Coke, he told me that he thought we were selling out, laying down, sucking up to the man...
I wish the dolphins all rhe best on their new planet :o)
i still love this song
Gromit_42 wrote:
I had to bump my rating up a few points for the lovely D. Adams references. The world is a far less clever and amusing place without him.
So keep your towels close and your Babelfish closer, you hoopy froods.
Don't panic! It's the 42nd anniversary of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- Hitchhikers Guide: 42nd Birthday Celebration (YouTube)
I had to bump my rating up a few points for the lovely D. Adams references. The world is a far less clever and amusing place without him.
So keep your towels close and your Babelfish closer, you hoopy froods.
Don't panic! It's the 42nd anniversary of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- Hitchhikers Guide: 42nd Birthday Celebration (YouTube)
still awesome
Sitting at my desk, realised I was happily nodding along....
This was the reason I listen to RP: new discoveries.
Awesome! :)
This was the reason I listen to RP: new discoveries.
Awesome! :)
This song has become my anthem for the summer of 2020 (despite the dated references to 2018). That, along with their other song from this album “The Doomed”.
It's so bad. I'm a huge Tool and A Perfect Circle fan having seen each upwards of a half dozen times. As fresh and engaging as they were to start, APC now writes by committee, afar from one another, and only form up to phone in a recording. I lost all heart once I caught them live and they played songs so poorly they had to start over. 
reijkman wrote:
Or, the inverse. I think I like this Imperfect Circle
Not really typically Perfect Circle, and that's too bad. It has much of a DCFC vibe even.
Or, the inverse. I think I like this Imperfect Circle
Two years later, the dolphins have gone deeper, waiting for The End.
ico wrote:
Not sure, but it must've been good.
"Plays (last 30 days): 6" -- what did we ever do?
Not sure, but it must've been good.
Band Name: Ticker Tape Parade.
This song seems to be created by an AI...a profusion of hooks, best practices, and indeed atomic pageantry!
reijkman wrote:
I can see that, death cab for cutie can only be played for so long before sounding monotonous. This has less drawn out long syllables though.
Not really typically Perfect Circle, and that's too bad. It has much of a DCFC vibe even.
I can see that, death cab for cutie can only be played for so long before sounding monotonous. This has less drawn out long syllables though.
EdEastridge wrote:
I tend to disagree with this. I'm thinking humanity is bordering on jumping said shark (or would that be a dolphin in this case, hm) and Keenan in his attempt to find words to make sense out of it found good ol' Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy about the best analogy for his perspective.
Guess we better check to make sure the Vogons aren't on their way. Everyone got their towel ready?
Wearin' my bathrobe and ready to go! ;-)
Highlow
American Net'Zen
I tend to disagree with this. I'm thinking humanity is bordering on jumping said shark (or would that be a dolphin in this case, hm) and Keenan in his attempt to find words to make sense out of it found good ol' Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy about the best analogy for his perspective.
Guess we better check to make sure the Vogons aren't on their way. Everyone got their towel ready?
Wearin' my bathrobe and ready to go! ;-)
Highlow
American Net'Zen
8 -> 9
How far the mighty have fallen. Utter garbage.
I'm still waiting for "Journey of the Sorcerer" to follow this, for the whole pedantic nerd in me.
Well, it's not what you'd expect from A Perfect Circle, but I like it. Euro Power-pop sound! It also has a very interesting vid for those that may be interested.
lastchance911 wrote:
Answered our own question, did we?
Been reading a bit `o Douglas Adams, have we?
Answered our own question, did we?
Wow! GREAT lyrics!
I’m hearing a lot of Saigon Kick in this song.
Thought it was Ghost.. who I do not care for :)
Every time I hear this song, it is more timely than the last. Sad.
c.
c.
I can’t believe this band isn’t German.
I like the title of this song, but for some reason the tune and the lyrics just bug the crap out of me. I feel a little distressed every time it plays - which is far too often!
ziggytrix wrote:
Please explain your logic. How does one spend dimes on "absent flags"? Why do they fit better with diets, lawyers, shrinks, and plastic surgery?
In the context of the song, he's talking about our silicon obsession (our smartphones) on which you can spend many dimes on apps, so... I'm not trying to be a jerk, I promise. I just don't follow your thoughts on this at all.
You have a point Zig and I listened closely and heard shrinks and apps...
Please explain your logic. How does one spend dimes on "absent flags"? Why do they fit better with diets, lawyers, shrinks, and plastic surgery?
In the context of the song, he's talking about our silicon obsession (our smartphones) on which you can spend many dimes on apps, so... I'm not trying to be a jerk, I promise. I just don't follow your thoughts on this at all.
You have a point Zig and I listened closely and heard shrinks and apps...
Thank you Doug Adams
petrichor wrote:
Please explain your logic. How does one spend dimes on "absent flags"? Why do they fit better with diets, lawyers, shrinks, and plastic surgery?
In the context of the song, he's talking about our silicon obsession (our smartphones) on which you can spend many dimes on apps, so... I'm not trying to be a jerk, I promise. I just don't follow your thoughts on this at all.
There's a mistake in the lyrics: Not "apps and flags" (which makes no sense at all), but "absent flags" (which does make perfect sense in the context of the song - Google it!).
Please explain your logic. How does one spend dimes on "absent flags"? Why do they fit better with diets, lawyers, shrinks, and plastic surgery?
In the context of the song, he's talking about our silicon obsession (our smartphones) on which you can spend many dimes on apps, so... I'm not trying to be a jerk, I promise. I just don't follow your thoughts on this at all.
ico wrote:
We enjoyed each note and remembered how much fun "The Hichhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" - i.e. Don't Panic!!
"Plays (last 30 days): 6" -- what did we ever do?
We enjoyed each note and remembered how much fun "The Hichhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" - i.e. Don't Panic!!
"Plays (last 30 days): 6" -- what did we ever do?
petrichor wrote:
It also should be: "Reenie’s mom", referring to the mother of Carina Round (from MJK's Puscifer) who also died in 2016, confirmed by MJK on twitter.
The other deaths referred to in the song are Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka), Muhammad Ali, Carrie Fisher (Leia), David Bowie (Major Tom) and Prince. 2016 was a bad year.
There's a mistake in the lyrics: Not "apps and flags" (which makes no sense at all), but "absent flags" (which does make perfect sense in the context of the song - Google it!).
It also should be: "Reenie’s mom", referring to the mother of Carina Round (from MJK's Puscifer) who also died in 2016, confirmed by MJK on twitter.
The other deaths referred to in the song are Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka), Muhammad Ali, Carrie Fisher (Leia), David Bowie (Major Tom) and Prince. 2016 was a bad year.
There's a mistake in the lyrics: Not "apps and flags" (which makes no sense at all), but "absent flags" (which does make perfect sense in the context of the song - Google it!).
Love the title, but I fear this song may merit a ticket for the 'B'-ark.
I don't know why, but this always puts a smile on my face when it comes on
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
And dont forget about Winemaker in Central AZ....
https://caduceus.org/
I only found out about MJK from Puscifer played on RP.
Working backwards through his career I made the connection with Tool but only today did I realise he was the frontman with A Perfect Circle.
Well you certainly live and learn - and all thanks to RP - and yes MJK does have a great voice for all his eccentricity.
Working backwards through his career I made the connection with Tool but only today did I realise he was the frontman with A Perfect Circle.
Well you certainly live and learn - and all thanks to RP - and yes MJK does have a great voice for all his eccentricity.
And dont forget about Winemaker in Central AZ....
https://caduceus.org/
Puts me in mind of Secret Machines.
better then Tool anyday - whoops i said it
My 9 year old self was digging this on the metal speakers at the Fayetteville Putt Putt course tuned to WFLB 1490 AM.
The BEST Rock song of the 21st Century - So Far
redart wrote:
Same here...and yes, I think this is a great track, anything that references "THGTTG" has got to be good, right? Long Live RP!!
I almost gave it an 8 just for the song title. Maybe deserved it anyway? 
Same here...and yes, I think this is a great track, anything that references "THGTTG" has got to be good, right? Long Live RP!!
I almost gave it an 8 just for the song title. Maybe deserved it anyway?
bseib wrote:
Ya know...things change over time. Been a Tool fan since the beginning...maybe he changed...so what...this is a very good song...IMHO
Maynard. You've jumped the shark.
Ya know...things change over time. Been a Tool fan since the beginning...maybe he changed...so what...this is a very good song...IMHO
Huge DNA fan, and had to give this a good rating just because. That, said, I could see my rating going a bit higher -- actually like the song.
The Best Rock song of 2018
I can't help it. This is a GREAT tune.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Highlow
American Net'Zen
When I had accepted, that a progressive metal band wrote a pop song, I have to say, for me it's the best pop song of the past year.
.........8 First listen (its wonderful). (:0) Naugatuck,Connecticut.
No idea who these guys are, but I really like this tune. It's apparently not 'typical' of their output but I don't care two hoots, it's a great track.
jacopo777 wrote:
Today is the day that I pony up the cash and donate!! I encourage all that haven't or if it is been a while.
They cannot exist without you. Long live the RP!
They cannot exist without you. Long live the RP!
bseib wrote:
I tend to disagree with this. I'm thinking humanity is bordering on jumping said shark (or would that be a dolphin in this case, hm) and Keenan in his attempt to find words to make sense out of it found good ol' Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy about the best analogy for his perspective.
Guess we better check to make sure the Vogons aren't on their way. Everyone got their towel ready?
Maynard. You've jumped the shark.
I tend to disagree with this. I'm thinking humanity is bordering on jumping said shark (or would that be a dolphin in this case, hm) and Keenan in his attempt to find words to make sense out of it found good ol' Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy about the best analogy for his perspective.
Guess we better check to make sure the Vogons aren't on their way. Everyone got their towel ready?
Today is the day that I pony up the cash and donate!! I encourage all that haven't or if it is been a while.
They cannot exist without you. Long live the RP!
They cannot exist without you. Long live the RP!
I love this song.
My Top Album of 2018
My Top Album of 2018
I'm still awaiting the Eagles' "Journey of the Sorcerer" in the rotation after this…
Maynard. You've jumped the shark.
No, please no...
Totally different APC style, but the more I hear it, the more I like. Hope they release something like this in the future.
ziggytrix wrote:
Yup, Death Cab For Maynard is definitely growing on me.
Didn't love it on the first listen, but I expect it'll grow on me.
Yup, Death Cab For Maynard is definitely growing on me.
corneliu.zuzu.p wrote:
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish is the fourth book of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "trilogy" written by Douglas Adams. Its title is the message left by the dolphins when they departed Planet Earth just before it was demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, as described in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Low rating for a profound song. Simple lyrics, yet powerful. A youtube video for it is dolphins swimming continuously. I love it. Dolphins, "fish", IMO, as symbols for how as children we found fascination in the simple, beautiful things. Lyrics tell of how we moved away from that. Hip hip hooray, happy society. Gave it a 10.
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish is the fourth book of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "trilogy" written by Douglas Adams. Its title is the message left by the dolphins when they departed Planet Earth just before it was demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, as described in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
great song
Really good music for such weird art and photo work.
bseib wrote:
No kidding. I was sitting here wondering whether this was a singer who sounded just like Maynard, or if this was a new project of his. This sounds very different from what I expect from APC, but whatever. Nice track name. Maybe I need to hear it a few more times or in the context of the rest of the album. Didn't love it on the first listen, but I expect it'll grow on me.
... shucks, I was not expecting the "pop" sound from A Perfect Circle. :-/ Disillusioned might be a better track from this album to play here. I guess I'm used to the Mer De Noms sound, which is probably a bit heavy sounding for RP.
No kidding. I was sitting here wondering whether this was a singer who sounded just like Maynard, or if this was a new project of his. This sounds very different from what I expect from APC, but whatever. Nice track name. Maybe I need to hear it a few more times or in the context of the rest of the album. Didn't love it on the first listen, but I expect it'll grow on me.
Low rating for a profound song. Simple lyrics, yet powerful. A youtube video for it is dolphins swimming continuously. I love it. Dolphins, "fish", IMO, as symbols for how as children we found fascination in the simple, beautiful things. Lyrics tell of how we moved away from that. Hip hip hooray, happy society. Gave it a 10.
I only found out about MJK from Puscifer played on RP.
Working backwards through his career I made the connection with Tool but only today did I realise he was the frontman with A Perfect Circle.
Well you certainly live and learn - and all thanks to RP - and yes MJK does have a great voice for all his eccentricity.
Working backwards through his career I made the connection with Tool but only today did I realise he was the frontman with A Perfect Circle.
Well you certainly live and learn - and all thanks to RP - and yes MJK does have a great voice for all his eccentricity.
Quite the bag of cliches. Is he holding a flying spaghetti monster?
It's definitely growing on me. He makes good wine too 
I like this a lot. Still has his trademarks, but not so heavy. I'll want to hear more from this album.
Aside of the very good musical arrangement and production, I find these lyrics totally relevant.
Maynard may be crazy as a bucket of eels, but I kind of like this.
c.
c.
Soooo many hooks. A great song
... shucks, I was not expecting the "pop" sound from A Perfect Circle. :-/ Disillusioned might be a better track from this album to play here. I guess I'm used to the Mer De Noms sound, which is probably a bit heavy sounding for RP.
Been reading a bit `o Douglas Adams, have we?
The jury's still out. I need more listening. I couldn't believe this was a Perfect Circle until I heard Maynard singing. I'm not a super aficionado of this band, though. My sons turned me onto it. MJK's voice is superb, however.