When the band Faun Fables was arranging a pair of theatrically-oriented events for the 'home base' performances of their 2006 tour for 'The Transit Rider' album, they invited some of their local friends and colleagues to perform their own material as part of a kind of opening variety show. I was one of those invited to contribute and, although I'd never attempted to do a straightforward song in public before (my material usually being of a more abstract nature) I decided to give the singer-songwriter role a try. The suggested theme for the contributors was, of course, riding public transit, and being someone who has never owned a car, I had a wealth of personal experience upon which to draw.

The lyrics of the song I ultimately came up with were all derived from experiences with mad people, sometimes on trains but more usually at bus stops or on city buses, and phrases like 'Give me Easter Bunny!' and 'Pick up your cross for Jesus, asshole!' are from genuine conversations -- not so much 'with', but directed 'at' me. The whole ending section describing an argument between a bus passenger and a squeaky-voiced 'Satan' is essentially transcribed word-for-word, including the squeaky-voice aspect itself. How I wish I had a recording device with me when that particular exchange took place...

Later in the year, Steve Stapleton and Andrew Liles heard this recording and suggested that we use the song as part of Nurse With Wound's live set. Anyone who has heard the subsequent NWW versions will notice that this original attempt has gaps inserted between some of the verses: this was entirely because, in my first-timer's nervousness, I was afraid I might forget the words if I didn't have more time to think about what came next. Unfortunately, this means the piece is drawn out MUCH too long. The Faun Fables audience turned out to be incredibly supportive regardless, and this is easily the most enthusiastic response I've ever had to one of my own performances. If it had gone the other way, it's very likely I would have given up any idea of singing in public and that aspect of NWW's live show would never have come about (which I know would have suited the preferences of at least a few Nurse fans).

An edited version of this track -- in which my incredibly poor attempt at throat-singing in the middle was removed -- was briefly posted on the irr. My Space page, but this is the first time the full performance with introduction and shameful bits has been made available. The announcer, for those who aren't familiar with his distinctive voice, is the redoubtable Nils Frykdahl of Faun Fables/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum/Idiot Flesh fame.

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