Willie the Pimp

Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa

About Willie the Pimp

"Willie the Pimp" is a blues rock song from Frank Zappa's 1969 album Hot Rats. It features an idiosyncratic Captain Beefheart vocal and one of Zappa's classic guitar solos. It is the only track that is not instrumental on the album, though the track features a long guitar solo. The song has also appeared on Zappa's Fillmore East – June 1971 and You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 4 albums. The album title Hot Rats comes from a lyric of Willie the Pimp. The origin of the song was explained in a conversation Zappa recorded in 1969. This interview recording was later released as "The Story of Willie the Pimp" on the Zappa album Mystery Disc. The song was ranked number 75 on the list of "The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time" of Rolling Stone. 


Year:
2014
8:43
92 
#1

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I'm a little pimp with my hair gassed back
Pair of khaki pants with my shoes shined black

Got a little lady walk that street
Tellin' all the boys that she can't be beat

Twenty dollar bill, I can set you straight
Meet me on the corner boy'n don't be late

Man in a suit with bow-tie neck
Want to buy a grunt with a third party check

Standin' onna porch of the Lido Hotel
Floozies in the lobby love the way I sell

Hot meat
Hot rats 
Hot zits 
Hot wrists
Hot ritz
Hot roots 
Hot soots

Hot meat
Hot rats 
Hot chicks
Hot zits 
Hot wrists
Hot ritz
Hot roots 
Hot soots

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Captain Beefheart

Don Van Vliet ( /væn ˈvliːt/, born Don Glen Vliet; January 15, 1941 – December 17, 2010) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, artist and poet widely known by the stage name Captain Beefheart. His musical work was conducted with a rotating ensemble of musicians called The Magic Band, active between 1965 and 1982, with whom he recorded 13 studio albums. Noted for his powerful singing voice with its wide range, Van Vliet also played the harmonica, saxophone and numerous other wind instruments. His music blended rock, blues and psychedelia with avant-garde and contemporary experimental composition. Beefheart was also known for exercising an almost dictatorial control over his supporting musicians, and for often constructing myths about his life. more »

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Written by: FRANK ZAPPA

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Composition
"Willie the Pimp" is a song on the album "Hot Rats" that was released in 1969 and it was composed by American musician Frank Zappa. - It is a psychedelic rock and jazz fusion composition, combining elements of rock with improvisational jazz forms.
Lyrics and Vocals
The song's lyrics were written and performed by Captain Beefheart, otherwise known as Don Van Vliet. - "Willie The Pimp" is the only track on “Hot Rats” to include vocals, and Beefheart delivers them in his distinctive growling style.
Instrumentation
The song showcases Zappa's skills as a guitarist. It features a lengthy guitar solo by Zappa that lasts for approximately four minutes. - This song also features violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, whose playing blends seamlessly into Zappa's guitar work.
Cover Art
Captain Beefheart is represented on the cover of the album "Hot Rats". The artwork was made by Cal Schenkel, who also did album covers for other Zappa's albums.
Reception and Legacy
"Willie the Pimp," along with the rest of "Hot Rats," is considered a masterpiece in Zappa's eclectic musical catalog. It has been critically acclaimed for its experimental nature and inspired approach to music. - The song has been covered and sampled by various musicians across different genres, testifying to its broad impact and enduring appeal.
Live Performances
Despite being a popular track, "Willie the Pimp" was not frequently performed live by Zappa. Its live performances are considered rare.
Length of the Song
The song is one of the longest compositions on the album, clocking in at over nine minutes long.
Influence and Inspiration
Frank Zappa was known for his satirical lyrical content, and "Willie the Pimp" is no exception. The song's lyrics --- about a character named Willie who is a pimp --- were intended to satirize certain aspects of American culture.

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