“Two-Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer),” a catchy little song by Texas musical genius Roky Erickson, suddenly seems more relevant than ever. Let’s give a listen to the song as recorded in 1980 by Erickson and his band The Aliens.
Now let’s have a gander at the lyrics.
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Peace brought back, bought back
Relaxed be nyet brought back
Did you dry her out
Wind her out like jerky?
To me she’s healed, don’t attack
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Children nailed to the cross
Pain does not look our hell
Certainly is not a spell
Sweet waste from a well
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Winds quiet in the night
Her body just blows messiah
Sickening sweet sight left and right
Is all right does not please my appetite
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Two-headed dog, two-headed dog
I’ve been working in the Kremlin
With a two-headed dog
Source: LyricsFreak
Just about sums up the “current political conjuncture,” don’t you think?
Let’s have another listen to the song, this time as performed live and sizzling by Roky and the boys.
That was so hot, I’d like to hear it again, this time in an absolutely chilling version, allegedly recorded as a 7″ single in 1975, released by Mars Records and produced by the legendary Doug Sahm.
And check out this 1976 EP recording while you are at it. We need all the subversive supernatural vibes we can conjure up right now.
Photo of Roky Erickson courtesy of wbez.org
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Once again, this song sums up the “current political conjuncture.” Thanks for putting this together.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it. And yes, it does sum things up nicely. But I’ve been of this mind at least since 2015, if not earlier.