An Eggplant & Popsicle Toes
Michael Franks - A lyrical Genius
Jason Mraz's lyrical style is truly unique. His songs are a playground of double entendres, hidden meanings, and clever twists, making them a delight for listeners who appreciate intricate wordplay.
There’s a reason he’s referred to as “Mr. A-Z” and his song “Wordplay” describes his style and abilities:
I've been all around the world, I've been a new sensation
But it doesn't really matter in this g-generation
The sophomore slump is an uphill battle
And someone said, it ain't my scene
'Cause they need a new song like a new religion, music for the television
I can't do the long division, someone do the math
For the record label puts me on the shelf up on the freezer
Got to find another way to live the life of leisure
So, I drop my top, mix and I mingle
Is everybody ready for the single? And it goes
Ha-la-la-la-la, now, listen closer to the verse I lay
Ha-la-la-la-la, it's all about the wordplay
Ha-la-la-la, love, the wonderful thing it does
Because, because I am the wizard of ooh's and ah's and fa-la-la's
Yeah, the Mr. A to Z, they say, I'm all about the wordplay
Michael Franks, with a career spanning 48 years, has established himself as a master of jazz-influenced music with intricate wordplay. His clever lyrics, often exploring suggestive themes, make his works a worthy comparison to Mraz's.
One of the most intriguing Michael Franks songs is 'Eggplant.' The subject matter, initially seeming unusual, gradually reveals its cleverness. The reference to 'eggplant' is a surprise that most people now recognize, thanks to the popular emoji. Franks puts it:
Whenever I explore the land of Yin
I think he's heading "south" on his girlfriend.
I always take one on the chin
Exactly where is his chin?
And now this lioness has almost made me tame.
What is she doing to "tame" him?
I can't pronounce her name but eggplant is her game.
Eggplant?
The lady sticks to me like white on rice.
I assume they're lying close together.
She never cooks the same way twice.
She likes a lot of variety!
Maybe it's the mushrooms.
Male body parts?
Maybe the tomatoes.
Her upper body parts?
I can't reveal her name but eggplant is her game.
Right, eggplant again.
When my baby cooks her eggplant
How does she "cook" it?
She don't read no book.
She knows just what she's doing.
She's got a Gioconda kinda of dirty look
That refers to "Mona Lisa" and her smile.
And my baby cooks her eggplant,
There she goes again...
About 19 different ways.
I can't name more than six or seven after many years.
Sometimes I just have it raw with mayonnaise.
NO! I'm not even going there!
Maybe it’s the way she grates her cheese,
Cheese? I'm sure I could find references…
Or just the freckles on her knees.
What's he doing down by her knees?
Maybe it’s the scallions.
I might need help with that reference.
Maybe she's Italian.
2019 data suggests that Oral sex is the most common sexual practice in Italy.
I can't reveal her name but eggplant is her game.
And we're back to "Eggplant"…
He’s not done yet, though. Another song on that same “The Art of Tea” album is called “Popsicle Toes”:
You must have been Miss Pennsylvania
With all this pulchritude.
How come you always load your Pentax
When I'm in the nude?
We oughta have a birthday party,
And you can wear you birthday clothes
We can hit the floor
And go explore those
Popsicle toes.
You got the nicest North America
This sailor ever saw.
I'd like to feel your warm Brazil
And touch your Panama
With over 18 recorded albums spanning 45 years, Michael Franks has established a reputation for creating easy-listening pop music with jazz influences and sophisticated arrangements. His music is a delightful diversion from the mainstream, and a listen may just pleasantly surprise you!