Punky's Whips by Frank Zappa

Album: Zappa in New York (1977)

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Songfacts®:

In an interview with Melody Maker dated January 1, 1977, Frank Zappa said "Punky's Whips" was a song about "our drummer having a peculiar fascination for the lips and hairdo of a singer in a band called the Angels." (The band was actually called Angel.)

Or so he was quoted. Others have claimed this twelve-and-a-half-minute-plus jazz fusion track is an inside joke, which it certainly appears to be. As Zappa's drummer Terry Bozzio married Dale Consalvi in 1979, we can probably rule out any real attraction for Punky Meadows; the song's lyrics also include the lines:

But I ain't queer
I ain't gay...

Regardless of Mr. Bozzio's sexuality, it is doubtful if Punky Meadows saw the joke; Warner Brothers certainly did not, fearing a lawsuit it was edited it out. Best not to mention the outright profanity. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 2

Dan from MurilloFrank was using punky to make fun of record executives and companies pushing okay musicians into am radio. Music that Stands the test of time is the best.
Gary from WindhamPunky's Whips or 'Punky's Lips" when spoken while making the 'pouting face' like Punky was a homophobic rant on Punky and his 'pouting-face' promo photo. (see https://worleygig.com/tag/punky-meadows/). Sure Zappa's band and his lead soloing in the aforementioned song was on a different level than Punky's then-popular band Angel. Let's Be Frank: Frank could own Punky as far as improvised guitar solo's but his lyrics leaved plenty to be desired...especially here. Not many cared about his social commentary as shown by three of his releases of "Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar'. However, Punky and Angel had much to be proud of with their first three releases of hard rock albums. Not nearly as much as the guitar proficient Zappa... but still a contribution. And Hey, In a world where new rock-n-roll has been all but eliminated "Can't We All Just Get Along?"

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