Flowers Of Neptune 6

Album: American Head (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This psychedelic Flaming Lips ballad features typically spaced-out lyrics such as light bugs glowing "like tiny spaceships in a row." There is also a reference to orange flowers blooming "into Saturn, Jupiter, the moon," but there's no mention of the titular planet Neptune.
  • Kacey Musgraves joins The Flaming Lips on the track, crooning harmony vocals alongside singer Wayne Coyne. Musgraves is a big fan of the psych legends; the country star covered their Yoshimi classic "Do You Realize??" at Bonnaroo 2019.
  • According to Coyne, the song originated with "a very evocative series of melodies" that multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd bought to the table. They suggested to the Flaming Lips frontman "an older, mature mind reflecting back into a journey from younger innocence then starting to learn and understand and keeps going into the panic of becoming one with the world."

    Inspired, Coyne came up with a collection of "blissful, innocent, psychedelic experiences" created from discussions between him, Drozd and Musgraves.
  • The mournful video features Wayne Coyne draped in an American flag. He wanders around a burning field inside the huge plastic bubble he uses to walk over concert audiences.

Comments: 1

  • Zabadak Heda from London“Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter, The Moon”
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.