☝️ Key Points
- Bobby Brown is initially the stereotype of the successful, good-looking young man celebrated by society and chasing women.
- The women's liberation enters his life and Bobby meets 'Freddy', a lesbian girl who shows him that women are more than just objects - his attitude towards women and sexuality changes radically.
- Bobby begins to question his gender identity and sexual preferences, working behind the mask of a heterosexual man in a radio station.
- He drifts into the world of S&M and practices extreme sexual activities like 'golden shower'.
- The song 'Bobby Brown' is a satirical critique of traditional gender roles and sexuality in American society, addressing the failure of the so-called 'American Dream'.
Interpretation
The song 'Bobby Brown' by
Frank Zappa is a satirical narrative about the alienation and transformation of a typical 'American dream'. The protagonist, Bobby Brown, initially embodies the stereotype of the successful, good-looking young man who is popular in society and pursues women.
In the first verse, Bobby Brown introduces himself as the 'sweetest boy in town' who loves cars and girls. He is arrogant and self-centered, a product of a superficial society.
The lyrics take a turn when women's liberation enters Bobby Brown's life. He meets 'Freddy', a lesbian girl who shows him that women are not just objects. After this experience, Bobby Brown's attitude towards women and sexuality changes drastically, as evident in the following verses.
Bobby Brown begins to question his gender identity and sexual preferences. He gets a job in radio where nobody recognizes his homosexuality. Additionally, he delves into the world of S&M (a form of sexuality involving power and submission) and even engages in a 'golden shower' (a sexual practice involving urine).
The song ends with Bobby Brown thanking 'Freddy' and referring to himself as a 'sexual spastic'. This shows his personal transformation and struggle with his identity and sexuality.
Overall, 'Bobby Brown' is a satirical critique of traditional gender roles and sexuality in American society. Zappa uses the song to portray the superficiality and failure of the 'American dream' and to prompt the audience to reflect on these issues.