Bonzo Dog Doo Dah and obsessive mimesis -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 17:58:05 04/14/08 Mon
Author: Janelle
Subject: Bonzo Dog Doo Dah and obsessive mimesis

Caitlin's post on self-help books reminded me of a song by the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. As we have said, there are many models society provides us to imitate. Some are emphasized and forced upon us more than others, such as the models of fashion, the models of what a perfect spouse is, and what the right look is. Although we do tend to take on more than one model at a time, we don't usually recognize it as such. This is something Vivian, former lead singer and songwriter of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, recognizes and jokes about in the song "Look Out There's a Monster Coming". In it the speaker goes to great lengths to fit in and be fashionable and attractive; basically he does it to be accepted. Where do his failed attempts lead him? Look out there's a monster coming!!!

*Look Out there's a Monster Coming-Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band*

Lonely, unmarried, looking for love,
Life was passing me by.
So I sent off my photo, hobbies and age;
Magazine marriage I tried.
They say for centuries lovely Japanese girls
Have been trained in the art of pleasing men.
Be lonely no more, open destiny's door.
For one dollar they arrange a meeting.

My image was wrong, I didn't like me,
So I changed my personality.
I bought a delux Merseybeat wig
But it was a size too big.
What confidence in my new built-up shoes,
So smart for winter or summer.
Undetectable in normal everyday use.

Look out there's a monster coming!

Bye-bye binoculars and macintosh,
Everything is just great.
I take elocution, learn to speak posh
But still I can't find a mate.
Be popular, learn to play the guitar,
In seven days you could be strumming.
Be sociable, learn kissing technique.

Look out there's a monster coming!

Carnaby clothes, I reshaped my nose,
Plastic surgery's best.
To cut down my weight off comes my left leg.
I pass a swimming costume test.
Are my sideboards too long,
Don't my aftershave pong?
I know my new nose ain't runnin'.
What's wrong with my tie?
Am I getting too high?

Look out there's a monster coming!

Disfiguring and ugly, my facial hair
I had removed electrically.
I rejuvenated my energy cells
And regained my virility
He put my hand on my heart,
I am changing the part.
He had a machine for a mummy.
Please be gentle with me:
I come to pieces literally.

Look out there's a monster coming!
Look out there's a monster coming!
Look out there's a monster coming!

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