Initially inspired by a real person (in addition to the obvious cartoon character reference), the fictional character in the song, took on its own life.
Patrick adds:
"I wanted to clear up something that was mentioned to me by a listener: this song is not 'anti' anything.
there are a few points in the song where the singer asks questions (eg 'do you consider yourself your friend?')
I remind any lyrical inquisitors, that a question like that, can have at least 2 possible answers. We are not implying or moralizing on this fictional character's life or choices in the least. As a matter of fact, if one answers the questions positively, it can give the song a very different implication, than a negative answer.
This song is not to be used in any 'anti' fashion, and the writers do not advocate any opression on the 'Shaggys' of the world, who harm no one.
EVERYONE should question their behaviors and ask 'do you consider yourself your friend?', and if the answer is 'yes', then you are doing what is right for yourself. Hopefully that clears up that, if it was too ambiguous just in the song."
The music itself, was originally a Sonics/Mudhoney styled song, initially titled "Cut You In", but no lyrics ever materialized, and when the lyrics for Shaggy were written, this music came immediately to mind, and fit perfectly, so the two songs were merged into what is now Shaggy.
lyrics
Shaggy
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The way your face is looking saggy
Reminds me of something raggedy
Like a doll, but your eyes are baggy
Keepin' time, but the beats are draggy
Still you're not concerned
With the way your candle burns
To the middle from both ends
Do you consider yourself your friend?
You've got a dog, but her name is Maggie
So tell me why they call you "Shaggy"
Playing with time, but the beats are draggy
Is it because of that fat, little baggie?
The slow motion turns
A gradual burn
What's coming 'round the bend?
- It could be the end.
Formed in the beginning of 2001, Wide-Eyed is Tina Lambright and Patrick Pyne. Despite being a duo, they rotated instruments
for recordings to make full, band-oriented songs of varying sounds and styles. Their music can be generally described as experimental pop, or psychedelic rock, but avoiding cliches of any genre. Serious, funny, abstract or direct, despite the dressing, enjoyment is the focus...more
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