2014 – for The Frank Horvat Band – 3:46

Music and words by Frank Horvat

Recording

Album: Strange Machine
Buy Song: iTunes or CDBaby
Date: May-August 2014
Location: THE FARM, Toronto
Musicians: Frank Horvat (organ pedal), Thom Gill (vocals & guitar), Bram Gielen (bass), Jean Martin (percussion), Felicity Williams (bg vocals), Kismet Cooper (bg vocals), Oleksandra Fedyshyn (violin), Erika Nielsen (cello)
Producer: Frank Horvat and Jean Martin
 

Programme Notes

Ultimate Killing Machine was inspired by my strong beliefs that something needs to be done about climate change immediately. The song more specifically explores how society places a strong value on material goods. Cars, especially, are looked as symbols of status and advertising for cars tends to place an emphasis on the emotional uplift-ment one receives when owning and/or riding in a “nice” car. The irony is that it’s our obsession with driving that is partly contributing to the problem the world faces with climate change and pollution.

I always envisioned the song having a “sleek” sound, somewhat mirroring the polished music one would hear in a TV commercial for a car. I liked the idea of that being used in reverse. Even the title is a twist on BMW’s catch phrase.

My hope is that the song will generate discussion about these issues and what “everyday” people can do to make the world a healthier place.

– Frank Horvat

Lyrics

Picture yourself in this ultimate driving machine
Desirous stares with your tops being down
Driving this car is not just a driving escalade
It’s a living experience.
And a killing experience.

You’re a hard-working man
Supporting a wife and kids
Always getting to work on time
Too bad those kids will be breathless outside when they’re your age.
Picture yourself in this ultimate killing machine.

Don’t even go there
To call me that word doesn’t let you off the hook
Go ahead and say it
Does it clear your conscience to say
a-ha, a-ha, a-ha.

Drive contentedly
Drive comfortably
No world coming in
All world exhausting out
But you drive contentedly

Here I’ll admit
I’m a hypocrite, yes hypocrite, but so are you
Stop saying, ‘I care for my kids’
You don’t unless, you me, we, you, me, we, you, me, we, you, me, we, you, me, we, change

Drive contentedly
Drive comfortably
No world coming in
All world exhausting out
But you drive contentedly

LT#105