Open A Can (Of Human Beans)

(Sir John Johns)

The Wish List

Recordings Art Lyrics Chords and Tablature

Recordings

1. Charity recording, 4'44.
   Performed by The Dukes of Stratosphear.
   Released on 22 October 2003 on The Wish List compilation in the U.K.
   Sir John Johns - singing, guitar.
   The Red Curtain - electric bass.
   Lord Cornelius Plum - electric sitar, Mellotron, electric piano.
   E.I.E.I. Owen - drum set.

   Steve Somerset: “It was a bit of coup to get all the Dukes back together for this. I'd called Andy at the beginning of the year and he agreed to contribute something to the project but as to what, he wasn't sure. We kicked around a few ideas but nothing seemed to gel. Some weeks later I bumped into actor, and fellow Camden resident, Stephen Mackintosh (Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and a host of other stuff), we were talking about what we were up to and I mentioned the charity album and Andy's involvement. Stephen then proceeded to tell me how he had got into XTC via the Dukes. I relayed this story back to Andy who immediately said ‘Let's do a Dukes track’. Earlier that week I'd been speaking to Dave Gregory and he told me about a Coral Sitar Guitar he'd just added to his armoury. The timing was perfect; Lord Cornelius Plum and Electric Sitar! We just needed a yes from Colin and Ian which followed swiftly and before you say ‘Where the tin opener?’ a can of human beans was being cooked up for your delight and a very good cause. Forget all the speculation about who didn't record with who, The Dukes Of Stratosphear are back and you're in for a treat!”

2. Fuzzy Warbles mix.
   Performed by The Dukes of Stratosphear.
   Released on 25 September 2006 on Fuzzy Warbles Volume Seven in the U.K.
   Also released on 9 April 2009 on 25 O'Clock in the U.K.

   Andy: “Thought it was time I gave this track another airing. Not strictly a Warble, other than it was mostly recorded in the shed. This was written for the MS charity album Wish List and all four Dukes did their bit. Kerching! I thank you. Not many tracks have an air raid / sheep solo in them. Who are the Dukes sounding like? Too close to XTC for comfort if you ask me. Please donate generously to the MS Society (www.mssociety.org.uk), they need your help. Down in the jungle, living in a tent, better than a pre-fab, no rent.”

[Thanks to Steve Somerset]

Art

[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Lyrics

Turn that opener at a pretty fast rate
Pour out the contents on a big round plate
Poke around a while and then you'll see
They're just like you and they're just like me

Open a can of human beans
Open a can and see their crazy dreams
And stranger schemes

Open a can of human beans
Open a can and see their loving scenes
With war machines

Everybody got an appetite on fire
Everybody want a slice of heaven
But of self-devouring we will never tire
If you are what you eat
Grab a knife and fork and take your seat

Open a can of human beans
Open a can and see their crazy dreams
In reds and greens

Open a can of human beans
Open a can and see their loving scenes
In magazines

Everybody got a feeding frenzy now
Everybody want a piece of action
But we think that we're above the pig sheep cow
If you are what you eat
Shake hands with your dinner when we meet

Turn that opener at a pretty fast rate
Pour out the contents on a big round plate
Poke around a while and then you'll see
They're just like you and they're just like me

Everybody's got an appetite on fire
Everybody wants a slice of heaven
But of self-devouring we will never tire
If you are what you eat
Grab a knife and fork and take your seat

Open a can
Open a can
Open a can

Chords and Tablature

Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 16:15:03 -0500
From: John Relph <relph (at) tmbg dot org>
Subject: Open a Can (of Human Beans)
Message-Id: <200311252115.hAPLF3S02007 (at) f5 dot idiot-dog dot com>


Here are simple chords for a simple song.

Intro and bridge: (barre chords up the neck)

  A   F#  B   G#  C#  Bb  Eb  E

Verse / Chorus:

  A   B   E      )x2

  C#m F#m D   A  )x3

  G   B   G   E

Outro:

  E

  G#7 C#         )x?

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