“Disgracing the Family Name” & “Work Song”
(1st Skafish record release)
Released November 1979

When we did this recording session, we were really looking to interest a record company in signing us.  The band crammed into my basement where we rehearsed 6 to 7 days a week.  Ken Rasek put up a couple of mikes—that’s the way they did it in the old days.  Now that’s the way to record an ensemble-all at once-whether a symphony or a combo.  I gave my band the cue and they did it, cutting every song in a single take.

"Disgracing the Family Name":  One day my mom walked into my room, and I had something outrageous on—I don’t remember exactly what it was.  She turned to me and screamed, “All you ever do is disgrace the family name!”  I thought, wow, she just gave me my next song.  I wrote it in a matter of minutes.  I really do have a brother named Peter and a sister named Mary Lou.

How are the old folks at home?
Grandmother built respect for family name
My father worked to keep it just the same
My mother once was proud of family name
Paralyzing the family name with paralysis
My brother Peter does not understand
My sister Mary Lou she hopes the best
When I was small they knew I was a pest
Pesty little moron - oh mutha

© Copyright 1978 Skafish Music - All Rights Reserved

Work Song:  I tried to use the intro to express the cold, industrial feel of the steel mill environment I was raised in.  I wanted the song itself to express the emotion - the futility, nobility and regiment of work—work—work!

What’s the average guy gonna do?
What’s the average guy gonna do?
He just has a labor job
He can’t find a better job
Work all day in the steel mill
Be a cop or drive a truck
Get a four-year college degree
End up in the factory

© Copyright 1978 Skafish Music - All Rights Reserved

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