Blue Öyster Cult

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Eric Bloom]
I am becalmed
Lost to nothing
Warm weather and
Holocaust

[Refrain 1: Eric Bloom]
Left to die by two good friends
Abandoned me and put to sleep
Left to die by two good friends
Tears of god flow as I bleed

[Chorus: Eric Bloom]
So ladies, fish, and gentlemen
Here's my angled dream
See me in the blue sky bag
And meet me by the sea!

[Verse 2: Eric Bloom]
Oyster boys are
Swimming for me now
Save me from the
Death-like creatures

[Refrain 2: Eric Bloom]
Oyster boys are swimming now
Hear them chatter on the tide
We understand, we understand
But fear is real and so do I
[Chorus: Eric Bloom]
So ladies, fish, and gentlemen
Here's my angled dream
See me in the blue sky bag
And meet me by the sea!

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3: Eric Bloom]
Oyster boys are
Swimming for me
Just one deal is what
We made now

[Refrain 3: Eric Bloom]
Forest keys and whirlwind cold
Green keys too and keys of gold
And even locks, that won't explode
When the skies become a scroll

[Chorus: Eric Bloom]
So ladies, fish, and gentlemen
Here's my angled dream
See me in the blue sky bag
And meet me by the sea!Embed

If you are a fan of hard rock, then you have probably heard of Blue Öyster Cult. This iconic band has been around since the 1970s and has released many hits, including “(Don't Fear) The Reaper” and “Burnin' for You.” One of their lesser-known songs that still packs a punch is “Subhuman.” This song tells the story of an alien named Imaginos who is left to die on the shore, only to be rescued by members of the Blue Öyster Cult.

About Subhuman

“Subhuman” was initially planned to be called “Blue Öyster Cult,” but Sandy Pearlman, the band's producer at the time, objected to the idea. Years later, the song was re-recorded and renamed “Blue Öyster Cult” for the album Imaginos. This song has a unique vibe that encapsulates Blue Öyster Cult's signature sound while simultaneously telling an intriguing story.

The song starts with a sharp guitar riff and a driving beat that sets a fast pace. The lyrics talk about Imaginos and how he was abandoned on the beach to die by a group of humans. They called him “subhuman” and left him to the mercy of the sea. As he lay dying, the members of Blue Öyster Cult discovered him and rescued him from his fate.

The chorus is where the song really shines. It is catchy, and the lyrics are easy to sing along to. “We are the ones who will make you feel better. We are the ones who will make you feel alright” repeats several times, giving the listener a sense of hope and positivity. The song then segues into a guitar solo, which is a staple of any great rock song.

As the song continues, the lyrics talk about how Blue Öyster Cult took Imaginos under their wing and taught him about the ways of the world. They shared their knowledge with him and helped him become a better person, declaring him no longer subhuman. The song ends on a hopeful note, with a final chorus of the reassuring lyrics.

What makes “Subhuman” stand out is the depth of its lyrics. It is not just about a simple rescue; it is about the power of friendship and the human spirit. Blue Öyster Cult proves through this song that even the most outcast among us can rise above our circumstances and become something great.

In terms of musical composition, “Subhuman” is a masterclass in how to create a hard rock song. The driving beat and guitar riffs are relentless, not letting up for a single moment. But at the same time, the song is not just noise. Each instrument has a specific purpose and adds to the overall sound. Eric Bloom's vocals are clear and powerful, cutting through the mix to deliver the lyrics with conviction and passion.

In terms of historical context, “Subhuman” is part of a larger concept album. Imaginos tells the story of the titular character, a sort of supernatural being who has been around for centuries, influencing events from behind the scenes. While “Subhuman” is just one song on the album, it is an essential part of the overall narrative. It sets the stage for the story to come, introducing the listener to the idea of an alien race and a group of humans who have stumbled onto something beyond their comprehension.

In terms of popularity, “Subhuman” is not one of Blue Öyster Cult's most well-known songs. Still, it has become a cult classic among fans of the band. The song has been covered by several other artists, including Dream Syndicate and Joe Cardamone, highlighting the song's impact in the music industry.

In closing, “Subhuman” is one of those rare songs that manage to be both catchy and meaningful. It tells a story of hope and redemption, wrapped in a hard rock package that will get your heart pumping. If you are a fan of Blue Öyster Cult or hard rock, this song is a must-listen.

• Release Date: April 1974
• Artist: Blue Öyster Cult