“I Think We’re All Bozos on this Bus” was a Firesign Theatre album Fred, Lee, Gregory and I listened to back in those days, and this particular excerpt was one that Gregory could easily perform from memory, particularly if one of us started singing the song. Also the references to Artie Choke there and on another place in the album where Artichoke Mode is mentioned were the inspiration to the name of the Artichoke Mode (of the True Food Conspiracy) restaurant. Kent Christman
Back From the Shadows Again
(sung to the tune of “Back in the Saddle Again”)
♫ Back from the Shadows again,
Out where an In-jun’s your friend,
Where the vegetables are green,
And you can pee into the stream,
Yes, we’re back from the Shadows again ♫
“Howdy, everybody – I’m the Whisperin’ Squash”
“And I’m the Lonesome Beet”
“And I’m Artie Choke, and we’re just a joke.”
“And don’t be afraid, little people, ’cause we’re just Holy-grams!”
“Great!”
“Yeah, but what about you, pardner? What you doin’ today?”
“Can’t be much, Lonesome, nobody’s workin'”
“Nobody ‘cept us, and I’m gettin’ tired of standin’ here with these geeks a-gawkin’ at me!”
“Now you keep it sweet, Beet!”
“Listen here, leaf-head, I’m gonna pluck you…”
“Now, now, boys! Fightin’s out of style. Fun’s where the Faire’s at – in the Future, that is!”
“You can bet your roots, toots, it’s tons of fun!
“And technical stimulation!”
“That’s what I need!”
“And there’s lots more of me where I come from!”
“In Government inflicted simulation!”
“The future can’t wait – no place to hide!”
“So climb on aboard…”
“We’re goin’ inside!”
“We’re goin’…”
♫ Back to the Shadows again
Out where an Indian’s your friend
(Goin’ down, goin’ down)
Where the vegetables are green,
And you can pee right into the stream
(And that’s important)
We’re back from the Shadows again ♫