About the song

Frank Zappa, an iconic and innovative figure in the world of rock and avant-garde music, showcases his unique brand of humor and musical genius in the song “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow.” Released in 1974 as part of the album Apostrophe (‘), this track is a perfect example of Zappa’s ability to blend satire, intricate musicianship, and unconventional storytelling.

“Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow” starts with a whimsical narrative set in a cold and surreal arctic landscape. Through Zappa’s clever lyrics and distinctive voice, listeners are taken on a journey that is both amusing and thought-provoking. The song warns against the obvious yet absurd hazard implied by its title, highlighting Zappa’s penchant for combining the absurd with the insightful.

Musically, the track is a testament to Frank Zappa‘s versatility. It features complex instrumental arrangements, including dynamic guitar riffs, rhythmic shifts, and innovative use of various instruments, all hallmarks of Zappa’s eclectic style. The fusion of rock, jazz, and experimental elements creates a sound that is uniquely his own, challenging traditional genre boundaries and expectations.

For those familiar with Frank Zappa‘s work, “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow” is a quintessential example of his creative prowess and his ability to infuse humor into his music without compromising on technical skill. For new listeners, this song serves as an intriguing introduction to the mind of one of music’s most unconventional and brilliant artists. Zappa‘s work continues to inspire and entertain, making “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow” a standout piece in his extensive and diverse catalog.

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Lyrics

Dreamed I was an eskimoFrozen wind began to blowUnder my boots and around my toesThe frost that bit the ground below
It was a hundred degrees below zero…And my mama criedAnd my mama criedNanook, a-no-noNanook, a-no-noDon’t be a naughty eskimo
Save your money, don’t go to the showWell I turned around and I said oh, oh ohWell I turned around and I said oh, oh ohWell I turned around and I said ho, hoAnd the northern lights commenced to glow
And she said, with a tear in her eyeWatch out where the huskies go,and don’t you eat that yellow snowWatch out where the huskies go,and don’t you eat that yellow snow