I really do love this song. It’s got such an easy going, nonchalant atmosphere. It’s a cheeky acknowledgement of the bright side of fame, the madness of touring, the ludicrous nature of the sort of wealth rockstars can accrue.
Little lines like “They say I’m lazy but it takes all my time”, and “I go to parties sometimes until four, it’s hard to leave when you can’t find the door” are just so whimsical and carefree, they practically beg you to quit your job and go live on a beach somewhere. If only…
The lyrics are apparently inspired by particular incidences in his life, especially the stuff about breaking hotels, which was a result of spending time with Keith Moon of The Who. It sort of wryly satirises all that excess.
The song is actually a few songs he had written stitched together. This accounts as to why it seems at times to a be a country tune, sometimes an epic rock power ballad, and sometimes an experimental electronic odyssey.
The verses seem lifted from reggae, which makes perfect sense for the lackadaisical stroll of the song.
The track taken as a whole is a masterpiece, with a densely populated soundscape brimming with excellent musicianship.
The song was released in 1978, first on the soundtrack to the movie “FM”, and then on the album But Seriously Folks… The single version, cut practically in half from 8 minutes to 4, reaching number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
It’s a lot of fun!