Joining a Fan Club
Drake Bell
The Illusions and Disappointments of Idol Worship
Drake Bell's song 'Joining a Fan Club' delves into the world of idol worship and the often disillusioning experience of being a fan. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young fan's infatuation with a celebrity, symbolized by the 'green Crayola eyes' and the act of tracing the star's likeness from a disc. This imagery captures the innocence and naivety of youthful admiration, where the fan's world revolves around the distant, almost mythical figure of their idol.
The song juxtaposes this innocent adoration with a more cynical view of fandom and organized religion. The lines 'Filling my bathtub with holy water and amens' and 'if you wanna go to Heaven all you gotta do is pay to pray' suggest a critique of how both fan clubs and religious institutions can exploit people's devotion for profit. The reference to 'St. Pinocchio' and the 'lampshade crown of thorns' further blurs the line between sacred and profane, highlighting the absurdity and commercialization of idol worship.
Ultimately, the song takes a darker turn with the mention of the fallen star and the regret of wasted devotion. The line 'I wished I'd loved him, before fate crashed his car' serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the often tragic end that befalls many celebrities. The song's narrative warns of the emotional and financial costs of idolizing someone from afar, urging listeners to reconsider the true value of their admiration and the potential consequences of blind devotion.