Friggin' In The Riggin'
Sex Pistols
A Raunchy Sea Shanty: The Sex Pistols' 'Friggin' In The Riggin''
The Sex Pistols' song 'Friggin' In The Riggin'' is a bawdy, irreverent sea shanty that exemplifies the band's punk ethos. Known for their rebellious and provocative style, the Sex Pistols use this song to push boundaries and shock listeners with explicit and humorous lyrics. The song is a parody of traditional sea shanties, filled with crude humor and exaggerated tales of the crew's debauchery aboard the 'good ship Venus.'
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dysfunctional and lewd crew, each member more outrageous than the last. The captain is described as a 'dirty bugger,' unfit for his role, while the first mate, Morgan, is humorously depicted as a 'gorgon' who frequently indulges in self-pleasure. The song continues with similarly outrageous descriptions of other crew members, including the second mate Andy and the cabin boy Flipper, each engaging in increasingly absurd and explicit acts. The chorus, 'Friggin' in the riggin', there was fuck all else to do,' suggests a sense of boredom and aimlessness, leading the crew to engage in these lewd activities.
The song's humor lies in its over-the-top vulgarity and the absurdity of the situations described. It serves as a satirical take on the romanticized image of sailors and life at sea, instead presenting a chaotic and obscene reality. The use of explicit language and sexual innuendos is a hallmark of the Sex Pistols' style, reflecting their desire to challenge societal norms and provoke a reaction from their audience. 'Friggin' In The Riggin'' is a testament to the band's ability to blend humor, shock value, and social commentary into their music.