The Cult of Authenticity

Song lyrics by Chrome Dome Mike Kimbro

Structure Scheme:  Accent points align for all three verses.

Consider reading along to my Spoken Verse Performance.

VERSE 1

There are those who can’t conceive

Our big problem with Milli Vanilli.

They see the outrage as kind of naïve,

And taking Grammy’s back was silly.

I’ve sat through lip synched concerts

Surprised that nobody else complained.

While the rest felt they got their just deserts,

The key is they were entertained.

CHORUS

Welcome to the cult.

The Cult of Authenticity.

Welcome to the cult.

A chapters in your city.

Welcome to the cult.

I hope you like this ditty.

Welcome to the cult.

If you don’t then that’s a pity.

Welcome to the cult.

True, my sound is kind of gritty.

Welcome to the cult.

It’s not chosen by committee.

Welcome to the cult.

If it was they’d make it pretty.

Welcome to the cult.

Then the artist wouldn't be me.

Welcome to the cult.

The Cult of Authenticity.

VERSE 2

Then how ‘bout a band’s musicians

Who don’t even play their own instrument?

Sure slight of hand is the thing for magicians.

But artists shouldn’t misrepresent.

The accused throw up both hands

Saying:  “The producers are to blame.

But who cares cause it’s all about the fans

The key is they were entertained.”

CHORUS

Welcome to the cult.

The Cult of Authenticity.

Welcome to the cult.

A chapters in your city.

Welcome to the cult.

I hope you like this ditty.

Welcome to the cult.

If you don’t then that’s a pity.

Welcome to the cult.

True, my sound is kind of gritty.

Welcome to the cult.

It’s not chosen by committee.

Welcome to the cult.

If it was they’d make it pretty.

Welcome to the cult.

Then the artist wouldn't be me.

Welcome to the cult.

The Cult of Authenticity.

BRIDGE

Yo, Mr. Producer man.

I know your motives are sincere,

But we’ve got one small problem.

So won’t you hear my plea.

Just try to understand.

My Momma doesn’t want to hear,

Session guys on our next album,

Playing guitar instead of me.

VERSE 3

There are those who act disgusted

When Vogue alters their photos. That's wrong!

But when it's their music getting adjusted,

They welcome changes made to their song.

Hypocrisy?  It's all right,

So the label's high standards are maintained.

Better still when your fans are not that bright.

The key is they are entertained.

CHORUS

Welcome to the cult.

The Cult of Authenticity.

Welcome to the cult.

A chapters in your city.

Welcome to the cult.

I hope you like this ditty.

Welcome to the cult.

If you don’t then that’s a pity.

Welcome to the cult.

True, my sound is kind of gritty.

Welcome to the cult.

It’s not chosen by committee.

Welcome to the cult.

If it was they’d make it pretty.

Welcome to the cult.

Then the artist wouldn't be me.

Welcome to the cult.

The Cult of Authenticity.

THE END

Copyright © Michael Kimbro 2013.  All rights reserved.

PS - As with some of my other poems, I'd like to share a poetic remnant which didn't make the cut.  As I was working on verse 3, which was inspired by "Another is Waiting" by The Avett Brothers, another option I toyed with was adding the following to the bridge:

When a band's criticism is severe,

Of seeking perfection in photographic beauty.

Then they hire a hot shot sound engineer,

Who regards sonic perfection as a sacred duty.

Luckily, verse 3 eliminated the need for this altogether.

Thanks for the read.