Meaning of What That Is by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

The Enigmatic World of "What That Is" by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

As I first stumbled upon "What That Is" by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, I was immediately struck by the song’s surreal and enigmatic quality. The lyrics, a jumbled mix of nonsensical imagery and disorienting wordplay, seemed to defy traditional interpretation. But as I delved deeper into the song’s meaning, I found myself drawn into a world of chaos and absurdity, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred.

The Urgency of Perception

The song begins with the lines "What I see / Must be / Now!", setting the tone for the rest of the track. These words convey a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is desperate to grasp the world around them. This feeling of urgency is a recurring theme throughout the song, as Hawkins’ lyrics continually blur the lines between past, present, and future.

Time and Reality

One of the most striking aspects of "What That Is" is its manipulation of time and reality. Lines like "To was or not to happen / Eating a wax-feathered sandwich / In the middle of nineteen-hundred and yesterday" play with language and chronology, creating a sense of temporal disorientation. The reference to a "wax-feathered sandwich" adds to the surreal quality of the lyrics, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Uncertainty and Ambiguity

As the song progresses, Hawkins’ lyrics become increasingly cryptic, filled with bold and uncertain statements that challenge the listener’s understanding of the world. The repetition of contrasting phrases, such as "What that is! / What that ain’t!", underscores a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity, leaving the listener wondering what is real and what is not.

The Nightmarish Scene

One of the most vivid and unsettling images in the song is the line "There’s a sack hanging in your head with your brains in it eating scalp chop suey, corroded biscuits, and bat’s-knees soup, in a gas mask!". This nightmarish scene is a perfect example of the song’s ability to create a sense of disorientation and unease. The image is so vivid and grotesque that it defies literal interpretation, leaving the listener to interpret its meaning in their own way.

The Power of Absurdity

Throughout the song, Hawkins’ use of absurdity and surrealism creates a sense of freedom and playfulness. The lines "Whether with or without feathers / Give me that chicken / ‘Cause I’m waiting to see if I’m gonna change my mind" are a perfect example of this, blending mundane and absurd elements in a whimsical manner. This use of absurdity allows the listener to step outside of traditional thinking and explore new possibilities.

The Enigmatic Nature of Existence

Ultimately, "What That Is" by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins presents a surreal and cryptic exploration of perception, time, and existence. The song’s themes of uncertainty, transformation, and the fluid nature of reality contribute to its enigmatic and intriguing nature. As I reflect on my experience with this song, I am struck by its ability to challenge my understanding of the world and invite me to immerse myself in a world of chaos and absurdity.

Conclusion

"What That Is" by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins is a song that defies traditional interpretation, inviting the listener to immerse themselves in a world of chaos and absurdity. Through its use of surrealism, absurdity, and manipulation of time and reality, the song presents a unique and enigmatic exploration of the human experience. As I continue to listen to this song, I am drawn back into its world of uncertainty and ambiguity, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.

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