86. ‘Rednecks’

B-side of ‘End Of A Century’ all formats. Produced by Blur.

Graham had written lyrics for a Blur song on a previous occasion (see 1). Eighty-five songs later, he scripted this comedy C&W tune about American truck-drivers. The melody was played by Damon – who was under the influence of potent hashish – on a keyboard owned by Donna Matthews of Elastica. Alex, himself audibly intoxicated, provides oblique vocal interruptions while Graham – in a surprisingly realistic mimic of Johnny Cash – sings alternately droll and feeble verses about intolerant Yanks (“sure is damn good thumpage in that waitress’ ass”). The one member of Blur not involved was Dave, who was escorting his cat Chevy to the vet.

The original version lasted over 30 minutes. It was half-heartedly earmarked for broadcast on Radio One’s Evening Session, but sensibly forgotten about when everyone sobered up.