The title of this print “Moon Over Biloxi” is a tribute to the Dead Kennedy’s song “Moon Over Marin”. In 1984 I picked up maybe my 4th punk record which was the 2nd Dead Kennedy’s album “Plastic Surgery Disasters”. The album is a great listen all the way through and includes some blistering tunes like “Riot” and “Bleed For Me” laced with social commentary. The surprise song though is “Moon Over Marin”… detractors have called it the Dead Kennedy’s “U2” song, but I disagree. “Moon Over Marin” is more melodic than most DK, but juxtaposed with the darkness of the lyrics, the song evokes a powerful sense of existential melancholy. I think the concept that struck me, and stuck with me, is that our disrespect of each other and the planet may doom us , but things will continue without us. I think it is healthy to recognize impermanence, but also to appreciate the value of the ephemeral. Moonlight, real or electric, will probably be around, but what it will be casting light on is the real question. There will always be a moon over Biloxi.
-Shepard
Prints will ship within 10 to 15 days from the date of your order.
A portion of the proceeds go to the NRDC. Click for more to hear the Dead Kennedy’s song.
“Moon Over Marin”
The crowded future stings my eyes
I still find time to exercise
In uniform with two white stripes
Unlock my section of the sand
It’s fenced off to the water’s edge
I clamp a gasmask on my head
[Chorus]
On my beach at night
Bathe in my moonlight
Another tanker’s hit the rocks
Abandoned to spill out its guts
The sand is laced with sticky glops
O’ Shimmering moonlight sheen upon
The waves and water clogged with oil
White gases steam up from the soil
[Chorus]
I squash dead fish between my toes
Try not to step on any bones
I turn around and I go home
I slip back through my basement door
Switch off all that I own below
Dive in my scalding wooden tub
My own beach at night
Electric Moonlight
There will always be a moon
Over Marin
18 x 24″ Screen Print, Signed and Numbered Edition of 400 (Cream) and 200 (White). Limit 1 per person/household, $50 each. SOLD OUT