Freddie Blassie has passed, so perhaps it is safe for the geeks to come out of the closet.
I don't remember seeing Freddie Blassie wrestle, but then I never cared about rassling. What I do remember is his classic record "Pencil Neck Geek". My memories of him involve listening to the Dr. Demento show with the lights out (past my bedtime). Best I can tell, this has been one of the couple of most popular songs in the decades long history of Demento.
I've come to think of professional wrestling as largely a parody or satire of cheap machismo, self-consciously so to a significant extent. "Pencil Neck Geek" pretty well makes the point in just a few minutes, and in a considerably more artistically interesting manner.
If you are one of the unfortunates who have never heard this, it's actually quite a distinctive, well-written song. It is a deliberately paced Western ballad with a strong narrative line. It even has a strong melody, and sharp hooks. The arrangement makes great parody of all the dusty cowboy lore.
Pencil Neck Geek
Freddie Blassie
Back when I was a kid, life was going swell.
Till something happened, blew every thing to hell.
That night my daddy stumbled in, all pale and weak,
Said "A woman up the block just gave birth to a geek."
Mom said, "Sell it to the circus, what the heck."
Dad said, "Nope, this one's a pencil neck.
And if there's one thing lower than a side show freak,
It's a grit eatin', scum suckin', pencil neck geek."
You see if you take a pencil that won't hold lead,
Looks like a pipe cleaner atached to a head,
Add a buggy whip body with a brain that leaks,
You got yourself a grit eatin', pencil neck geek.
Article comments
1 - Jim
When I first heard this song on Dr. Demento, I thought I'd die laughing. You do of course know the song was about Andy Kaughman, of Taxi fame, right?
2 - Chris Arabia
I have to take issue with this post not once describing the legendary artist/manager/athlete as "Classy" Freddie Blassie.
3 - mac
I remember how the guy effectively used a reverb so his voice had that extra mean quality- makes me wonder if Jimmy Dean's "Big John" came out the same year-lol what a great flipside
4 - Jim
The song is NOT about Andy Kaughman. Fred Blassie originally called "Killer" Kowalski (of wrestling fame) a "Pencil Neck Geek" after a match.