Madame Impossible

from Non Equidem Invideo by vonHummer

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about

"Madame Impossible" was written for my ex-wife, as the separation/divorce was grinding along, and her ornerier personalities gave me a rough time. I thought at the time it was rather subtle (although not at all as charming as the similarly-based "Karmalita," from the year before.) However I was playing it one day and Little vonHummer, Jr., II.—then about 8-heard it and asked, "Is that about Mom?" I lied and said it wasn't, but he wasn't buying it. "Well it sounds just like Mom!" he said.

I really liked the delay effect on this one, as I always feel naked, sonically, without a drum somewhere, and the delay kind of provides percussion.

If you look at the music video for this one, you'll see footage from my parents' wedding, circa 1950. Not that Mom was a Madame Impossible in any way: they're still married!

lyrics

"Madame Impossible"
[vonHummer]

She’s got a shaky grasp on reality,
Two eyes that refuse to see harmony, synergy, that life can be lovely,

She got a jones for self righteous indignity, Two fists to beat her chest silly:
Emnity, tragedy, the “show-me state”, misery...

Put your hands on your head, and come along docile, cos she’s got you surrounded, this Madame Impossible, put your head in your hands and consider the fossil you once called a life with Madame Impossible, fifty years to life with Madame Impossible...

She got a license to kill joy immediately, Two lips that pout instantly, “Free to be you and me”: kiss goodbye eternally,

She’s sad as a rain cloud in mourning, she’s a ring around the moon: sailor take warning,
She’ll put your manhood in chinese handcuffs and march you away to the wedding march, and we’ll all stand and say

Put your hands on your head, and come along docile, cos she’s got you surrounded, this Madame Impossible, put your head in your hands and consider the fossil you once called a life with Madame Impossible, fifty years to life with Madame Impossible...

credits

from Non Equidem Invideo, released November 4, 2000
vonHummer: Drone bass, vocals.

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about

vonHummer Portland, Oregon

vonHummer is a Portland music/cable access legend whose career spanned from Fall of 2001 to Fall of 2011, during which he recorded a hundred or so songs for use in his absurdist show (and feature film) and played only a handful of concerts. Currently retired, his work shines on for the ages. Or will he someday return...? ... more

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