DEAD LETTER OFFICE: BANDWAGON

'This song was originally called 'the fruity song' because of all the 

stupid chord changes.  Still one of the funniest songs we've written.

Outtake from Fables of the Reconstruction.'

-Peter Buck 

I'm sure no one can imagine this song on Fables.  However, even though the chord changes are slightly unique, I think it's an offshoot of 'So. Central Rain' which has a similar beginning.  As far as lyrics, they are extremely snarky and delivered with such matter of factness it's maybe more ironic than funny.  Chalk it up there with 'We Walk' as the band showing that while their tone can be overly serious, their music doesn't have to be.  One of the pleasures of listening to the band is the way they can turn on a dime.  It's nice to get back to some good old fashioned Mike Mills background again too.  Only a few more songs until 'Document.'

BANDWAGON

Come on aboard
I promise you we won't hurt the horse
We treat him well, we feed him well
There's lots of room for you on the bandwagon
The road may be rough
The weather may forget us

(A magic kingdom)
But won't we all parade around and sing our songs
(And more you see)
The magic kingdom, open armed
(There’s a magic kingdom for you)

Greet us hello, bravo, name in lights
Passing on the word to fellow passengers and players, passing it
Until you're tired look at all the flags
And all the banners waving
This is some parade, yessiree Bob

(A magic kingdom)
Could you have known?
(And more you see)
Yessiree Bob, could you have known?
(There’s a magic kingdom for you)

Look at all the flags and all the banners waving
Open up our arms, the magic kingdom, open arms and greet us all

Come on aboard
I promise you we won't hurt the horse
We treat him well, we feed him well
There's lots of room for you on the bandwagon
The road may be rough, the weather may forget us

(A magic kingdom)
But won't we all parade around and sing our songs and wave our flags
(And more you see)
And magic kingdom greet us all hello
(There’s a magic kingdom for you)

(A magic kingdom)
Greet us hello
(And more you see)
Greet us hello
(There’s a magic kingdom for you)

This song ranks right up there with fun songs to play.  It's amazing the band didn't play the song live more. It does reek of a studio song, however ...

BANDWAGON

Verse

e|-0---0---1---1---0---1---1----|

B|-1---2---1---3---1---3---1----|

G|-0---0---2---3---2---3---2----|

D|-2---2---3---3---2---3---3----|

A|-3---0---3---1---0---1---3----|

E|-0---0---1---1---0---1---1----|

Verse Guitar 2

e|---8-10-12-9------8---6------6---8--8--8--8--8--|

B|-13-------------10---6---1--6---10-11-10-11-10--|

G|--------------10----7---2--7----10----------10--|

D|------------10-----8---2--8-----10----------10--|

A|------------------------------------------------|

E|------------------------------------------------|

Chorus (Picking Pattern)

e|--1--0---0-0---|

B|---1--1-3-3-3--|

G|-2--0----------|

D|---------------|

A|---------------|

E|---------------|

Chorus (Chords)

e|-1---0---0------|

B|-1---1---3------|

G|-2---0---0------|

D|-3---3---5------|

A|----------------|

E|----------------|

Middle Bridge

e|-3---0---0---2---3---0---0---2-1-3----|

B|-3---3---1---3---3---3---1---3-1-3----|

G|-0---0---0---2---0---0---0---2-2-4----|

D|-0---2---2---0---0---2---2---0-3-5----|

A|-2---2---0-------2---2---0-----3-5----|

E|-3---0---0-------3---0---0-----1-3----|

End on:

e|-0---|

B|-3---|

G|-0---|

D|-5---|

A|-0---|

E|-0---|