In this song, Eno describes a (presumably fictional) scenario in which the protagonist’s lover leaves him for a man who can breathe fire (the “Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch” of the title and lyrics).
[Verse 1]
My, my, my, we're treating each other just like strangers
I can't ignore the significance of these changes
But you can't treat it lightly
And you'll have to face the consequences
All my worst fears are grounded
You have to make the choice between the Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch and me
No, no, no, no
[Verse 2]
By this time I got to looking for a kind of substitute
I can't tell you who I found, except that it rhymes with dissolute
But my baby's so lazy
She is almost unable
And it's driving me crazy
And her loving's just a fable that we sometimes try with passion to recall
Woah, no, no, no
[Synth Solo]
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
Send for an ambulance or an accident investigator
He's breathing like a furnace
So I'll see you later, alligator
He'll set the sheets on fire
Mm, quite a burning lover
Now he'll barbeque your kitten
He is just another learner lover
You have to make the choice between the Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch and me
[Outro]
The Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch was written by Brian Eno.
The Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch was produced by Brian Eno.
Brian Eno released The Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch on Fri Feb 08 1974.