The song appears to be about the relationship between Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson and his psychotherapist Eugene Landy.
The relationship is renowned for its toxicity, between Brian’s mental health issues and drug abuse and Eugene’s controlling behaviour.
Here’s a quote from Erica Dunn (writer o...
[Verse 1]
Salty foam, your daddy’s most
Classic pin-up of the California coast
I couldn’t trust your heavy stare
The poly-cotton, all circles and squares
You didn’t drown in the water
While the dollars fell like rain
You looked in that blue mirror but
You couldn’t put a toe in
[Chorus]
Is it you, ooh, Eugene?
Is it you, ooh, Eugene?
I didn’t know you were part of me
[Verse 2]
Straight part, ironed crease
Looking out on an empty beach
Cruel stage for a cage
All the colours are pastel and peach
'Cause you didn’t drown in the water
Or in the moron rhyme
Or in the paint that’s flakin’ off
The Hollywood sign
[Chorus]
Is it you, ooh, Eugene?
Is it you, ooh, Eugene?
I never knew you were part of me
[Bridge]
Holding me up, putting me down
Holding you up, putting you down
Holding you up, putting you down
Holding you up, putting you down
Pulling you up, putting you down
Pulling you up
[Verse 3]
Box of sand, walls of slime
All your ivory in a never-ending line
Signing your name, time went slow
Thinkin’ bout how your brother had to go
You didn’t drown in the water
And I know you wanted to
Can you promise me you’ll talk to me
When your name’s read in the news?
[Chorus]
Is it you, ooh, Eugene?
Is it you, ooh, Eugene?
I didn't know you were part of me
Is it you, ooh, Eugene?
Is it you, ooh, Eugene?
I never knew you were part of me
[Bridge]
Holding me up, putting me down
Holding you up, putting you down
Holding you up, putting you down
Holding you up, putting you down
Pulling you up, putting you down
Pulling you up
[Verse 4]
Boot on my neck gives a tight squeeze
What is hiding on the summer breeze?
Shine of salty sweat, who will you be?
Surf Safari or my Eugene?
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 5]
Boot on my neck gives a release
What is hiding under the dream?
Face on an old LP, who will you be?
God Only Knows or my Eugene?
Boot on my neck gives a tight squeeze
What is hiding on the summer breeze?
Shine of salty sweat, who will you be?
Sailor Sloop John B or my Eugene?
Who’s My Eugene? was written by Gareth Liddiard & Erica Dunn.
Who’s My Eugene? was produced by Mike Deslandes & Gareth Liddiard.
Tropical Fuck Storm released Who’s My Eugene? on Thu Jul 25 2019.