Snowball in Hell

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Listening to Snowball in Hell off They Might Be Giants’ Lincoln album transports me back to being a teenager, laying in bed at night and trying to fall asleep. Headphones on, staring up at the ceiling, and realizing that instead of falling asleep during this album, I listened to the entire thing - again.

A little existential dread before I fall asleep.

This penultimate song eases in with a single accordion note, followed by a couple accordion chords and then we’re off. Snowball for me always alluded to the idea that life feels unsurmountable. It spoke directly to this feeling I had growing up that I’m doomed to work hard and feel like life never stops taking and then one day I’ll die.

Yeah, I has a heavy teenager.

The music and words affirmed for me that existence as a human being with a conscience in this world was like being a snowball in hell. None of us stand a chance. In fact, the fact that bad things will happen is one of the most certain things you can count on. Was I pessimistic? Oh, you know it.

Money's all broke, and food's going hungry.

If it wasn't for disappointment,

I wouldn't have any appointments.

Self help appearing where you least expect it.

Midway through Snowball in Hell there is a break featuring two salesman discussing early era grind mentality. Essentially expressing that you shouldn’t stop for coffee during your work morning when there are sales and money to make. Time, after all, is money.

For a long time, I expected that all of my jobs would be full of this way of thinking. Until recently, they were. In a way, this song did a great job preparing me for the bleak reality of growing up in capitalism.

I had always assumed that it was a clip from something like “Death of a Salesman,” which I had not seen. I still haven’t seen it but since starting this newsletter I’ve learned its true source: a part of 1961 series of Success and Motivation Cassette Tapes by Paul J. Meyer titled “How to Master Your Time.”

The album producer and friend of the band, Bill Krauss had purchased the cassette as a random birthday gift for John Flansburgh, assuming Flansy would utilize this somehow. Many years later, I’m laughing at this break during the day but staying up at night worrying about the adult life ahead of me.

Final thoughts and a listen.

Is Snowball a banger? It’s a tight song with no fat to trim, clever lyrics as any other on Lincoln with a surreal motivational cassette track within. Plus a melodica?! What’s not to like? This song might not contain the rock of Ana Ng or absurd proto-emo-jazz of You’ll Miss Me but Snowball in Hell is a mood. I really enjoy singing this one so it’s a no-skip song for me. Just pure classic TMBG.

Have a listen to Snowball in Hell below and let me know what you think in the comments, or send me a message anytime.

Next week, I’m writing about a song that I’ve requested to have played at my funeral (which I hope will be 100 years from now), Kiss Me, Son of God.