Laurie Anderson - O Superman (for Massenet) Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What inspired Laurie Anderson to create 'O Superman'?

   Laurie Anderson drew inspiration from the aria 'Ô Souverain, ô juge, ô père' from Jules Massenet's 1885 opera Le Cid, as sung by tenor Charles Holland. The song's conceptual framework revolves around themes of technology, communication, and societal dynamics.

2. How did 'O Superman' become a hit in the UK?

   The song 'O Superman' became a surprise hit in the UK after being championed by DJ John Peel, who frequently played it on BBC Radio 1. Its unexpected popularity led it to reach number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1981.

3. What musical techniques are used in 'O Superman'?

   'O Superman' features Laurie Anderson's vocals overlaid on two alternating chords. A vocoder distorts her voice, creating a Greek chorus effect, while the repetitive syllable 'ha' forms a harmonic drone. The song also includes saxophone, flute, and bird call samples.

4. What is the significance of the line 'Neither snow nor rain nor gloom of night shall stay these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds' in 'O Superman'?

   This line, part of the US Postal Service motto, is used in 'O Superman' to explore themes of communication and reliability in the face of technological changes. It underscores a recurring motif in the song: the tension between technology and personal relationships.

5. Did Laurie Anderson intend to connect 'O Superman' with a specific historical event?

   In a 2003 interview, Laurie Anderson mistakenly linked 'O Superman' to the Iran–Contra affair, but she intended to reference the earlier Iran hostage crisis and Operation Eagle Claw. The song's broader themes, however, address various socio-political contexts.

6. What role does the vocoder play in 'O Superman'?

   Laurie Anderson used a vocoder to alter her voice in 'O Superman,' creating a futuristic and distorted sound. The vocoder was initially developed as a coding device in World War II, and Anderson found it to be one of her favorite instruments for its unique sound.