Alice Cooper

Released: June 25, 1976

Songwriter: Bob Ezrin Dick Wagner Alice Cooper

Producer: Bob Ezrin

Don't know why I'm down here
Must be something I said
Or some small imperfection
In my soul or in my head

Don't know why I'm down here
Don't reserve to roast or bake
I'm fighting off slanderous allegations
Why don't you give the kid a break?

You don't think maybe we could talk this over?
You're a reasonable man
Could we discuss my grave situation?
I'm a miserable man
And I'm in the frying pan

Give the kid a break
(Give me one good reason why I should)
Give the kid a break
Well... all right, all right, so I made a few mistakes
But listen, for heaven's sake
(Watch your language, kid)
OK, OK, don't get hot

(Don't question my judgement)
(He only reaped what he sowed)
(He cast his pearls before swine)
(And that's good enough for me)

[Guitar Solo]

(I don't want to talk it over)
(Even though I'm a reasonable man)
(Sonny, from over here)
(Looks like you're in no position to bargain)
(You're a convicted man)
(You're right in the frying pan)

Give the kid a break
Yeah, please, give me a break
Give the kid a break
(Nah, I don't think so, man)
Come on, you know I got what it takes
Can't you give me a break?
(Sure thing kid, when hell freezes over)

Ok, don't give the kid a break
Hey you guys, I thought you were on my side
Don't give the kid a break
Yeah, well thanks a lot, pals
Listen boss, maybe we can make a little deal
Is there anything I can say
Or some kind of fine I can pay?
Anything?

Don't know why I'm down here
Must be something I said, I'm sorry
Or some small imperfection
In my soul or in my head

It might be some sort of imperfection
It might be some infection
Or a clear case of misdirection
It must be a small imperfection
In my soul or in my head

Give the kid a break

Alice Cooper is the stage name and ‘fun villain’ character of Vincent Furnier. Cooper became the target of parents and ministers for his dark lyrics and gory theatrical performances that earned him the title Godfather of Shock Rock. Despite once claiming the name was conjured from a ouija board that told him he’s the reincarnation of a 17th century witch, Cooper laughs the topic off with flippant answers like “It was either a Scrabble board or a bowl of alphabet soup” and “I didn’t want a name like Iron Butterfly or Black Sabbath. I wanted it to be something your aunt might be called.”

The band Alice Cooper was originally signed by Frank Zappa to his own record label. Their first notoriety came when Cooper tossed a wayward chicken (possibly arranged by long-time manager Shep Gordon) into the crowd, who then tore it apart at the 1969 Toronto Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Festival. Newspapers claimed he’d bit the bird’s head off and drank its blood. Zappa advised them to not deny the story and Cooper used it as inspiration to make his character darker.

The band’s teaming with producer Bob Ezrin for their third album Love It To Death led to their US breakthrough with a top 30 hit “I’m Eighteen” in early 1971. By then, the band was already infamous for their stage show, which had escalated into simulated torture and executions. That same year, Killer was released with its two singles “Under My Wheels” and “Be My Lover” finding moderate US success, and both albums being certified gold the following year.

more tracks from the album

Alice Cooper Goes to Hell

From the album

Alice Cooper Goes to Hell (1976)

Alice Cooper popular songs

Give the Kid a BreakAlice Cooper

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper Goes to Hell