Songful Style: “Freak Flag”

“Freak Flag”

Well, the heat and humidity have arrived in Central Indiana. I think they used to call them the dog days of summer, but I prefer to think of them as the slog days of summer. There’s nothing to do but slog through this air. Anyway, welcome to the last Monday in July and another edition of Songful Style! Suzy and Shelbee decided to riff (see what I did there) on Style Imitating Art only with music! Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of The Grey Brunette, and I make up the bloggers in this group. You can find all of us on our blogs and Instagram.  Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. Shelbee chose this unusual but fun song. Last month, Suzy selected “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” Oh, and there’s a link party, too!

The artists…

Made up of various anonymous artists, this band formed over 5,000 years ago in Nashville, TN. In reality, this funk rock band has eight members who keep their identities a tightly bandaged secret (sorry, I couldn’t resist). Rumor tells us there are several Grammy awards on the shelves of some members. Perhaps, the most pragmatic reason for the anonymity is they are under contract to other record labels. Whatever the reason, I think the whole mummy schtick is part of the fun!

Some say they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter. Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Regardless, HCTM’s mysterious personas, cunning song-craft, and unrelenting live show will bend your brain, and melt your face. (source)

The song…

(Oh yeah!)

{Verse 1}
I know you're pretending to be shy
But I see something naughty in your eyes
There's no shame in just being who you are
On the dance floor is a perfect place to start

{Pre-Chorus}
It must be unfurled
If you want to show the world

{Chorus}
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
We're not hear to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
I see no reason why
You can't let your freak flag fly

{Verse 2}
Run it straight up the pole
Gotta show your colors 'fore get too old
You be Velma, I'm Scooby-Doo
Nothin' 'round here is too taboo
Rock the mystery van like a water bed
Bring Daphne and Shaggy but don't tell Fred

{Chorus}
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
We're not hear to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
I see no reason why
You can't let your freak flag fly

{Verse 3}
Crack it
Like the Liberty Bell
Smack it
With a rebel yell
Shake it
Like a salad toss
Stitch it
Like Betsy Ross

{Chorus}
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
We're not hear to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
We're not here to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
We're not here to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
I see no reason why
You can't let your freak flag---

What does it mean…

This is one of those songs I just couldn’t find any information about the meaning. So, you get my take on the song. I think it’s a song about liberating yourself from whatever inhibitions you may have. While many would argue this song is very sexual in nature, I prefer to think it is more about being free to acknowledge those parts of yourself you keep hidden from others. Maybe, you’d love to dance wildly at a concert (or anywhere actually) but feel like you’d just make a fool of yourself (hmmm…a little too telling). This song encourages you to just let loose and enjoy yourself. Maybe, when you’re out and about, you’d like to wear your dress that looks like a nightgown and robe. This song would encourage you to do just that like I did here. But, I do wonder what they have against poor Fred!

The video…

This is my favorite of the band videos because you can see the details of their costumes much better. I do wonder if their instruments and straps might not give away their true identities. I know many musicians have favorite guitars and such. I wonder how warm those costumes are, too. Are they linen strips? I somehow doubt it.

This is a “live” performance from Cincinnati in 2022. If strobing lights bother you, you might want to skip this one.

Just a warning…NSFW…this was the first video I saw for this song several months ago. I honestly don’t like the portrayal of women in this video. I do like, however, the creative way of “performing” the song. I could skip the live action portion altogether. I’m not a prude, but I would prefer that part not be in the video. So, just a warning…if you’re a little squeamy (my new word), you may want to skip this video.

Interesting covers…

I wasn’t able to find many covers of this band. Most of what I could find were covers of “Freak Flag” from Shrek. I have to admit, while the singer does a nice job with the song, it kind of loses something without the mummy attire.

I didn’t love this one. That’s probably because I can’t detect his bass…chalk it up to old ears. Dude has lots of guitars, though.

My interpretation…

For the teeniest moment, I contemplated having Nigel wrap me in toilet paper and take photos. But, as we all learned a few years ago, toilet paper is a precious commodity! And, I don’t think we have that much toilet paper right now. So, I did the next best thing. I went with whites and off whites. I wish this sweater didn’t hug my butt so much, though! I probably should have bought a petite size in it, but they didn’t have one in the store. My pants are sold out, but you can see them here in a completely different look. The linen jacket is from Talbots. I’m not in love with this look. I think it’s because the jacket just doesn’t work over the sweater. I probably wouldn’t ever wear them together anyway.

The Lewk!

You are probably getting so tired of these Willow sandals, but, gosh, are they comfortable and versatile! I thought this necklace was similar to the breastplates worn by pharaohs of ancient Egypt. But, something was missing. Sally of Within a World of My Own recently suggested wearing multiple necklaces like Shelbee does. Sally calls several necklaces worn together a neck mess! I love that, but I fear I don’t actually have a neck mess. I did throw on another necklace from J Jill (sold out). The earrings are so old. I bought them at Target many, many years ago!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

I had never heard of this band until Shelbee told me about them shortly after a different Songful Style challenge. I think it’s a very interesting concept…keeping band members’ names hidden. I also kinda dig the music itself. So, can we talk? Have you seen a high concept band like this? Are you keeping parts of yourself hidden? Or, do you proudly wave your freak flag? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as quickly as I can.

Affiliate links and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off any order over $75. For the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer, use Marsha12 to get 12% off your order at this link: https://www.zuvilife.com/products/buy-zuvi-halo-hair-dryer?sca_ref=4039595.v4RNNsWxxF. If items are on sale, you can use Marsha5 for an extra 5% off sale prices. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Thank you!

I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend with Gail and Emma every Thursday. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

And, now, it’s your turn!

Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!

First Name

Last Name

List choice Marsha’s Blog

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human: