"Scissor Man" is a song by Andy Partridge. It appeared on the 1979 album Drums and Wires, and was re-recorded as a single in the US. The single version would reappear on Rag and Bone Buffet.
A live in-studio version, recorded for John Peel, appeared as the B-side of the bonus single in the "Towers of London" 7" single doublepack.
A live version appeared as the B-side of the "Love on a Farmboy's Wages" single, under the title "Cut it Out." Another live version appeared on BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert, which was later included in the Transistor Blast box set.
Quotes[]
Andy (on the John Peel version): “A live version of the song on Drums And Wires and I think better than the one on the album.”
Andy (on BBC Radio 1 version): “Set flangers to stun and duck the flaming meteorites heading our way from a version of ‘Scissor Man’ in danger of going dub nova. 78 r.p.m. vaudeville from Venus. We didn't improvise much on stage but when we did it went for the throat via your spinal column.”
Lyrics[]
Snipping, snipping, snipping goes the scissor man
Putting end to evil doers games
Snipping, snipping, snipping goes the scissor man
Maybe you are in his book of names
Maybe you are in his book of names
So be kind and helpful to your mother
Just think twice before you try to steal
When he cuts with sticky silver snippers
You may find the wounds will never heal
All self made bad boys
If you refuse to believe he exist
You won't be frightened when you find out
You're on his list
You're on his list
You're on his list
Snipping, snipping, snipping goes the scissor man
Putting end to evil doers games
Snipping, snipping, snipping goes the scissor man
Maybe you are in his book of names
Maybe you are in his book of names
So be good and never poison people
Just think twice before the deed is done
When you wake up guilty in the morning
You may find important pieces gone
All self made bad boys
If you refuse to believe he exist
You won't be frightened when you find out
You're on his list
You're on his list
You're on his list