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The instrumental passage in this song marks the recording debut of the Do-Tar. The Do-Tar is a musical instrument that looks like an acoustic guitar but it has just two strings. I created this instrument in response to all of the guitar "techies" who are more concerned with technique and the "correct" way of playing guitar than with actually having fun or making music. This kind of elitism and snobbery is far too common in music these days. Because of this, I decided to create an instrument that could not be played incorrectly. Since I invented the Do-Tar I get to make the rules. There are none. Anyone who has an open mind enough to pick up a Do-tar is an instant virtuoso.
To make your own Do-Tar, take the strings off of an acoustic guitar. Then, remove the frets and fill it with wood glue or string or what-have-you. Then put the low E string where it normally is and tune it to D or whatever note you like on that given day. The low A string gets strung where the high E string normally goes. You can tune that string to any note you like. I like tuning to a fifth above the other string, but that's just me. Once the strings are on, the real fun begins. Attach any kind of object that you can to the body of the instrument. My Do-Tar has a wide-angle mirror and miniature sneaker on a key chain glued on. Now, pick up the instrument and start playing.

The part I played on the album is somewhat traditional in that I played notes on the standard scale and in time with the rest of the music. But, this is completely optional. Form gets boring sometimes. Do-Tars don't.

lyrics

Sometimes I need to imagine
that the FBI is following me
Guns and bugs and darkest shades
and Pig Latin codes on Walkie Talkie
sometimes... sometimes I...
Sometimes I need to pretend
that I'm a hero of war who just wouldn't die
They'd gather around to hear my tale
of when I stormed the hill where I lost my eye
sometimes... sometimes eye...

sometimes... I need to dream...
everybody ... everybody OUT! (everybody out)

Sometimes I wish it was me,
the lead story on 60 minutes
The boy with 3 arms or of the like,
either way, a freak show exhibit
sometimes... sometimes I...

sometimes... I need to dream...
everybody ... everybody OUT! (everybody out)

Sometimes I wish I was you
standing on the top of the world
For that chance I would do anything
if I could be a beautiful girl
sometimes... sometimes I...

sometimes... I need to dream...
everybody ... everybody OUT!

(everybody out)

credits

from Chameleon In A Kaleidoscope [25th Anniversary], released January 1, 1996
written by Adam Rabin

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Adam Rabin Burlington

Where Prog Rock meets Geek Rock. Adam Rabin is a Vermont songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who has also played with Elephants of Scotland, Mailbox, and musical improv troupe She Thicc. You can also hear Adam’s music on the podcasts: Improvised Weapons, Improv Overdrive, What The Hell Are You Watching, and Vermont Favorites. ... more

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