This is my first attempt at recording using the Alesis electronic drums. Synths were achieved on a vintage Yamaha DX-7. The lyrics had been sitting in a stack of scraps of paper in my studio. They're not about anyone in particular. Actually, I don't remember when or why I wrote them, but the original title was "I Don't Need You". I chose "Surprising Charm" because it adds a layer of meaning - it's clear to me that the song's protagonist, though he doesn't 'need' her, clearly wants her by the end of the song.
Lyrics
Surprising Charm
I don't need a girl like you
With your stupid tattoo
and your bruised ego
You look like something
That crawled from the zoo
You've had it bad
And you'll have another
You smell like cigarettes
And expensive perfume
But nobody noticed
That you left the room
You have a few friends
Who think you're cool
Because your parents
Have a backyard pool
You have dense eyes
And a bloody lip
Let me unzip
The back of your dress
Let me confess... I don't 'need' you.
