Go Man Go (The Breadcrumbs EP, 2019)

This week we look at Alice’s most recent work – The Breadcrumbs EP. Released last September, the record has a hard-hitting Detroit-based theme. The EP includes two original Alice songs, a re-write of “Detroit City” found on The Eyes of Alice Cooper and a new track titled “Go Man Go.” The rest of the EP features the following skillfully covered tracks: Bob Seger’s “East Side Story,” Suzi Quatro’s “Your Mama Won’t Like Me,” Shorty Long’s “Devil In A Blue Dress (made famous by “Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels),” J.J. Barnes’s “Chains of Love,” and finally MC5’s “Sister Anne.”

Personally, I’ve always been interested in perception and influence concerning music and the arts. The Breadcrumbs EP is all about attitude – a Detroit-based attitude. Alice admits, “There’s a certain Detroit sound we’re looking for. It’s indefinable. There’s a certain amount of R&B in it. There’s a certain amount of Motown in it. But then you add the guitars, and you add the attitude, and it turns into Detroit rock.” Breadcrumbs does an excellent job of delivering that Detroit sound Alice is referring to, and it’s obvious where his original roots can be found concerning influence and creativity.

Alice Cooper is undeniably cut from a large piece of that Detroit-based fabric – laced with style and swagger. The same attitude and bluster that Iggy & The Stooges, Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, MC5, and, more recently, The White Stripes and Kid Rock exemplify. It seems with Breadcrumbs, Alice is giving us a peek behind the curtain of his musical mind. A nod to the Garage Band days of the ‘60s & ‘70s and the crafted sounds of the original band under Bob Ezrin’s guidance.

This week’s post focuses on “Go Man Go” – an upbeat song that exhibits a getaway vibe. It implores the listener to visualize one of those bank robber movies or the getaway scene from a crime show. The song’s main character is heavily influenced by some of the more dangerous things in life. A real “Rebel Without a Cause (or Clue)” sorta guy. Even during the moments when he instinctively wants to “take it slow.” He’s pushed and prodded to “Go Man Go.”

How many of us are like that? Always living life on the edge? Cruising at 100mph and never taking the time to slow down and process what’s going on around us. Influence comes from many different aspects of life. How many times do we stop to think about the roots of that influence? Is it a physical or emotional influence or more likely a spiritual one?

1 Corinthians 15:33 reads, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” For many, this automatically reads, “stay away from evil people – AKA non-believers.” But is the “bad company” listed above really about someone that doesn’t believe? Or is it instead about the one that influences them? You may or may not agree, but I’ve come to define humanity, not but the terms “good” or “evil,” but instead by their understanding. It seems a better way to characterize humanity is with the terms “lost” or “found.”

Someone that is “lost” doesn’t seek to cause irreparable harm to themselves or anyone else, yet the influence placed on them by the god of this world, our enemy, leads them to foolishness. In comparison, someone that is “found” gains clarity and, more importantly, a new identity. Discovering the recklessness of the enemy’s influence (and the need for a Savior), they simply choose to rely not on their own understanding, but on the wisdom of the Lord instead (Proverbs 3:5-6). However, even those that are “found” can be influenced by the enemy. Influential elements are present and noticed throughout our entire lives. The navigation of life is often exemplified by the GPS system and coordinates we embrace – God’s Word or the routes of this World.

Proverbs 13:20 reads, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” There is no one man or woman on this earth wise enough for us to follow or wholly trust. This passage points to the wisdom derived from our Father, not from humanity. Any eternal knowledge or insight gained by those in this world was initially given to them by our Creator. Again, noting that influence is the key here. This isn’t an “us vs. them” argument or discussion. This is merely a reminder of what influences us all.

The character in the song is swayed line after line into the decisions he’s made. Instead of carefully planning out his next move (after leaving jail), he steals a car and picks up his girl. With no self-control and no cares for tomorrow, the couple tempts fate and winds up cornered by the law. Instead of giving up and turning themselves in, they engage the chase. As the song ends, we are left hanging. The lines, “We ride into the night, A train comes into sight, Do we make it, I don`t know, Should I slam on the brakes or step on the gas? And she said, “Go man go.”” Do they make it, or are they smashed by the train?

Wow, just WOW! Stop and think about that. Look at this song not from the perspective of cops and criminals, but from the realm of spiritual warfare. The spirits of influence are adequately represented in the song. Darkness (AKA the enemy) continually pokes at this individual, telling him, “Go Man Go.” As if to say, don’t stop, don’t think, don’t feel, just chase the excitement and ‘highs’ of this world. The adrenaline rush, the enticement of danger, the ‘pleasures’ of sin. But there’s a cautious Spirit as well. The one saying, “take it slow.” Stop. Process what it is you’re about to do. Is it worth the risk? Is it worth your soul?

Romans 12:2 reads, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Stop and ask yourself a question. Are you moving so fast that you may perhaps be missing something? Does the constant want or need for that ‘high’ force or push you into things you’d normally not do? Impulses that thoughtlessly tell you, “Go Man Go!” Is there something that clouds your judgment? Something that keeps you from hearing or listening to that voice saying, “take it slow?”

Influence is everywhere and takes on so many forms. Stop and think about the forces that guide your footsteps. Are they of Christ, or are they of the world? Most likely it’s a combination of both. However, we do ourselves a favor by grounding ourselves in His Word. As you come across influential situations, we find that His Word clearly spells out His Will for our lives. As our thought process becomes His thought process (through His Word), we begin to recognize more clearly who it is behind those spirits of influence.

Wrapping this up, you’ll also notice that as His Word becomes your heart, others will be influenced by your walk. As you share your testimony and His Love, remember to be humble and gentle with others. Respectfully defend your faith to those that ask for the reasoning behind your life (1 Peter 3:15). For we are called to “let our lights shine before others (Matthew 5:13-16),” but we do so with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).

Also, we must remember that His Grace propels us forward (Romans 3:21-26). You are often “Your Own Worst Enemy (check out the post to this Alice song as well).” Mistakes and shortcomings are bound to happen but DON’T allow them to define you. They don’t! Your identity comes from Him! Embrace and know that truth! The world holds us back, yet He sends us upward and onward!

In conclusion, what a way to start the New Year! Breadcrumbs brings to the forefront that Detroit-driven style, mindset, and influence that ultimately put Alice Cooper on the map. The Detroit scene accepted them. Alice Cooper was pure grit, raw, stripped bare, and genuine Rock & Roll. Like so many of the bands from that area, they were authentic and true to their nature. The sounds of Detroit aren’t forced or contrived; they are natural and unpretentious. In a world full of knock-offs, copycats, and insincerity, isn’t it a breath of fresh air to see and note such an extreme dose of authenticity.

As we learn to become who we are in Christ, we find the need to worry less about the influences of this world. Focusing instead on being who we were created to be through His Spirit. With that being said, “take it slow.” Reflect on Him and know His Word. As He paves the way and sets forth His plans for your life, remember that the time will come when He will say, “Go Man Go.” At such a time, expect His greatness to bless and lead you to more than you had ever hoped to know and find here on Earth.

That’s it for this week, see you next Friday!

Until then, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!