Elected (Billion Dollar Babies, 1973)

Billion Dollar Babies, Alice Cooper’s sixth studio album, was released in 1973. The LP hit #1 on the charts in both the US and UK. Bob Ezrin produced the record and also played keyboards on some tracks as well.

The album’s supporting tour included theatrics and effects designed by James Randi, a hired magician, who also played the “Executioner.” Over 13 tons of equipment was used, including a wide array of props such as a dentist’s drill, a surgical table, whips, hatchets, baby dolls, mannequins, bubble bath, and other oddities.

The songs “Billion Dollar Babies,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” and “I Love the Dead” are staples in Cooper’s repertoire and find their way into the show lineup even today. Along with the hits mentioned above, the song “Elected” is also used on tour during Presidential election years – usually with the current candidates brawling each other as Alice performs.

NOTE: This might be one of the most disappointing parts of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. It would have been phenomenal to see Biden and Trump duke it out on stage as Alice is “elected” to office.

“Elected,” like many other songs on the album, became a hit, ultimately reaching #26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was a satirical poke at politicians – with Nixon being the primary target in 1972.

“The President is always a focal point for satire, but Nixon – you couldn’t satirize him enough. Plus, the 1972 presidential elections were coming up, and I thought, “Who’s the most unlikely person you would ever want as President? And Alice Cooper was that person!” – Alice Cooper

“Elected” was created by reinventing the song “Reflected,” found on the band’s first album, Pretties For You. After hearing “Reflected,” Bob Ezrin suggested the band remake, rename, and reinvent the song – thus, “Elected” was born.

PLEASE NOTE: Before this post goes any further, you should know that ‘Fridays with Alice’ is apolitical. We will NOT be taking sides or discussing any ideologies in this post, on the site, on the Facebook page, or in the Facebook group.

The divisiveness that politics has caused does NOT glorify our Lord and separates us as a body of believers, a nation, and as human beings.

Therefore, before we go any further, let’s open this discussion in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for giving us the freedoms to freely worship, study your Word, and seek your will for our lives. We ask that your Love, Mercy, and Grace resonate in the hearts, minds, and souls of your people. Help repair the damage that ideology and past/present officials may have caused or are causing when implementing policies that divide the electorate and go against your will (and the will of the people). We trust and know that you are sovereign and just, that your will and ways are far greater than any man or woman’s agenda. We lay the authority, our fears, and our rights into your loving arms and ask that you would continue to guide and strengthen us while commending those that uphold your name. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

This song is fitting and ironic even today. With a government that seems out of control (spending and redirecting money and power it shouldn’t have), it appears suitable to ask questions about our officials’ character, and even assert that satirical characters, such as Alice Cooper, could do a better job than them.

However (even though we may feel frustrated, isolated, angry, helpless, etc. about the proceedings in our respective capitals and chambers of authority), we must know that our comfort does not come from any person or body of government. Our power, peace, and appointment come from our Heavenly Father, NOT man.

This post is not about Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian, Green Party, or any other political affiliation. Instead, it is about where we, as a body of believers in Jesus Christ, should place our hope, trust, and strength.

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” – Romans 13:1-7

The verses listed above are a comprehensive look at the role of government and what our interactions as believers should be regarding earthly authority. There are multiple articles and depictions of these verses. We urge you to study them and continue to ask the Holy Spirit to intervene if and when you ever have to deal with any form of government or authorities.

The verses imply that we, as believers, should live at peace with the state. As long as the ruling bodies allow us to live by our religious convictions – meaning the government, itself, may not always be following the Word. Still, as long as it does not force us to worship other deities or infringe on our religious liberties, there’s no reason for us to be hostile towards them.

We believe these verses state that we, as the body of Christ, should do our best to work towards a civil society – meaning both church and state work together for the good of all. However, the line should be drawn when the government’s laws require us, as individuals, to violate our moral standards as revealed by our Lord.

NOTE: However, revolt and dissent against any such regulations should be handled peacefully.

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good, you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. – 1 Peter 2:13-17

In the verses mentioned above, we find Peter telling the people to submit to the civil authorities – the Roman empire under the command of a cruel tyrant, Nero. While Peter had addressed the high priests in Acts 5:29, telling them to ‘obey God rather than humans,’ he was not referring to the aspects of daily life or the law of the land.

1 Peter 2:13 blatantly states that we should submit ourselves to human authority, ‘for the Lord’s sake.’ Remaining peaceful ultimately furthers the cause for Christ. We are called to be respectful to others. Persecutions aimed towards us should be for obeying God, NOT for breaking moral and civil laws.

In Mark 3:24, Jesus says, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Stop and think about that for a moment. Before this verse, Christ was being accused of using witchcraft to drive out demons.

They accused Jesus of “being possessed by Satan. That he was using the prince of demons to drive out demons”. Seriously? How does that even work? Yet this same thing is happening daily.

Christians are persecuting other Christians for their political beliefs or affiliations. Let us NOT be so quick to judge or assail one another, but instead try to understand each other’s positions and find common ground through our Lord.

Stand firm on His truths and know that the Spirit that binds us together is so much more powerful than the issues and evils that want to try to tear us apart. Nothing pleases the enemy more than to see God’s people fighting among each other instead of working together to further His name and glory.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—  2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

These verses call us, as the body of Christ, to pray and uplift those in authority. The prayer is that ‘we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and holiness.’ Harmony with one another is pleasing to God and gives Him glory.

Keep in mind; Paul is urging the people in his day to pray for Nero, a notoriously cruel man, and at this time, persecution among believers was growing, and practicing Christians were not always safe. In fact, many Christians were killed in retaliation to events that happened under Nero’s rule (namely because of his need for someone to blame for the fire that consumed much of Rome in 64 A.D).

Paul wanted Christians to know that God is our ultimate authority; praying for our earthly leaders pleases Him. Paul’s appeal was not that we bow down and serve those authorities, but that we pray for the proper conditions in which government can live in peace with us, as the body of Christ, and our convictions.

Wrapping this up, the Lord asks us to do several things concerning government. He calls us to 1) understand that ultimately God’s purposes are being accomplished even when there is no evidence of His Spirit (John 19:11), 2) pray for those that lead us (1 Timothy 2:1-2), 3) honor and submit to those in power (Mark 12:17), and 4) know that eventually all governments will end and our Lord will return to reign over everyone forever (Revelation 19:11, 15-16).

Until He returns, may we all learn to rely on His will and authority over the things we can’t control while doing our best to vote our hearts and minds when we do have a say within the confines of civil law and obedience.

In conclusion, Billion Dollar Babies was a solidifying LP for Alice Cooper. The skeptics and critics had been claiming that the show and theatrics were the band’s driving force and that their success was an “accident.”

However, with back-to-back records, School’s Out and Billion Dollar Babies, reaching #2 and #1 in the US, respectively, the critics began saying, “Hey, these guys are good.” Alice was also pleased with the recognition but for a different reason.

“When they started actually loving the music, that’s what I really cared about. It’s a no brainer that they’re going to love the show…but when they actually played the record and said, this is my favorite record, and guys like John Lennon saying “Elected” was his favorite record that’s great. That’s the recognition you’ve always wanted.” – Alice Cooper

Again, while Alice was using satire and humor to convey a point, this song, like so many others, raises questions and makes us think. Elections have consequences and require us to ask ourselves what is best for our nation. As you digest who to vote for, keep in mind the verses and discussion found above…and if you still can’t make a decision, write in “Alice Cooper” on your ballot.

On that note, be well and catch you next Friday.

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