Fantasy Man (Dragontown, 2001)

Dragontown, Alice’s 22nd studio album, was released in 2001.  It’s a continuation of the themes found on the previous LP, Brutal Planet – a Brutal Planet part two, so to speak. Alice says, “Dragontown describes the worst town on Brutal Planet.”

Metaphorically speaking, Dragontown could be Hell; in this case, it is populated by various characters found within the songs on the LP. Each track tells the story of these folks and outlines reasons why they may have wound up in such a gruesome place, but ultimately, their decision to abstain from Christ, refusing to accept him as Lord, is what placed them there.

“So Alice is the narrator; Alice is the tour guide of this place. Of course, it’s a place that he would know about. I think he includes himself in all of this. But I think the biggest misconception of this album is that it’s political. It’s not about politics. Politics is secondary.

It’s about morals, which is something that everybody has to deal with. Politics, I hate. I don’t even deal with politics in my life. If I have to, I do. But morals, I have to deal with every day. ” – Alice Cooper

It makes sense. Alice does a masterful job, as usual, pointing out the idiosyncracies and discrepancies between human behavior and the nature of our Creator. Apart from God’s guidance and Love, we are pretty foul creatures.

“Fantasy Man,” the 5^th track on the LP, pokes fun at “toxic masculinity.” Unlike its predecessor, Dragontown displays a diverse sound in almost every song.

“Fantasy Man” is a hard-hitting Rock anthem. It is reminiscent of Alice’s music from the ’80s and ’90s. If there were ever a driving song, this one is it. It’s meant to be cranked up to 11 and with the pedal to the floor.

I don’t do dishes, and I’m suspicious
Of any grown-up man who does
I’m homophobic, don’t do aerobics
Just lay around and catch a buzz

You just want to squeeze my masculinity
Why can’t you leave it alone
Hey, hey, I ain’t gonna change
Hey, hey, don’t you love it this way
Hey, hey, I am what I am
So please understand
I’m not you fantasy man

The lyrics in this song are relatable. But unfortunately, the world has become infatuated with what, how, and why the genders should think, feel, and act. Honestly, it’s a bit nauseating and exhausting.

God created us male and female, and He did so for a reason. We were “fearfully and wonderfully made” by Him (Psalm 139:14). Gender isn’t a crutch or a curse; it’s a gift. We are equal in the eyes of our Creator, and by submission to Him, we become unified as one. Trusting God and His design leads us to peace and prosperity in our lives and relationships.

Taking that one step further, are the flaws of masculinity any more toxic than the flaws of femininity? Could it be that gender isn’t the issue? Could it be that the proper term is “toxic humanity?” Apart from God and enslaved by sin, we are ALL radioactive – atomic bombs waiting to explode.

Hey, hey, don’t you love me this way
Hey, hey, I am what I am
So please understand
I’m not your fantasy man

The song also points to another noteworthy narrative. The track’s subject asks multiple questions throughout the lyrics, but the above-listed one is the most important – “Don’t you love me this way?“

We place unjustified pressure on our significant others. While true, we all have issues and areas that need improvement. Is it fair for us to harp on the things we don’t like about one another?

Instead, we should rely on the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit’s ability to heal and transform our loved ones (and ourselves). Remember that as He forgives us, we must also forgive one another.

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:12-17

Perhaps, Alice and Sheryl Cooper’s take on marriage is the best one to consider. In an interview with The Freemans (check out that post here), Alice mentions that Sheryl refers to marriage as “two dysfunctional people who refuse to give up on each other.” How profound is that? So true. So raw. So authentic.

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. – 1 John 4:7-12

Our focus should not be on the conditions of our relationships or the things we would alter about each other, but instead, our attention should be placed on where love resides.

If we focus our hearts on Him, we begin to see one another through the eyes of Christ. We recognize that love is not conditional; it’s continuous and contagious. Just as He Loves us, we begin to Love one another. Through the transformation of His Spirit, we find the perfect model for “How to Love.”

By design, God’s model, when applied, produces miraculous results. When Christ is placed in the center of any relationship, we find unity through Him and His Word. We see each other’s strengths, not weaknesses, and work together as a team.

In a nutshell, Christ is the glue that holds marriages and relationships together.  So instead of looking down upon one another, let us look up towards Him. No matter our flaws, insecurities, and shortcomings, what God joins together let no one separate (Mark 10:9).

Wrapping up this week’s post, the world would have us believe that relationships and love are fairy tales with “Happily Ever After” connotations. That we meet Mr. or Mrs. Right, and the fantasy begins. In reality, there is no such thing as a “Fantasy Man” (or woman) – there is no perfect spouse (or friend or family member).

We must learn that we are sovereign even in our marriages and relationships. We are responsible for our actions and how we treat each other. The world and those we have relationships with will know we serve Christ because of our Love for one another (John 13:35).

As we walk with others and live with the ones we love most, we often find that grace is contagious. The more we bestow upon others, the more they bestow upon us. Isn’t it fascinating and compelling to observe others practicing what they preach? And isn’t it even more appealing when we do the same?

In conclusion, we ranked the Alice Cooper records according to FWA a few years back (check out that post here). To much chagrin from others, we placed Dragontown in the #2 slot. The LP is just that powerful – music, lyrics, presentation, etc. – it Rocks and challenges the listener to think.

One of the fascinating details about the career, style, and music of Alice Cooper is that every fan sees them differently. Some see these elements from the prism of nostalgia, others purely musical, some his journey of faith, others the stage show, and so on.

Whatever the reason, Alice has found a way to capture the hearts, minds, and souls of those that love him.

How incredible is it that he’s also found a way to share his faith? And without falsely being something he’s not. Alice Cooper is blessed by the “Fantasy Man” we all aspire to be – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we all seek the Lord in the same way Alice has.

That’s it for this week. Be well, and see you next Friday.

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