No More Mr. Nice Guy (Billion Dollar Babies, 1973)

Released on February 25th, 1973, Billion Dollar Babies was the Alice Cooper band’s 6th studio album. Overall, the record is very tongue-in-cheek – a dark comedy of sorts.

Songs like “I Love The Dead,” “Sick Things,” “Elected,” “Generation Landslide,” and the title track either poke fun at or call attention to the ironic, darker truths of reality. Some are cautionary tales of humanity and how messed up the world can often be. Many of those tracks are still included in the setlist even today, and the LP remains a fan favorite.

“No More Mr. Nice Guy” is classic Alice Cooper. A hit song played regularly on tour; it is a narrative-based expression of distaste and suspicion with which mainstream America had come to regard the Alice Cooper band. I

“No More Mr. Nice Guy” was a tune I had written and had been around since Killer, but it was just not a song that would fit on any of those albums. But when Billion Dollar Babies came around, it was its time, and that song – and “Billion Dollar Babies” really – set the mood for the album, and then we built it from there.” – Michael Bruce

The song is laced with parody, opposition, and humor, painting Alice Cooper, the character, and the band, as hopeless outcasts loathed by a good portion of humanity, not to mention their pets.

In a nutshell, everyone is angry with them and has a bone to pick with them – a score to settle.

Doesn’t it seem like Christianity is the same way? The song even mentions that Alice’s mom has been “thrown out of the social circle” for his actions, and the preacher also takes enough offense to punch him in the nose.

Mom’s been thrown out of the social circle
And dad has to hide
I went to church incognito
Everybody rose, Reverend Smith
He recognized me
And punched me in the nose
He said

No more Mister Nice Guy
No more Mister Clean
No more Mister Nice Guy
They say you’re sick, you’re obscene

Many in the church refer to such actions as “Righteous Anger” or “Righteous Indignation.” Many would say it’s okay to be angry at scenarios and sin – to “hate the sin” and “love the sinner.”

The problem is anger is cancer. It’s a slippery slope from some “Righteous Anger” down to sinful pride and resentment. The Fruit of the Spirit does not include anger.

Therefore, it is easy to neglect or ignore the Spirit when lashing out in anger – for instance, punching someone in the nose when you disagree with them.

The bottom line is that anger is rotten fruit. It has no “nutritional” value – it makes a person sick. In some cases, it may be too far to call it a sin, but it doesn’t justify the action.

Anger is self-destructive like cancer – it consumes your life and hurts your spirit. Unlike cancer, however, anger is contagious. Its malignancy can be easily spread from person to person.

It’s often been said that “anger motivates you; it makes you get up and do something.” But this poses the question, “Why?” Why is compassion not enough to cause action? Why does it take anger to motivate us to address problems and concerns?

There is a multitude of sins that can lead to fury and rage. Abortion, adultery, murder, thievery, racism, sex trafficking, etc., are ALL examples. But stop and think about the Mercy, Grace, and Love of our Lord. He wants nothing more than to deliver us from our sins.

When anger consumes us, our priorities can become skewed. We become like children, trying to “police” one another instead of allowing our parents to guide and direct us.

More often than not, that anger negates the message of Love – the significance and commandments of Christ. Hostility and wrath, even “righteous”-based, motivate us to act opposite of what God’s Word teaches us.

It’s dangerous – and Satan loves to use these methods as tools to redirect, mislead, and manipulate us.

When we focus on the sins of others, we often aim frustration and discontent at the person, not their sin. Not to mention, we almost always end up turning a blind eye to our sins as well. That’s dangerous territory. The Bible points out many ways to combat sin without losing focus and compassion.

“26 In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, so that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:26-32

Pay close attention to verses 31-32. We have been called to avoid anger and given an alternative – love and forgiveness.

Concerning this topic, it looks as if the central question becomes, “Is our motive to be right or to be righteous?” Our righteousness comes from Christ. Therefore, if our motive is righteousness, we MUST look to Him as our example.

This discussion brings up the most used argument for “righteous anger” in the Bible – Jesus at the temple. Many believe Jesus “cleansed” or “cleared” the temple at least two times, maybe more. Those accounts can be found in Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-16. Take some time to read and think those verses through.

Whether Jesus exhibited “righteous anger” or not isn’t a deciding factor for how we should act. He is our Savior, our Lord, not our equal. It was never our responsibility to do what Jesus did but instead, as He commanded – to Love God and Love People (Matthew 22:36-40).

We must ask ourselves one last question, “does our “righteous anger” ultimately lead others to the Lord or further away from Him?” The answer to this question simplifies our situations down to what matters. Therefore, we must work fervently at expressing the fruit of His Spirit dwelling within our hearts (instead of the bitterness and anger we place upon our shoulders).

Wrapping up this week’s post, we are brought back to the question, “what is our motivation – to be right or to be righteous?” Again, the answer found within God’s Word is relatively clear about this topic.

“19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” – James 1:19-20

The bottom line is whether our emotional responses help or hurt. How can we lead others to His Love when we indignantly act like we have no sin or that the sins of others are greater?

Doesn’t it make more sense to focus instead on our own shortcomings (and less on pointing out sin in others)? These are all questions that must be answered, and as we do so, it seems the obvious answer we should strive for is Love. And very seldom, if ever, does anger lead to love.

Therefore, let us heed the words of Paul and learn to carry each other’s burdens, focusing instead on the Law of Christ – Love God, Love People (Galatians 6:2).

In conclusion, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” deals with a common problem – judgment. It’s interesting how “righteous anger” and judgment are often intertwined.

“(No More Mr. Nice Guy) was autobiographical. Everybody at that point didn’t know whether to hate us or love us. But I was definitely, with the general public, the worst person ever. I was the Antichrist, I was everything. And I said, ‘Okay, that does it. Gloves are off – no more Mr. Nice Guy. Now we’re gonna get rough.’” – Alice Cooper

Fortunately, Alice found the Love and Salvation of Christ even though many had already condemned him to Hell. His career parallels the life of so many and serves as a reminder that we are on a journey.

Our current path does not define us. However, the way we choose ultimately determines our destination.

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

In the meantime, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!

“Father in Heaven, we thank you for our brothers and sisters in this life. We ask that you would guide our hearts, minds, and souls. Teach us to replace anger with your wisdom and peace. May we NOT judge and condemn those whose actions we do not understand or agree with but instead show them your Love. We are thankful for your Light and that no darkness comes from you and your presence. We know that you love all creation and want them to know and accept you as Lord. We thank you for giving us Salvation through the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, and that no man or living creature can separate us from that which we have accepted from You. We ask that anyone that may be doubting the content or nature of your Word begin seeking you and ask questions – questions that only Your Holy Spirit and Word can answer. May those questions become understanding and love. In Christ’s name, Amen.”