Wind-Up Toy (Hey Stoopid, 1991)

Hey Stoopid was released in 1991. The LP featured several different artists, including Slash (from Guns N’ Roses), Steve Vai, Ozzy Osbourne, Joe Satriani, and many more. It is the follow-up album to ‘Trash,’ and like its predecessor, it’s an in-your-face Hard Rock record.

“Hey Stoopid ends very strongly with “Wind Up Toy,” visiting the familiar Cooper thematic territory of horror and alienation, the latter both generational and psychological/mental. More remarkably, however, it also reintroduces a character from the past – the young boy Steven from Welcome to My Nightmare.” – Ian Chapman, Experiencing Alice Cooper: A Listener’s Guide

“Wind-Up Toy” is the final track on the LP and includes Joe Satriani on guitar. The song’s lyrics point us straight to Steven (the character first introduced on Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975). After more than 15 years, Steven reemerges and lays the groundwork for his next confrontation with the Showman on Cooper’s follow-up LP, The Last Temptation.

I’m lost in a nightmare
Shiny white halls drawing rats on the wall
Solitary confinement
Chained in a cell, got my own private hell

Preacher crucifies me
Warden wants to fry me
I was never young
Never just a little boy

Daddy won’t discuss me
What a pain I must be
Mama couldn’t stand having such a wound-up boy
I’m just a wind-up toy

“Wind-Up Toy” could allegedly seem like a psychotic rant (and some of it very well, maybe). Still, many of us have dealt with some of the feelings and insecurities discussed in the lyrics – words and thoughts that scar, torture, and abuse us and haunt our psyche.

There are so many ways to look at the lyrics:

• Is Steven still a child – explaining how he feels?
• Is he an adult trapped in a mental state that forces him to relive his past – keeping him from being a responsible adult?
• Is he still stuck in the ‘Nightmare’?
• Is he in a mental ward, or is the padded cell merely in his mind?
• Are the fears, rejections, and despair of his past keeping him from a bright future?

It seems any of the above-listed scenarios could apply.

Mental illness has become such a stigma in today’s society, yet we all struggle with thoughts, feelings, and certain parts of our past. There’s also a certain amount of spiritual departure or disconnection that can accompany it as well.

Alice is masterful at giving a voice to those that are hurting and want to be better understood. Through characters, concepts, and songs, we find story after story helping better describe the minds of the misunderstood. There’s a good amount of sympathy attached to the narrative.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. – Romans 12:9-16

In the above-listed verses, we find Paul pleading with others – asking them to be intentional and diligent in their faith. He’s requesting that all uncontrollable variables be cast aside to keep them from affecting their hearts, souls, and minds.

Paul is reminding them that the power and magnitude of our Lord are so much greater than life’s trials and tribulations. We are called to seek Him always and guard our minds against the slippery slopes of depression and despair, especially as we watch the world around us collapsing.

Notice also how Paul calls us to treat others. “Practice hospitality.” “Bless and do not curse.” “Do not be conceited.” We are called to lift one another no matter the circumstance. We are called to be vigilant in our faith and prayers as we ward off the enemy (not only for ourselves but for others as well).

Many of us struggle with our thoughts and feelings; seeking our Lord through His Word and prayer are vital. However, professionals, trusted friends, and family are also needed. We were not meant to walk this earth alone (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

The truth is, life is a battle – but we’ve been given the tools to win! We are HIS creation! We belong to Him. Our Heavenly Father wants nothing more than to be in communion with us through His Son and Spirit.  It may be an uphill climb to get back on track, but it’s never impossible when faith and His Word are applied (Luke 1:37).

For those looking for a counselor, be careful.  Medication might be needed, but asking and speaking His Word over the issue must not be ignored.  Shots, meds, and shock therapy will never replace the fullness of God’s Love and acceptance.

The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God,
brought my life up from the pit.

7 “When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple. – Jonah 2:5-7

Let the above-listed verses echo in your mind.  That whatever darkness is surrounding you, He will bring you out of it.  When life is fainting away, remember Him and send Him your prayers.

These verses lead us to the final aspect of this post.  How should we treat friends, family, and others dealing with some form of mental illness?

With that in mind, let’s settle something. It’s true sinful nature can cause such disease, but it in NO WAY is it the only cause.

Love is the answer for helping those struggling with affliction. No amount of condemnation or chastisement will help another human being, and we are not called to do so. Only the unbelief and unwillingness to accept Christ as Lord will do so (John 3:18).

Wrapping up this post, the song speaks of Steven’s parents, the pastor, doctors, etc., contributing to his state of mind. If instead he was approached by them with love and acceptance, would this maybe help change his morale?

The proper approach is to speak love, read uplifting scripture, and pray with and for anyone struggling – not to mention asking for prayer from others as well. We must remember that the Word of God is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

Mental illness is NOT an easy discussion or topic to cover. It forces us to face fears and learn more about why others and ourselves think and feel the ways we do.

As we travel on life’s road, may we learn to rebuke fear and stand on the truth of God’s Word. And might we come to know that fear is not from God (Isaiah 41:10), but instead our refuge and strength when we are fearful. His peace is pure and passes all understanding (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).

In conclusion, it’s comforting to see Alice console and embrace the mental aspect of humanity. Sharing with others about his struggles with alcoholism and his time spent in the hospital, Coop has found a way to bring sanity to those others might deem insane.

We’re all a little crazy. However, finding peace while embracing the dysfunction is a part of life’s test. To achieve that peace, we must know where true peace is found.

We believe Alice would agree that such peace is not found in any earthly person, place, or thing – it’s divine and can only come from Our Father in Heaven.

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

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