Featuring the amazing Mike Keneally on lead guitar, electric piano solo and additional keyboards. This is the second work on which, Mike has collaborated with me. The first was Escape Claws. I’ve known Mike a long time, but never dreamed that he would contribute to my songs. He’s an incredible musician, and I’m honored to have him elevating my music, cuz that’s exactly what he’s doing.
This song started out as an instrumental. The name, “Peanut Head” comes from Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown movie. I think Chris Tucker’s character said it, and it struck me as funny. I’m not sure where “cheese eating” came from. I’m always on the lookout for song titles and usually just attach one to any new project I’m working on.
The lyrics came after the music was written, and the words of the song title fell in perfectly with the rhythm guitar line. The song’s meaning changed over time as the lyrics developed. The basic idea is that the Cheese Eating Peanut Head is the inner Self, and that we spend most of our life running away from that (run for your life). But, if we take the time to look inside, it will take us “higher.” The song had several meanings as it developed, but it ends up being a pro-meditation statement. Mostly, though, it’s about the music. :)