"
Ebeneezer Goode" is a
song by Scottish electronic music group
The Shamen, which, after being heavily remixed by The Beatmasters, became their biggest hit when released as a single in September 1992. The band's original version also featured on their album
Boss Drum. Ebeneezer Goode was one of the most controversial UK number-one hits of the 1990s, due to its perceived subliminal endorsement of recreational drug use. The song was initially banned by the
BBC, and the single was eventually withdrawn after the band were hounded by the British tabloid press.
[1].
The song is best known for its chorus, "'Eezer Goode, 'Eezer Goode/He's Ebeneezer Goode", which has been construed as a reference to methylenedioxymethamphetamine, better known as Ecstasy or "E" "E's are good, E's are good".[2] The lyrics present the advantages of the drug, though with an admonition against excessive use
The song also contains references to rolling a spliff with the lines, "Has anybody got any Veras?" ("Vera Lynn" is rhyming slang for "skin" or rolling paper) and "Got any salmon?" ("salmon and trout" is rhyming slang for "snout" or tobacco).
Band member Mr. C got his inspiration for "Ebeneezer Goode" from the Ecstasy scene in the major London clubs, notably Limelight in the West End.
