"Hang On To Your Ego"

WRITTEN BY: Brian Wilson

SUBJECT:

from an interview in 93...
(Frank) explains he included the song because it reeks of class. "Classy band. Classy guy, Brian Wilson. Classy song. It's called 'Hang On To Your Ego.' It doesn't get much crasser and cool than that. It's like recording a song called 'I Am The Greatest.'"

LYRICS:
I know so many people who think they can do it alone / They isolate their heads and stay in their safety zone / What can you tell them? / What can you say that will make them defensive? / Hang on to your ego / Hang on but I know that you're gonna loose the fight / Hang on to your ego / Hang on but I know that you're gonna loose the fight / They come on like they're peaceful but inside they're so uptight / They trip through the day and waste all their thoughts at night / Now how can I say it? / How can I come on when I know I'm guilty? / Hang on to your ego / Hang on but I know that you're gonna loose the fight / Hang on to your ego / Hang on but I know that you're gonna loose the fight

HISTORY: This is a Beach Boys cover. It's actually an alternate version (original lyrics) of a song called "I Know There's An Answer" from the Pet Sounds album. "Hang On To Your Ego" was included as a bonus track on a re-release in 1990. Frank heard it and did a solo version of it later that year while still in the Pixies for a UK radio session. A couple years later, he re-recorded it for his first solo album. It was released as the first single and got decent airplay.

LIVE: played a lot in 93.

ACOUSTIC: nope, i don't think he ever did this acoustically.