The Flaming Lips, God Will Control the Werewolves → Song Review

The Flaming Lips compel on “God Will Control the Werewolves,” the lead single from their 2027 LP, The Teardrop Throbs.

“There are so many crying / Up in the trees / God will control the werewolves / So do as you please.” Interesting lyrics, right? Right.  Only Wayne Coyne and The Flaming Lips could concoct such! “God Will Control the Werewolves” is the lead single and second track from the Grammy-winning band’s 2027 album, The Teardrop Throbs. Coyne, Taylor Johnson, Matthew Kirksey, and Derek Brown composed “God Will Control the Werewolves.”

“God Will Control the Werewolves” commences enigmatically – the expectation from a The Flaming Lips song. There are plenty of captivating, satisfying musical sounds. I like how relaxed the accompaniment is initially. There is no rush; “GWCTW” takes its time establishing itself. I love the ambient background vocals that appear early on.  Wayne Coyne shines on lead vocals. He’s chilled out to the nth degree; no sweat broken! The melodies that Coyne sings are beautiful and tuneful, while the lyrics are intriguing, and thought-provoking.  “Go on and play / Go on and run,” Coyne sings in the first verse, and continues, “The time for catching locusts / Has just begun.” Of course, the second half of the verse, excerpted earlier, states what God will do with those werewolves. The inspiration is personal: playing hide-and-go seek with his sons and reassuring them of their safety from those frightening werewolves under a full moon. The second verse is intriguing too: “Remember it’s muddy / Down by the creek / God will control the werewolves / As we play hide and seek.” The chorus is striking as well:

“And as the sun goes down

And the trees are black

Run to me

Before they attack.”

Revisiting the music, the second verse features more production and more punch. Ultimately, “God Will Control the Werewolves” is another welcome addition to The Flaming Lips catalog. Wayne Coyne and company have still got it!