Songful Style | “Freak Flag” by Here Come the Mummies & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up on the Edge #660
It is my turn to choose the song for our next style inspiration and I am so excited to share this catchy, empowering tune!
About Songful Style
Songful Style is an ageless style challenge series hosted by Suzy of The Grey Brunette, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, and Marsha of Marsha in the Middle.
Each month we will share a song with the lyrics and video and we invite you to use whatever aspect of the song that inspires you to create an outfit.
It is similar to Style Imitating Art where we use artwork to inspire our outfit creations. Except Songful Style gives you lyrics, music, video, and album artwork to inspire your fashion creativity. You may even find inspiration in a memory triggered by the selected song. It is all open to your own personal interpretation and just a fun way to discover new music and get a little bit more creative with your wardrobe.
Anyone is welcome to join us on a permanent basis or you can just play along without any obligation to do anything other than feel inspired. We are flexible and fun and just want to find more ways to play dress up because it’s what we enjoy doing!
We will be posting on the last Monday of each month and will announce our song choice for the following month at the end of each post.
For July’s song, I have chosen “Freak Flag” by Here Come the Mummies, an American funk rock band from Nashville, Tennesee, known best for their energetic live performances and anonymous band members who dress in mummy costumes. I was first introduced to this band 3 1/2 years ago when I embarked on my very first LSD trip with a dear trusted friend. We were scrolling through YouTube looking for a concert to watch when we stumbled upon Here Come the Mummies and our minds were significantly blown. At first, I thought maybe the acid was making this strange musical group really fascinating, but I have since watched many of their live shows on YouTube without LSD and they are still really freaking fascinating.
While mummy costumes to conceal your identities is a bit strange, it really works in the most intriguing way. Probably because they are such an amazing group of musicians whose talent cannot be denied or diminished by their odd choice of dress and creative personas.
I have been stalking this band’s tour schedule since the first time I watched them so I am super excited to share that Jeff and I just bought tickets to see Here Come the Mummies at Salvage Station in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 15, 2023. It will be our first trip away without kids since our honeymoon, too, making it an extra special event. I am really looking forward to this upcoming road trip!
Video Inspiration
The Lyrics
Freak Flag by Here Come the Mummies
(Oh yeah!)
{Verse 1}
I know you're pretending to be shy
But I see something naughty in your eyes
There's no shame in just being who you are
On the dance floor is a perfect place to start
{Pre-Chorus}
It must be unfurled
If you want to show the world
{Chorus}
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
We're not hear to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
I see no reason why
You can't let your freak flag fly
{Verse 2}
Run it straight up the pole
Gotta show your colors 'fore get too old
You be Velma, I'm Scooby-Doo
Nothin' 'round here is too taboo
Rock the mystery van like a water bed
Bring Daphne and Shaggy but don't tell Fred
{Chorus}
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
We're not hear to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
I see no reason why
You can't let your freak flag fly
{Verse 3}
Crack it
Like the Liberty Bell
Smack it
With a rebel yell
Shake it
Like a salad toss
Stitch it
Like Betsy Ross
{Chorus}
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
We're not hear to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
We're not here to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
We're not here to judge ya
We're just here to love ya
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
Let your freak, let your freak
Let your freak flag fly
I see no reason why
You can't let your freak flag---
About the Artist and the Song
Formed in 2000, Here Come the Mummies is an 8 piece funk rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band consists of “5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind.” There isn’t very much information available about this band and its members since their mummy costumes are purposely worn to conceal their identities. It is rumored that several of the band members are Grammy award winning artists. It is also believed that some members are under contract to various record labels and they conceal their identities to prevent any contract disputes with those labels.
So we know very little about the members of Here Come the Mummies. What we do know is told to us only by the Mummies themselves.
“Some say they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter. Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Regardless, HCTM’s mysterious personas, cunning song-craft, and unrelenting live show will bend your brain, and melt your face. Get ready! Here Come The Mummies.”
HCTM
Their performances truly are brain bending and face melting. But beware, some of their song lyrics are not suitable for children or work.
Check out the HCTM Wikipedia page for a list of current and former band members. Their character names crack me up. There’s Mummy Cass on guitar and vocals and Eddie Mummy on drums. On saxophones, you have Mummy Lingus and the Great Grabsby. Former members include Bangrene, Yummy Mummy, Crusty Mummy, and Teste Verde.
HCTM’s music is generally classified in the funk rock genre but their sound also includes elements of jazz, soul, ska, and reggae. They have been musically influenced and inspired by artists such as Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, the Commodores, and Kool & the Gang. There is speculation that their mummy costumes were inspired by California garage band The Mummies who also wrap themselves in bandages for performances.
HCTM has released 10 studio albums, 4 EPs, 4 live albums, and 3 compilation albums on their own label, Sphinxter Records. (That also cracks me up.)
The song “Freak Flag” was written and produced by the band and released on September 1, 2010, as the second track on their fourth studio album, Carnal Carnival.
Album Covers and Other Photo Inspiration
And that’s all I have to share about this song and this band. You are welcome to do your own research if you need more inspiration or if you are interested in learning more. If you want to join us with your own outfit inspired by Here Come the Mummies’ “Freak Flag”, we will be hosting a link party on our blogs on Monday, July 31, 2023, where you can share your post. We would love to see your Songful Styles!
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked): Jennifer of Curated by Jennifer
Fashion Favorite: Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
Other Favorite: HeartSong Normandie
Happy styling, my friends. May the music move you to let your freak flag fly!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
26 Comments
Food nutters
I’ve never heard of the mummies, but your posts are always great, so positive and inspirational. Thank you for hosting, it’s always a lovely experience coming here 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that! I hope you have the most wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
I’ve never heard of this group before but I will definitely check them out. I just bought tickets to see The Darkness in December – at the club in Nottingham where I spent many nights in my 20s rocking out to my favourite bands. It will be Isobel’s first proper gig too, I can’t wait! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh, I love that, Emma! I hope you and Isobel have the most wonderful time! I have never heard of The Darkness so I will go check them out in a minute. My kids have only been to music festivals, but there are some bands I would love to take them to see! I hope your weekend is amazing, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Well it must not be that difficult to come up with a outfit! I never heard of them, but it doesn’t sound that bad! And thanks for the feature! Happy weekend love, see you Tuesday!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hahaha, thanks, Nancy! You know I know how to let my freak flag fly so I should be able to come up with some super freaky outfit for this challenge! I am looking forward to chatting on Tuesday! There will be lots to share!
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
Oh Shelbee, I am truely intrigued! How is it I have never heard of this fastinating band? I knew from the first notes that they are a very talented group of musicians. I can’t wait to see the inspiration created from The Mummies. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Di! I was truly intrigued upon my first introduction to HCTM as well. They are so talented and so very weird and I love it all! I have no idea what to style for this song but I will be sure to let my freak flag fly in whatever I choose to wear! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I hadn’t heard of this song or this band before!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Well, I am glad that I could introduce you to something new, Joanne! Thanks for popping by. Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Esmé Slabbert
Thank you so much for the weekly hosting and the opportunity to link up with you.
My entries this week = 35+36 If you have not joined us at SSPS yet, come and share your posts with us and you can be our next featured post.
We’re open Monday through Saturday every week.
You will find the linkup information (1) In the Top bar under Blogging: Weekly Senior Salon Pit Stop OR 2nd image In the sidebar.
We hope to meet you there virtually.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Esmé, thanks so much! I really appreciate you joining us each week! I will definitely hop over and check out your link party. I just haven’t been linking very much lately due to time constraints. I hope you have the most wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Your True Self
Hi, Shelbee – Of course, I knew right off the bat that it was you who chose July’s song. Lol! Actually, I almost felt like I was on LSD just watching their performance of this. Kept thinking how hot it must get performing in those costumes. I liked how the guy rose from under the stage on a trike. In some of my band’s performances in my younger days, we opened the show with us inside a cage that rose up from under the stage, shaking at the bars. Can’t wait to see the outfits you guys create based on this! Thanks for sharing your true self – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Angie, do you have videos or photos of your band in a cage?! I would love to see that. How fun! I really appreciate quirky creativity combined with extraordinary talents…like Here Come the Mummies! They are weird but so am I and their music is just so darn good!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
I have to admit this is gonna be a tough one, but I’ll figure out something! I can’t wait to see yours!!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree, Marsha! I have no idea what I am going to wear for this, but I am certain I will be letting my freak flag fly brightly!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
First, totally love the message! But wow, give me a band that can sing harmony and includes a horn section, and I’m pretty much all in. Funk is one my favorite music genres. I’m giggling thinking that it might be Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, etc under those mummy outfits. Fun song choice!
xoxo
Michelle
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ahhh, I love your thoughts on this, Michelle! Um…you should come with us to see them on October 15! I have to call you this week! I have just been so freaking busy with these kids.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Ooh! Dan and I would love to! I’ll mark 10/15 on the calendar. Have you already bought tickets? I hear you on the busy. We are going out of town 3 times in 8 days. Went to Boone, NC to see John Oates this past Friday. Tomorrow is Charlotte to pick up a motorcycle. And Saturday, we are back to Boone to see Keb’ Mo’. 😵💫
Hugs!
Michelle was
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my gosh! I am so excited! I am calling you right now!
Patrick Weseman
I have actually heard of them. They are pretty good. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
That is awesome, Patrick! If you ever get the chance to see them live, please let me know!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Sounds fun, thanks for hosting the linkup Shelbee. Have a super week. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks, Jacqui! I hope you have a wonderful week as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy Turner
I’ve had all month to work on this outfit but I’ve literally only just sat down and watched / listened to the song and you know what? I’m completely and utterly converted!!! I FREAKING LOVE IT!!! It’s exactly my kinda song and I know what I’m going to wear too!! Brilliant choice, Shelbee!
Huge hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh, Suzy, I am so glad that you fell in love with this song like I did! Aren’t they the coolest musical group ever?! I am so excited to see them perform live in October! I only just figured out what the heck I am going to wear for this one. I will be taking photos this weekend. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
xoxo
Shelbee