Magic Carpet Ride - Say It Ain’t So!
July 2nd, 2008 by Nostalgia Guru. Popularity: 49%.Alas, we’re all still recovering from that monumental day back in July 2006, when Jason Pearce broke the hearts of all the LCA alums. In his article at http://www.crossandcrescent.com/2006/07/carpet-ride-unraveled/ , he informed us that Magic Carpet Ride was not really about our initiation, and that the members of Steppenwolf were not really Lambda Chis. Fraternity life virtually ended that day as the memories of all the brothers screaming when the song was played faded away. How dare Jason take our soul away from us!
But, what’s this I hear from my son who is going off to college this fall? He loves the song, especially since he knows it means so much to us. And, him and his arrogant 27 ACT insists that after studying the lyrics and video, he has our ritual figured out and can’t wait to be initiated (bless his soon to be surprised heart!)
So, if he enjoys it so much, who am I to say it no longer means anything? It continues to unite LCA brothers across the country every time it is played, Urban Legend or not. We have a theme song, and it has all the attributes that are/were so important in our college days: rebellion, edginess, party heartiness, and all that good stuff. If we want to claim it as our own, then by golly, we will.
So, Jason, you’re still our friend. Drop by the next time you are in Kentucky, and we’ll listen to MCR one more time. And, believe me, I will make you watch the Youtube video of the song - http://youtube.com/watch?v=WwLdyIdY6U8 . Then, if you’re still crazy enough to believe it is not Lambda Chi through and through, then up your nose with a rubber hose!
July 5th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Ah, my fellow Brother, little does he know! LOL!
When I first heard MCR it was after I graduated in 1967. In going back and getting reuped with my Zeta they played it and all gathered in a circle as one and danced.
My, how neat I thought and then over the years, I found out my Zeta was not the only one who did this. Go figure? How it started and where I am sure is lost in history as many things can be.
I can only hope when he goes to college, and is initiated the will see the difference between a record and what we have for making a Brother with no hazing or punishment.
Maybe a whimsy but MCR has become a part of our lore and I for one love that song! So, wait until he is hopefully initiated and then ask him again! Please report to us his feelings! LOL!
Tom Earp
LX Z 1
Pittsburg State University, Ks.
In ZAX,
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Who cares if it’s not a song written and sung by brothers, or if it is about our initiation. I mean, not every song is going to have “Lambda Chi porch” on it like Chesney’s! Songs have different meanings to different people. It means something to a Lambda Chi brother, it means something else to a TKE who likes the band. It’s a great song that gets a the brothers going. It brings us together by reminding us of the ritual. And that’s what it should do… not make us feel great that we have famous alumni or something!