You Are What You Is (Thing-Fish)

The song "You Are What You Is (Thing-Fish)" from Frank Zappa's 1984 album Thing-Fish is a reimagined version of the title track from his 1981 album You Are What You Is, adapted for the satirical rock opera's narrative. In the Thing-Fish context, the song is performed by the character Thing-Fish, voiced by Ike Willis, who uses a deliberately exaggerated dialect inspired by the "Kingfish" character from the TV show Amos 'n' Andy. The lyrics, as noted on Genius, feature ensemble vocals and dialogue that mock societal conformity and identity, with lines like "Do YOU know what YOU ARE?" delivered in a theatrical, confrontational style. Zappa's use of this song in Thing-Fish ties into the album's broader themes of racism, eugenics, and cultural stereotypes, as he explained in an interview quoted on Wikipedia: "The simple thought behind Thing-Fish is that somebody manufactured a disease called AIDS and they tested it... to get rid of 'all highly rhythmic individuals and sissy boys.'" This provocative narrative, blending humor and social critique, stirred controversy, with some critics, as seen in Album of the Year reviews, calling it "cringe-worthy" or "unlistenable" due to its abrasive delivery and sensitive topics.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song's musical roots. The Thing-Fish version repurposes the original track's infectious doo-wop-inspired groove, but with new lyrics and dialogue to fit the opera's storyline. According to zappa-analysis.com, the song is part of a sequence of three tracks lifted from the 1981 album, minimally altered to give the opera "more body." Zappa's decision to recycle material was both practical and artistic, as he was constructing Thing-Fish during a busy period in 1982–1983, also writing film treatments and preparing for London Symphony Orchestra recordings. Fans on Reddit have mixed feelings about the song and album, with some appreciating its bold satire while others find the reworked tracks less compelling than their originals. A post from the official @zappa X account on December 21, 2018, highlights the album's release and its inspiration from Broadway theater and conspiracy theories, asking fans for their favorite tracks, suggesting the song's enduring niche appeal among "Zoo Freaks."

Frank Zappa, born December 21, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, began his musical journey as a teenager fascinated by 1950s rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and avant-garde classical composers like Igor Stravinsky and Edgard Varèse. As detailed on Britannica, Zappa taught himself to play drums and guitar, forming his first band, the Blackouts, in high school. By the early 1960s, he was working as a composer and performer in California, running a recording studio and scoring low-budget films. His big break came with the formation of the Mothers of Invention in 1964, whose debut album Freak Out! (1966) is considered one of rock's first concept albums. Zappa's genre-defying approach—blending rock, jazz, classical, and satire—earned him a reputation as a musical polymath. Over his 30-year career, he released more than 60 albums, both with the Mothers and as a solo artist, cementing his legacy as a cultural provocateur and virtuoso.

Zappa's official online presence is maintained through zappa.com, which offers discography details, news, and merchandise. His Facebook page shares updates on reissues and tributes, while the Instagram account posts archival photos and fan engagement content. The @zappa X account, as seen in posts from 2018–2021, celebrates album anniversaries and engages with fans. Fan communities thrive on sites like Zappa Wiki Jawaka and translatedzappa.com, which catalog his work meticulously. On Facebook, groups like "Frank Zappa Fans" foster discussions, and r/Zappa on Reddit is a hub for fan debates and trivia, including Thing-Fish analyses. These platforms keep Zappa's legacy alive for devotees spinning his records at "THE ZOO."