I’ve heard this story before, but it’s worth repeating for those who haven’t. It’s about the 1971 hit by The Buoys, that became their only big record and launched them into rock and roll infamy.
 
The tune, “Timothy,” was written by Rupert Holmes, who would one day become known for “The Pina Colada Song.” But before he achieved solo success, he wanted the group to become famous. So he wrote a wonderful, upbeat bouncy tune about three men stuck in a mine. But rescuers only found two of them. “Timothy” was missing and while the song never officially says it, it’s obvious he was eaten by the other two when their hunger got the best of them.
 
It was carefully written to disguise that fact, but the lyrics left no doubt about what happened.

“Blood is enough to drink for two
And Joe said to me, “I’ll take a swig
And then, there’s some for you.”
 
“Holmes wanted to create a song that could be played on the radio long enough for listeners to discover its controversial subject, but not so openly offensive that stations would refuse to play it from the start.”
 
It got the group noticed alright. And then it got them pulled off the air, and they never had another hit. At first Holmes tried to tell the public that Timothy was a pack mule, as if that would explain why they ate him. But no one bought that story and you rarely hear the tune on radio anymore.
 
Which is a shame because it’s an absolutely terrific song. If you’ve never heard it, it’s worth a listen – upbeat, fun, and totally bizarre. And still one of my all-time favourites.
 
The Story Behind The Only Top 40 Hit About Cannibalism