Songful Style: Freak Flag by Here Come the Mummies

Welcome to the July edition of Songful Style! Hosted by myself, Shelbee (Shelbee on the Edge) and Marsha (Marsha in the Middle), Songful Style is a collaboration featuring outfits inspired by songs. We’re also inviting anyone who would like to join us to post their own outfits in the link-up below. It doesn’t matter from what angle the song inspires the outfit—it can be from the lyrics, the title, the tune itself, the album cover, or even the music video. Last month, our song was What’s Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner, chosen by me. This month, our Songful Style song was chosen by Shelbee, and it is Freak Flag by Here Come the Mummies (scroll right down to the bottom to read the lyrics, and check out Shelbee’s post here about the band).

I had never heard of Here Come the Mummies until Shelbee chose the song so I had absolutely no idea what they would be like. Although, given the title of the song, I knew it would be something a bit different lol. I didn’t actually watch the video until just before the weekend and I was blown away by them! The song is absolutely brilliant and I immediately fell in love with it. I love music that has slight dark and surreal elements to it, and the fact that the group are always in disguise wearing mummy outfits certainly adds those elements lol.

Here Come the Mummies is a unique and quirky funk-rock band known for their elaborate stage personas and performances. One of their defining characteristics is that each band member performs in full mummy costumes, which adds that mysterious element that I love so much. The group, consisting of eight members, has kept their identities anonymous since they formed over 5,000 years ago in Nashville, TN. While there are rumours about Grammy awards, the real reason for their secrecy might be contractual obligations to other record labels. They certainly have a mysterious aura, don’t they?!

Freak Flag is one of their popular songs and showcases the band’s energetic and funky musical style. It’s an upbeat funk/rock track with humorous lyrics about being yourself and letting your “freak flag” fly. The lyrics encourage people to embrace their quirks and not conform or hide themselves: “Wave it wide and wave it high, let your freak flag fly, never take it down, don’t care what the neighbors say.”

Apparently, Here Come the Mummies has gained a dedicated fan following over the years, and their live performances are known for being lively, fun, and engaging. They have released several albums and have continued to tour and entertain audiences with their unique blend of funk, rock, and humour. I reckon this would be a fabulous band to see live!

So, how to style an outfit around Freak Flag? To be honest, I knew immediately what I was going to wear. I would take inspiration from the band’s mummy costumes and wear all white, but with some dark elements. So I chose this long and loose white sleeveless linen shirt that I bought from H&M a couple of years ago (I loved it so much, I bought it in black too), and my white cotton/linen trousers from Quebramar (old). Because of the slightly darker edge to the band, I decided to add darker elements in black, so I wore by faithful black sandals from Timberland, black rings (inherited from MIL), long black earrings (old, I can’t remember where I bought them!), and some black and grey bracelets that were gifts from my late MIL. I wasn’t sure about the long black earrings at first, but then I decided I liked the fact that they emulated the ‘longness’ (that is so not a word!) of the outfit, if you know what I mean? And to add something a little more different, I chose my ladylike red, black and white handbag which was also a gift from my late MIL. Perhaps a different handbag might have been better for this theme, but I kinda liked it. I keep forgetting I’ve got this fabulous black feather handbag that would have looked cool—but it’s hanging on a mannequin in my office, and I always forget it’s there!

All in all, I really liked the way this look came together. I know I should have pushed the boat out a little further and shown my own freak flag a bit better, but when I took the photos, I was actually still feeling a little unwell (I had some stomach issues for a few days) and I was struggling, so I kept it fairly simple. I can’t wait to see how Shelbee and Marsha styled this prompt. And what about you? Did you join in the fun this month? If so, please add your outfits to the link-up below (they don’t have to just be for this prompt, we want to see what you’ve been wearing regardless!).

Next month, Marsha has chosen a fabulous song by Blondie, Heart of Glass. I can’t wait to start going down the rabbit hole for that one! Please do join us…and if you want to be a part of this group and join in every month, please get in touch with Shelbee, Marsha or myself! We’d love to have you!

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—