The number starts with a 'technical problem' causing a power cut, resulting in the Engines and Carriages powering down. From the gloom and the smoke, a laser pierces the stage, and silhouetted figures appear.
The first to introduce himself is Krupp, the Armaments truck, followed by Wrench, the Repair truck, Purse, the Money truck, Volta, the Freezer truck and Joule, the Dynamite truck. The Components tell us that their master is rich, hot, cool and powerful. As the music builds, the bridge swings overhead, and Electra himself appears.
The choreography usually involves Electra shooting lightning at someone (often times Wrench), to demonstrate he's dangerous. Pearl is drawn to him, they usually have a short passage dancing together, explained by his magnetic powers. Towards the end, his magnetism draws all the other engines and carriages to him, they start to circle around him, before he separates from them again for the final pose with his Components backing him up.
The song has an appropriately strong Electronic sound, being written in 7/8 time[1] to create an off-balance feel. The intent is a strange, new, modern type of music, especially for 1984. This is a stark contrast to the rock 'n' roll feel of Greaseball's songs.
The original running order places this number immediately after "Entry of the National Engines", as Control calls forward each race competitor in turn. Just as Control calls for any last entries, the power surges and fluctuates, heralding Electra's arrival. In productions which move "Entry of the National Engines" to the start of the show, Electra's entrance loses that context. Instead, Control tries to begin the race proceedings at the end of "Freight", but is interrupted by Electra's approach.
Depending on production and year, during the dance break after the second verse, a female Component (usually Volta or Joule or occasionally both), go to the center of the stage and do aerobics such as splits, backbends, front walkovers, etc.
Lyrics[]
In the original production the Components don't introduce themselves, instead they speak in a form of DOS prompts, language that in the early 1980s seemed very futuristic and "computery". However by 1992, computing was less futuristic and more widely understood, making the passage sound dated. It was replaced by the Components introducing themselves by name, and in some productions, including some banter with the Freight. When Krupp is cut, Purse takes the line "We ask the questions" instead.
Original London Introduction Lyrics[]
KRUPP:
Clear Electra, Verify
WRENCH:
Go to Electra, Load
VOLTA:
Shift Electra
JOULE:
Space Electra
PURSE:
Enter Electra,
Run Electra,
Confirm,
Confirm,
Enter
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Revised London Introduction Lyrics[]
The 1992 Revison
CONTROL:
This is control.
This is control.
Listen up!
Race-time minus 10 minutes.
Sorry, we have a technical problem.
Nothing to worry about -
Oh boy!
A late entry!
A superstar challenger!
These must be his minders...
KRUPP:
Halt! I am Krupp,
Electra's armaments truck!
ROCKY 1:
Who's Electra?
KRUPP:
We ask the questions!
WRENCH:
I am Wrench,
Electra's repair truck!
DUSTIN:
Electra must be rich,
To have his own repair truck?
FLAT-TOP:
Or unreliable - hurhurhur
PURSE:
I am Purse,
Electra's money truck,
Electra is rich,
Switch your alliance to Electra
VOLTA:
I am Volta,
Electra's freezer truck!
JOULE:
I am Joule,
Electra's dynamite truck!
VOLTA:
Electra is cool!
JOULE:
Electra is hot!
VOLTA:
Cool
JOULE:
Hot
COMPONENTS:
A megastar, a megawatt.
Rich, hot, powerful,
Rich, hot, cool.
Rich, hot, powerful,
Rich, hot, cool.
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Revised London-Onwards Verse 3 Lyrics[]
ELECTRA:
I am electric,
Resistance is pointless!
Feel my magnetism
You will agree!
You can't ignore me,
You must adore me
I am electric, come closer to me!
AC/DC,
It's okay by me.
I can switch
And turn you onto me,
Can switch,
And turn you onto me,
Can switch,
And turn you onto me!
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
ELECTRA:
I am electric,
Turn me on, turn me on!
I am electric.
I am electric,
Turn me on, turn me on!
I am electric.
Turn me on, turn me on!
I can switch and change my frequency!
Original London Song Lyrics[]
ELECTRA:
I am electric, feel my attraction,
Feel my magnetism, you will agree.
I am electric, I have the contacts
I am electric the future is me!
AC / DC is okay by me.
I can switch and change my frequency.
I am electric, mind how you touch me,
I can shock you, I can set you on fire.
I can reach up and pluck down the lightning,
Watch the conductor, see the live wire
AC / DC is okay by me.
I can switch and change my frequency.
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
ELECTRA:
I am electric, I'm a computer
Don't attempt to keep no secrets from me.
If you make me bored, I hit my keyboard,
You'll be erased from my memory.
AC / DC is okay by me.
I can switch and change my frequency
AC / DC is okay by me.
I can switch and change my frequency
Can switch and change my frequency
Can switch and change my frequency
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
ELECTRA:
I can switch and change my frequency
1987 Broadway Concept Album Lyrics[]
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
ELECTRA:
I am electric, feel my attraction,
Feel my magnetism, you will agree.
I am electric, I have the contacts
I am electric the future is me!
AC / DC is okay by me.
I can switch and change my frequency.
I am electric, mind how you touch me,
I can shock you, I can set you on fire.
I can reach up and pluck down the lightning,
Watch the conductor, see the live wire
AC / DC is okay by me.
I can switch and change my frequency.
AC / DC is okay by me.
I can switch and change my frequency.
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
ELECTRA:
I am electric, I'm a computer
Don't attempt to keep no secrets from me.
If you make me bored, I hit my keyboard,
You'll be erased from my memory.
AC / DC is okay by me.
I can switch and change my frequency
Can switch and change my frequency
Can switch and change my frequency
AC / DC is okay by me.
AC / DC is okay by me.
COMPONENTS:
Turn me on, turn me off
I am electric
Turn me off
I am
(ELECTRA):
Turn me on, turn me off (AC/DC)
I am electric (I have the contacts)
Turn me off
I am
Turn me on, turn me off (AC/DC)
I am electric (Mind how you touch me)
Turn me off
I am
Turn me on, turn me off (AC/DC)
I am electric (I'm a trans resistor)
Turn me off
I am
1987 Japan/Australia Tour Programme Translation[]
The translation of the song lyrics featured in the 1987 programme. These lyrics were NOT what were sung live during the tour, which was sung in English
エレクトラ (Japanese):
オレはエレクトりック、この魅カわかるかい
ELECTRA (English):
I am electric, feel my attraction
この磁カを感じればわかるはず
Feel this magnetism and you will know
オレは電子制御、コンタクト OK
I am electronically controlled, contact is okay
オレはエレクトりック、未来はおまかせ
I am electric, the future is ours
直流交流どちらでも OK
DC AC either are okay
スイッチひとつでサイクルが変わる
The cycle changes at the flick of a switch
オレはエレクトりック、気安く触れるなよ
I am electric, don't touch me so readily
ショックでヤケドしても知らないぜ
I don't care if you get burned by the shock.
雷のエネルギーも変えられる
I can change the energy of lightning
車掌も電気仕掛け
Even the conductor is electrified
直流交流どちらでも OK
DC AC either are okay
スイッチひとつでサイクルが変わる
The cycle changes at the flick of a switch
AC/DC、両刀使い
AC/DC, an expert in both fields
スイッチひとつでサイクルが変わる
The cycle changes at the flick of a switch
ブース:
エレクトラ、エレクトラ、エレクトラ
BOOTH:
Electra, Electra, Electra
エレクトラ:
オレはエレクトラ、オレはコンピューター
ELECTRA:
I am Electra, I'm a computer
隠し事はしない方がいいぜ
You shouldn't hide things from me, you know
キーボードひとつで
With just one keyboard
お前を記憶から消せるんだ
I can erase you from my memory
AC/DC、両刀使い
AC/DC, an expert in both fields
スイッチひとつでサイクルが変わる
The cycle changes at the flick of a switch
スイッチひとつでサイクルが変わる
The cycle changes at the flick of a switch
スイッチひとつでサイクルが変わる
The cycle changes at the flick of a switch
客車とその仲間:
エレクトラ、エレクトラ、エレクトラ
CARRIAGES + COMPONENTS:
Electra, Electra, Electra
エレクトラ:
スイッチひとつでサイクルが変わる
ELECTRA:
The cycle changes at the flick of a switch
1997 Mexico + Translation[]
Called "Macho/Hembra" (Male/Female) it follows the Original London structure lacking the components introductions, Purse is renamed Gaston and Wrench called Pinza. [1]
CONTROL (Spanish):
Aqui control, aqui control
CONTROL (English):
Here is Control! Here is Control!
Faltan 10 minutos
Ten minutes away from
Para la primera carrera
The first race
Ferro al tunel
Rusty to tunnel
Parece haber un problema técnico
It seems there is a technical problem
No se preocupen
Don't worry
Ah!! Un retador de última hora
Ah, a last minute challenger
Un tren super estrella
A super star train
Estos deben de ser sus "Warriores"
These must be his "Warriors" (Body guards)
KRUPP:
Despeje, Electra. Verificar...
KRUPP:
Clear Electra, Verify
PINZA:
Ve hacia Electra, cargar...
WRENCH:
Go to Electra, Load
GASTON:
Entra Electra, corre Electra,
PURSE:
Enter Electra, Run Electra
Confirmar, confirmar entrada...
Confirm, Confirm, enter
VOLTA:
Corriente continua
VOLTA:
Direct Current
JOULE:
Corriente alterna
JOULE:
Alternating current
VOLTA:
¡Electriza!
VOLTA:
Electrifying!
JOULE:
¡Paraliza!
JOULE:
Paralizing!
VOLTA & JOULE:
Un megatren, un mega watt
VOLTA & JOULE:
A mega-train, a mega-watt
COMPONENTES:
Es eléctrico, es poder -
COMPONENTS:
He is electric, he is power
Electra, ¡Electra!
Electra, Electra!
ELECTRA:
Alto voltaje, alto atractivo
ELECTRA:
High Voltage, High Attraction
Mi fuerza eléctrica te atraerá
My electric power will attract you
Soy energía, tengo el enchufe
I am energy, I have the outlet
Soy el futuro que electrizará
I am the electrifying future
Macho/Hembra es mi conector
Male/Female is my connector
Cambio el switch y soy transformador
Change the switch and I'm a transformer
Soy energía, mira y no toques
I am energy, look and don't touch
Te electrocuto, te hago carbón
I can electrocute you, make you like ash
Puedo causar un cortocircuito
I can cause a short circuit
Llevo en la vía alta tensión
I carry high voltage on the track
Macho/Hembra es mi conector,
Male/Female is my connector
¡Para mi mejor!
Better for me!
Cambio el switch y soy transformador
Change the switch and I'm a transformer
COMPONENTES:
Electra, Electra, Electra...
COMPONENTS:
Electra, Electra, Electra...
ELECTRA:
Mi resistencia es mas que una conga
ELECTRA:
My resistance is more then a conga
Mi fuerza eléctrica es para ti
My electric power is for you
Ya no te libras, siente que vibras
Now you don't have freedom, feel the vibration
Soy magnetismo, acércate a mi
I'm magnetic, come close to me
Macho/Hembra es mi conector
Male/Female is my connector
Con mi switch te enchufo al conector
With my switch I connect you to the connector
Mi switch te enchufo al conector
My switch connects you to the connector
¡Mi switch te enchufo al conector!
My switch connects you to the connector
COMPONENTES:
Electra, Electra...
COMPONENTS:
Electra, Electra...
ELECTRA:
Soy energía, me prendes, te prendo
ELECTRA:
I am energy you come to me, I come to you
¡ Soy energía!
I am energy!
Ven... ven, ven, ¡ven!
Come… come, come, come!
¡Con mi switch te enchufo al conector!!
With my switch I connect you to the connector!
2nd US Tour Introduction Lyrics[]
PURSE:
Hey, wassup?
WRENCH:
The future is here!
VOLTA:
Electra is here!
FLAT-TOP:
Who the f/zap/ is Electra?
VOLTA:
Electra is cool
JOULE:
Electra is hot
VOLTA:
Cool
JOULE:
Hot
VOLTA & JOULE:
A megastar, a megawatt
German Lyrics[]
ELECTRA:
Ich bin elektrisch,
Steh unter Spannung,
Hab' magnetische Kraft,
Fühlst du es nicht?
Ich bin elektrisch,
Hab' die Kontakte,
Ich bin elektrisch,
Die Zukunft bin ich!
AC / DC
Ist okay für mich.
Gleich dreht sich
Mein Strom und wechselt sich.
Ich bin elektrisch,
Ich bin gefährlich,
Denn ein Schlag von mir
Kann Herzen sehr schaden!
Ein Griff von mir
Holt den Blitz aus der Leitung,
Zündet den Funken
In meinen Adern
AC / DC
Ist okay für mich.
Gleich dreht sich
Mein Strom und wechselt sich.
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
ELECTRA:
Ich bin elektrisch,
Bin ein Computer
Weiß genaustens
Bescheid über dich.
Um mich zu entlasten,
Drück ich die Tasten,
Lösch' deine Daten
Und vergesse dich!
AC / DC
Ist okay für mich.
Gleich dreht sich
Mein Strom und wechselt sich.
AC / DC
Ist okay für mich.
Gleich dreht sich
Mein Strom und wechselt sich.
Dreht sich
Mein Strom und wechselt sich.
Dreht sich
Mein Strom und wechselt sich.
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
ELECTRA:
Gleich dreht sich
Mein Strom und wechselt sich.
Revised German Introduction Lyrics[]
The 2013 Bochum Revision
KRUPP:
Ich bin Krupp,
Electras Rüstungswagen
WRENCH:
Ich bin Wrench,
Electras Reperaturwagen
PEARL:
Wer ist Electra?
PURSE:
Wir stellen hier die Fragen!
Ich bin Purse,
Electras Geldtransporter.
Electra ist reich,
Schaltet um auf Electra!
VOLTA:
Ich bin Volta,
Electras Kühlwagen
JOULE:
Ich bin Joule,
Electras Sprengstoffwagen
COMPONENTS:
Electra ist cool,
Electra ist hot
Cool!
Hot!
Ein Megastar,
Ein Megawatt
Reich, heiß, volle Kraft
Reich, heiß, cool
Reich, heiß, volle Kraft
Reich, heiß, cool
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Revised German Lyrics + Translation[]
ELECTRA:
Ich bin elektrisch,
I am electric
Steh unter Spannung,
I‘m a live wire
Hab' magnetische Kraft,
Got magnetic power,
Fühlst du es nicht?
Don’t feel it?
Ich bin elektrisch,
I am electric
Hab die Kontakte,
I got the contacts,
Ich bin elektrisch,
I am electric,
Die Zukunft bin ich!
The future is me!
AC / DC
AC / DC
Ist okay für mich.
Is okay to me.
Meine Energie
My energy
Verändert sich!
Is changing!
Ich bin elektrisch,
I am electric
Ich bin gefährlich,
I am dangerous
Denn ein Schlag von mir
Because a blow from me
Kann Herzen sehr schaden!
Can hurt hearts!
Ein Griff von mir
A grip of mine
Holt den Blitz aus der Leitung,
Takes the lightning out of the wire
Zündet den Funken
Ignites the spark
In meinen Adern.
In my veins
AC / DC
AC / DC
Ist okay für mich.
Is okay to me.
Meine Energie
My energy
Verändert sich!
Is changing!
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaaa
ELECTRA:
Ich bin elektrisch,
I am electric
Widerstand ist zwecklos.
Resistance is pointless.
Spührst du die
Do you feel the
Anziehungskraft, die Magie?
Force of attraction, the magic?
Mich ignorieren
Ignoring me
Heißt zu verlieren,
Means to lose,
Ich bin elektrisch
I am electric
Bin voll Energie
Am Full of Energy
AC / DC
AC / DC
Ist okay für mich.
Is okay to me.
Meine Energie
My energy
Verändert sich.
Is changing.
AC / DC
AC / DC
Ist okay für mich.
Is okay to me.
Meine Energie
My energy
Verändert sich,
Is changing,
Die Energie
The Energy
Verändert sich,
Is changing,
Die Energie
The energy
Verändert sich.
Is changing.
COMPONENTS:
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaa
Electraaaaaa
Electraaaaa
ELECTRA:
Ich bin elektrisch,
I am electric
Mach mich an,
Turn me on
Mach mich an,
Turn me on
Ich bin elektrisch.
I am electric
I am electric,
I am electric
Turn me on,
Turn me on
Turn me on,
Turn me on
I am electric.
I am electric
Turn me on,
Turn me on
Mach mich an
Turn me on
Meine Energie Verändert dich!
My energy Changes you!
At some points in the show's history, the German production has placed "Entry of the National Engines" at the beginning of the show, leading to a different introduction to "AC/DC" from Control. Similar to the later London script, Control attempts to begin the race proceedings when Electra's approach interrupts.
CONTROL:
Hier ist Control,
Hier ist Control.
Hört zu, dies sind die Regel:
Wir haben zwei Vorausscheidungen
Und die ersten beiden Züge
Jeder Vorentscheidung nehmen
An der Endausscheidung teil, klar?
Zwei Rennen,
Zwei Kandidaten aus jedem Rennen.
Noch weitere Anmeldungen?
Scheint wir haben
Ein technisches Problem,
Kleine Störung.
Oh man!
Ich glaube, wir haben
Einen Superstar als Herausforderer!
2018 German Lyrics[]
CONTROL:
Scheint wir haben ein technisches Problem, aber das haben wir gleich.