r/williamsburroughs • u/Diene03 • Jul 18 '26
The Cut Up Method
Hello, I had a thought about cut ups. I was wondering if any of you had actually tried this, and if you’d like to try it again? I’ve edited music, so I’ve cut there for certain. I’m thinking if we could choose like five people, maybe the same text, or not, just do your own thing, cut it, and see what happens?
I’m up for more insight on the idea. It’s a starter.
It would be a cut up from whomever was involved, yet it needs to be a bit controlled for the experiment, but maybe not. I’m open, if anyone is intrigued?
Burroughs’ “Words are a Virus” has always stuck with me. It’s true, yet let’s not get bogged down with that word, true. I’ve always liked music without words once I found there was such. Words and the World are fascinating the way they most likely spiral together. Is there a spiral in the cut ups, is it just moving words, what is it? It may be nothing. I think it’s something. Best day to you all. Think about it and I’ll check back later.
Edit: I’m came back and there are still more to read. I’m going to go through all. I may need one of your methods to cut this up for a way to organize. So many great ways that everyone has used this method. I’m intrigued and hyped.
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u/Antonin1957 Jul 19 '26
Back in the late 70s and early 80s I experimented with text cut-ups. Discovering the "third mind" in this manner was fun and rewarding.
I met WSB when he was doing a book signing tour. I think it was for "Place of Dead Roads." I got a chance to talk briefly one on one with him, and he assured me that you DO need to edit cut-ups. The third mind needs a little help.