Despite the solemnity, even the darkness, of the lyrics of "Saltpeter," an alternate chorus emerged at some point in the disorganized basement-jam days of 2001. "Where it came from is unclear, but its heading was thoroughgoing parody. Something about a robotic lizard from space and a villain identified by a lineamental scar. Attempts by any one of us to piece together complete verses were abandoned on account of leaving the joke to rest in implication."