"Arbitrary Functionary" is a song by Dirk McQuickly which was included on his 1980 solo-album, White Dopes on Punk II. Featuring a unique techno beat and a famous chorus, the song was about an elected official whose role in government is unclear. In an interview, Dirk said that the beginning of the song was composed by a robot.
In 2014, "Arbitrary Functionary" was ranked as the 167th greatest song of all time by NME magazine. In the article, the author wrote:
- “I have heard 167 songs.”
- ―NME magazine
