To understand Punk Rock we have to know the context in which the genre was generated and born. During the 70s, genres such as Progressive Rock and Pop Rock were the musical hegemony of the time; one of the most important aspects of these genres was that they required a certain sophistication, musical knowledge and technicality, which made them difficult to interpret for people who did not have access to this technicality and sophistication, and there were also people who were not interested in making such complex and sophisticated music, added to the thought that several people both from music critics and common people had which was that the more technical and difficult the song, the better it is.
Once we understand the context in which Punk Rock is generated, we have to go into the musical background of the genre:
Garage Rock: Garage Rock during the 60s was, if we wanted to sum it up very simply, Punk before Punk. It was a genre that encompassed tremendously wild and violent artists with a very big edge when it came to guitar playing.Power Pop: Power Pop was one of the few Rock genres of the 70s that decided to go against sophistication and technicality; it was to make Pop Rock without the compositional addition; the idea was to obtain the direct and melodic character of Pop Rock but to make it more aggressive, direct and without the instrumental segments and musical ambition of Pop Rock.
As we have already covered the context and background, it is time to get into Punk Rock itself.
By '77 onwards we start talking about Punk Rock. It is mainly developed in England and America.
The essence of Punk Rock is to take the most energetic and wild Rock sounds and make a more radical version of them; it is characterized by musical simplicity, with short, direct songs, not very complex in the compositional and technical aspects, chords almost always with 5th and 8th chords and songs built around them, lack of lead guitars and instrumental sections; rhythmically fast, simple and direct; vocally melodic and "poppy", coupled with an aggression and rejection of "singing well"; lyrically it is diverse, with political, humorous and Pop Rock-like bands of the time.
Recommended albums to understand 70s Punk Rock:
Ramones - Rocket To RussiaThe Damned - Damned Damned DamnedThe Clash - The ClashSex Pistols - Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex PistolsBuzzcocks - Another Music In A Different KitchenX-Ray Spex - Germfree AdolescentsDead Boys - Young Loud and SnottyThe Saints - (I'm) StrandedJohnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - L.A.M.F. - The Lost '77 Mixes
Due to the fact that Punk Rock started as such in 77, in the 80s there is only an extension of the initial decade; because of this, much of the "explosiveness" of the 70s remains.
Something that characterizes the decade of the 80s is that Punk Rock is no longer the wildest musical style, since during this decade Hardcore Punk begins to emerge; then this new generation of Punk Rock is generated, trying to match the aggression of Hardcore Punk, along with other groups that try to explore more within Punk Rock, especially in the rhythmic and in the influences of other genres.
Recommended albums to understand the Punk Rock of the 80s:
X - Los AngelesSocial Distortion - Mommy's Little MonsterThe Adicts - Songs of PraiseAgent Orange - Living In DarknessStiff Little Fingers - Nobody's HeroesThe Celibate Rifles - SideroxylonThe Crucifucks - The CrucifucksPlasmatics - Beyond The Valley Of 1984 / Metal PriestessUK Subs - Brand New Age
Upon reaching the 90s, Punk Rock is in a world of Punk much more diverse and broad, having very influential genres such as Pop Punk, Skate Punk, Melodic Hardcore, among others, which sought to explore more melody.
This generation is very important because it generated many classics for its high diversity, being the decade of the 90's one of the most diverse in Punk. This search to make Punk Rock heavier, edgier and more aggressive is maintained, as in all the decades of the genre.
This decade proves that Punk Rock is one of the most creative genres in the Punk world due to its versatility.
Recommended albums to understand the Punk Rock of the 90s:
Rancid - ...And Out Come The WolvesLeatherface - MushThe Gits - Frenching the BullyThe Bouncing Souls - Hopeless RomanticDidjits - Hornet PiñataThe Living End - The Living EndAmerican Steel - Rogue's MarchSwingin' Utters - Five Lessons LearnedU.S. Bombs - War Birth
In the 2000s, as always, there is a rise in aggression, but it is also a decade with a lot of diversity where there were extremely aggressive projects and others that mixed Punk Rock with genres farther away from Punk.
What makes this decade stand out is that there is a much more notable female representation than in previous decades. It can also be said that this decade is the most lyrically elaborated of Punk Rock.
Recommended albums to understand the Punk Rock of the 00s:
Against Me! - As The Eternal CowboyThe Distillers - Coral FangThe Lawrence Arms - The Greatest Story Ever ToldDillinger Four - Versus GodBeatsteaks - Smack SmashThe Bellrays - Have a Little FaithThe Marked Men - Fix My BrainRandy - The Human Atom BombsAnti-Flag - The Terror State
The 2010s are notable for trying to do something more difficult, artistically innovative and revolutionary. As is the norm, in this decade there is a noticeable rise in aggressiveness, intensity and also precision. This decade is similar to the previous one due to the high diversity of sounds and bands. It is in this decade when the most violent and aggressive Punk Rock takes place, with influences of Garage Punk and even Noise Rock. What most characterizes this era is that it is one of the most vocally diverse, with a greater female representation, as in the previous decade. There is also a lot of variety in the overall aesthetics and production.
Recommended albums to understand the Punk Rock of the 10s:
White Lung - SorryThe Menzingers - On The Impossible PastDestroy Boys - Make RoomRed City Radio - The Dangers of Standing StillCrusades - The Sun Is Down and the Night Is Riding inMean Jeans - Tight New DimensionNight Birds - Born to Die in SuburbiaToys That Kill - Fambly 42Red Dons - Fake Meets Failure
Now a list of certain albums that did not appear on the wiki and the reasons.
The Undertones - The Undertones: This is a classic band from the 70s and 80s very iconic and innovative. They were basically the first Pop Punk band in the history of Punk.Green Day - Dookie: An album that mixes very well all the best of Punk Rock and Pop Punk, so it is difficult to put it in any of the two genres.AFI - The Art of Drowning: They are a band that in the 90s made a mix between Punk Rock and Melodic Hardcore, so it is also complicated to put it in one of the two genres.Jawbreaker - Dear You: They were a band that during the 90s mixed Punk Rock with Midwest Emo and Emotional Hardcore (Emocore) sounds; basically the most emotional and confessional sounds of the time, so they are also very intersectional to put into a genre.
Misery Business
Paramore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in the business of misery, let's take it from the top
She's got a body like an hourglass, that's ticking like a clock
It's a matter of time before we all run out
When I thought he was mine, she caught him by the mouth
I waited eight long months
She finally set him free
I told him I couldn't lie, he was the only one for me
Two weeks and we had caught on fire
She's got it out for me, but I wear the biggest smile
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
'Cause I got him where I want him now
And if you could, then you know you would
'Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good
Second chances they don't ever matter, people never change
Once a whore, you're nothing more, I'm sorry that'll never change
And about forgiveness, we're both supposed to have exchanged
I'm sorry honey, but I passed it up, now look this way
Well, there's a million other girls who do it just like you
Looking as innocent as possible to get to who
They want and what they like, it's easy if you do it right
Well I refuse, I refuse, I refuse!
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
'Cause I got him where I want him right now
And if you could, then you know you would
'Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good
I watched his wildest dreams come true
And not one of them involving you
Just watch my wildest dreams come true
Not one of them involving
Whoa, well I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
'Cause I got him where I want him now
And if you could, then you know you would
'Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good
The lyrics of "Misery Business" by Paramore tell the story of a love triangle between the singer, another woman, and the man they both desire. The main character is in the business of misery, meaning she enjoys the power that comes from stealing other people's boyfriends. She is jealous of the other woman's hourglass figure and the fact that she caught the man's attention by kissing him.
The character waits patiently for eight months until the other woman finally sets him free. She tells him that he is the only one for her, and they quickly fall in love. However, the other woman still has it out for her and is envious of her relationship. The main character admits that she never meant to brag, but she got the man where she wanted him now. She knows that it feels good to have him, and she enjoys the power.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of forgiveness, where the main character refuses to forgive the other woman for what she did. She says that second chances don't matter because people never change. The final line of the song is a reflection of the main character's desire for success, where she watches her wild dreams come true, not involving the other woman. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of empowerment through the control of others' emotions and the satisfaction of coming out on top in a love triangle.
Line by Line Meaning
Hit that, hit that snare
The song starts with a catchy beat.
I'm in the business of misery, let's take it from the top
The singer brings her dissatisfaction to light by describing herself to be working in misery.
She's got a body like an hourglass, that's ticking like a clock
She is admiring a woman who is physically attractive and feels time is slipping away.
It's a matter of time before we all run out
The inevitability of time running out is weighed upon.
When I thought he was mine, she caught him by the mouth
The singer is betrayed by a woman for kissing a man whom she thought was hers.
I waited eight long months
The singer waited patiently for 8 months for the incident to be resolved.
She finally set him free
The woman who kissed the man lets him go.
I told him I couldn't lie, he was the only one for me
The man is assured of the singer's loyalty.
Two weeks and we had caught on fire
The singer and her partner's relationship becomes intense soon after the previous incident.
She's got it out for me, but I wear the biggest smile
The woman who caused the earlier incident still harbors ill feelings towards the singer. However, she remains unfazed and puts up a brave front.
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
The singer acknowledges that she did not intend to brag, but is proud that she has attained the affection of her love interest.
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
The singer insists that her intention was never to steal her partner from another person, but admits that the feeling of being wanted by someone is enjoyable.
Second chances they don't ever matter, people never change
Once a whore, you're nothing more, I'm sorry that'll never change
And about forgiveness, we're both supposed to have exchanged
The singer feels that people rarely change, and a person labeled as something like a 'whore' will never be looked at any different. The concept of forgiveness between the two women involved in the incident is judged to be futile.
I'm sorry honey, but I passed it up, now look this way
Well, there's a million other girls who do it just like you
Looking as innocent as possible to get to who
They want and what they like, it's easy if you do it right
Well I refuse, I refuse, I refuse!
The singer describes the other woman's attempts to project herself as innocent, and suggests that there are many like her who have selfish motives. She, however, declines to follow the same path.
I watched his wildest dreams come true
And not one of them involving you
Just watch my wildest dreams come true
Not one of them involving
The singer talks about her partner's dreams, implying that none of them include the other woman. She urges the other woman to watch her own dreams come true, which do not include the partner.
Whoa, well I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
'Cause I got him where I want him now
And if you could, then you know you would
'Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good
The singer reiterates that her intention was never to brag or steal someone's partner, but is elated that she has found love. She believes that anyone who found themselves in the same position would have done the same.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joshua Neil Farro, Hayley Nichole Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@limits96
Lyrics
[Intro]
Hit that, hit that snare
[Verse 1]
I'm in the business of misery, let's take it from the top
She's got a body like an hourglass, it's ticking like a clock
It's a matter of time before we all run out
When I thought he was mine, she caught him by the mouth
I waited eight long months, she finally set him free
I told him I couldn't lie, he was the only one for me
Two weeks and we caught on fire
She's got it out for me, but I wear the biggest smile
[Chorus]
Woah, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Woah, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
Cause I got him where I want him now
And if you could, then you know you would
Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good
[Verse 2]
Second chances, they don't ever matter, people never change
Once a whore, you're nothing more, I'm sorry, that'll never change
And about forgiveness, we're both supposed to have exchanged
I'm sorry, honey, but I passed it up, now look this way
Well, there's a million other girls who do it just like you
Looking as innocent as possible to get to who
They want and what they like, it's easy if you do it right
Well, I refuse, I refuse, I refuse
[Chorus]
Woah, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Woah, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
Cause I got him where I want him right now
And if you could, then you know you would
Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good
[Bridge]
I watched his wildest dreams come true
And not one of them involving you
Just watch my wildest dreams come true
Not one of them involving
[Guitar Solo]
[Refrain]
Woah, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
[Chorus]
Woah, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Woah, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
Cause I got him where I want him now
And if you could, then you know you would
Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good
@arkexemption6983
2005 - “I’m no longer feeling the pressure”
2007 - “WHOA .. I NEVER MENT TO BRAG!”
2009 - “ignorance is my new best friend”
2011 - “well you’ve stoped me from turning into a monster”
2013 - “after all the butterflies... I’m into you”
2015 - “ain’t this Grammy fun!”
2017 - “HARD TIMES, GONNA WONDER WHY YOU EVEN TRY”
2019 - “well... guess I’ll listen to the classics till their next album”
@paramore
Today marks the 8th anniversary of this video! Thanks for still watching it!
@AmandaFinnglader08
one of my favorite songs! great!
@korycooper2285
Paramore I never get sick of this song<3 Just stinks that I standing right beside the girl who got picked to sing this at the Paratour show in Bethlehem PA!! She deserved it tho! But that would have made my life lol...I did get the skip the line wrist bands tho which was AWESOME! Keep being the Awesome band you guys are and keep making rad music<3 Paramore fan Fo EVA<3
@kategrey526
You said that on twitter
@sarahgarratt6235
+Paramore this song is one of the best because it gives people chance to sing with +Hayley Williams and the whole band onstage. 8 years of this song and 10 years as a band what a achievement from you guys keep going and believe in yourself like your fans do.
I wish I could go to a show to see it live and feel the atsmosphere of the crowd and the way the crowd goes crazy and starts dancing with them.
@CharlieMora
This song is still Ticking like A Clock
@issaphae9659
“this song was under-appreciated” no it wasn’t it was literally their breakout hit you were just a child who hadn’t hit their emo phase yet
@laylaniilol
@@hayleywastaken3603 it was very popular
@laylaniilol
@@hayleywastaken3603 ?? literally everyone in 2007-2015 were playing this on repeat, what are you talking about
@dexijunke9204
exactly