In addition to recording his albums, Yankovic has written and starred in his own film, UHF, and his own television show, The Weird Al Show, and directed music videos for himself and other artists including Ben Folds, Hanson, the Black Crowes and The Presidents of the United States of America. He has also made guest appearances on many television shows, in addition to starring in his own Al TV specials.
Though parodies earned him his fame, Yankovic has recorded a greater number of humorous songs with original tunes. Some of these pieces are pastiches (or style parodies), where he chooses a band's entire body of work to emulate rather than any single hit, although Yankovic has many completely original pieces. Most of his albums include a medley which juxtaposes the choruses of various songs in a polka style to accordion music.
Due to his popularity, he has been credited with several songs that are not actually his. A full list of every song he has ever actually done, including the live-only songs, can be found at the Al Songs website. Similarly, a comprehensive list of songs incorrectly credited to him can be found at The Not Al Page.
In 2006, Al recorded the song "You're Pitiful". However, while James Blunt gave his blessing for the parody of his song, "You're Beautiful", Blunt's label Atlantic Records was opposed to it. Though parodies are protected legally, the issue had become "more of a political matter than a legal matter", according to Al, so he decided to not put the song on his next album. Instead, he offered it as a free download from his site.
His latest album, "Straight Outta Lynwood", was released September 26th, 2006. Its first released single, "Don't Download This Song", was made available as a free download on August 21, 2006. The animated video for the track and a link to downloadable MP3 is available at dontdownloadthissong.com. Among other tracks, the album includes parodies of Green Day, Usher, R. Kelly, and Chamillionaire. Chamillionaire's "Ridin' Dirty" is parodied as "White and Nerdy", the second released single from the new album. This single has thus far climbed as far as #9 on the Billboard Singles chart, eclipsing "Eat It" as Al's highest charting single (which went as high as #12).
Official Website: http://www.weirdal.com
FactBox Info
Members
Al Yankovic
Jon ''Bermuda'' Schwartz
Steve Jay
Jim West
Rubén Valtierra
Former Members
Rick Derringer
Ross Noble
Joe Earley
Hardware Store
"Weird Al" Yankovic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feelin' low down (down), not a lot to do around here
I thought that I would go right out of my mind
Until a friend told me the news
He said, "Hey, you know that vacant lot
Right beside the gas station? Well, somebody bought it
And on that spot they're gonna build a shop
Since then I've been walking on air (air)
I can barely brush my teeth or comb my hair
'Cause I'm so excited and I really don't care
I've been waiting since last June
For this day to finally arrive
I'm so happy (happy) now just to be alive
'Cause any minute now I'm gonna be inside
Well, I hope they open soon
I can't wait, (no I) I can't wait (oh when)
When are they gonna open up the door?
I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the
Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the
Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the
Hardware store
In my sleeping bag I camped out overnight
Right in front of the store, then as soon as it was light out
I pressed my nose right up against the glass
You know, I had to be first in line
Gonna get me a flashlight and a broom
Want a pair of pliers for every single room of my house
See those hacksaws? Very, very soon
One of them will be all mine
Guys with nametags walking down the aisles
Rows of garden hoses that go on for miles and miles
Brand new socket wrenches in a plethora of styles
All arranged alphabetically
And they're doing a promotional stunt
There's a great big purple sign out front
That says every 27th customer
Will get a ball-peen hammer free
I can't wait, (no I) I can't wait (oh when)
When are they gonna open up the door?
I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the
Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the
Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the
Hardware store
I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the
Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the
Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the
Hardware store
Would you look at all that stuff
They've got allen wrenches, gerbil feeders, toilet seats, electric heaters
Trash compactors, juice extractor, shower rods and water meters
Walkie-talkies, copper wires, safety goggles, radial tires
BB pellets, rubber mallets, fans and dehumidifiers
Picture hangers, paper cutters, waffle irons, window shutters
Paint removers, window louvres, masking tape and plastic gutters
Kitchen faucets, folding tables, weather stripping, jumper cables
Hooks and tackle, grout and spackle, power foggers, spoons and ladles
Pesticides for fumigation, high-performance lubrication
Metal roofing, water proofing, multi-purpose insulation
Air compressors, brass connectors, wrecking chisels, smoke detectors
Tire gauges, hamster cages, thermostats and bug deflectors
Trailer hitch demagnetizers, automatic circumcisers
Tennis rackets, angle brackets, Duracells and Energizers
Soffit panels, circuit breakers, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers
Calculators, generators, matching salt and pepper shakers
I can't wait, (no I) I can't wait (oh when)
When are they gonna open up the door?
I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the
Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the
Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the
Hardware store
I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the
Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the
Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the
Hardware store
I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the
Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the
Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the
Hardware store
"Weird Al" Yankovic's song Hardware Store is a comical ode to the excitement that can come from visiting a store like a hardware store in a small town with few other entertainment options. The song describes the joy and anticipation of waiting for the store to open, and the wide array of tools and equipment available inside. The lyrics also mention a promotional offer of a free ball-peen hammer every 27th customer and the singer's desire to be the first in line.
The song starts by highlighting the mundane and boring life of a small town where there is nothing to do. However, the singer's friend informs him that a new hardware store is opening in the vacant lot, which creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. The song then goes on to describe the singer's eagerness to explore the store, the tools he wants to buy, and his plans to camp out to be the first in line.
The lyrics are amusing and exaggerated, highlighting the simple pleasures in life and the joy that can come from small things. By using humor, the song celebrates the joy of simply being alive and enjoying the moment in a light-hearted way.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothin' ever (ever) happens in this town
The town is usually boring with nothing ever happening.
Feelin' low down (down), not a lot to do around here
People in the town feel down because there aren't many activities to do.
I thought that I would go right out of my mind
The boredom was making me lose my sanity.
Until a friend told me the news
I got to know about something interesting from a friend.
He said, "Hey, you know that vacant lot
My friend informed me about a vacant lot nearby.
Right beside the gas station? Well, somebody bought it
Someone bought the lot right next to the gas station.
And on that spot they're gonna build a shop
A new shop is going to be built on that lot.
Where we can go buy bolts and screws"
The new shop will sell bolts and screws, and other hardware items.
Since then I've been walking on air (air)
I've been super excited since hearing the news.
I can barely brush my teeth or comb my hair
I'm too excited to focus on personal hygiene.
'Cause I'm so excited and I really don't care
I'm so excited that I don't care about anything else.
I've been waiting since last June
I've been waiting for this new shop since last June.
For this day to finally arrive
I've been eagerly waiting for the day when the shop opens.
I'm so happy (happy) now just to be alive
I'm grateful to be alive to experience the opening of the new shop.
'Cause any minute now I'm gonna be inside
I can't wait to get inside the new shop.
Well, I hope they open soon
I'm hoping that the shop opens soon.
I can't wait, (no I) I can't wait (oh when)
I'm eagerly waiting for the shop to open.
When are they gonna open up the door?
I'm wondering when the shop is going to open.
I'm goin' (yes I'm) goin', I'm a-goin' to the
I'm excitedly heading towards the new hardware store.
Goin' to the (hard) ware I'm goin', really goin' to the
I'm heading towards the hardware store with enthusiasm.
Goin' (hard) I'm goin' to the (hard) oh yes, I'm goin' to the
I'm going to the hardware store with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
Hardware store
I'm heading to the hardware store.
In my sleeping bag I camped out overnight
I stayed outside the shop overnight in my sleeping bag.
Right in front of the store, then as soon as it was light out
I stayed right outside the store entrance, and waited for the morning.
I pressed my nose right up against the glass
I excitedly pressed my nose against the store window to catch a glimpse of the inside.
You know, I had to be first in line
I was determined to be the first person to enter the store.
Gonna get me a flashlight and a broom
I'm planning to buy a flashlight and a broom.
Want a pair of pliers for every single room of my house
I'm excited to buy pliers and other hardware for each room in my house.
See those hacksaws? Very, very soon
I'm planning to buy a hacksaw soon.
One of them will be all mine
I'm excited to purchase a hacksaw for myself.
Guys with nametags walking down the aisles
There are men with nametags walking in the store aisles.
Rows of garden hoses that go on for miles and miles
There are rows of garden hoses that seem to go on forever.
Brand new socket wrenches in a plethora of styles
There are many styles of brand new socket wrenches available in the store.
All arranged alphabetically
The items in the store are arranged in alphabetical order.
And they're doing a promotional stunt
The store is running a promotional activity to attract customers.
There's a great big purple sign out front
There's a large purple sign in front of the store to advertise the promotion.
That says every 27th customer
The promotion is aimed at every 27th customer.
Will get a ball-peen hammer free
The promotion offers a free ball-peen hammer to every 27th customer.
Would you look at all that stuff
The store has a lot of items for sale.
They've got allen wrenches, gerbil feeders, toilet seats, electric heaters
The store sells allen wrenches, gerbil feeders, toilet seats, electric heaters and many other items.
Trash compactors, juice extractor, shower rods and water meters
The store also sells trash compactors, juice extractors, shower rods, and water meters.
Walkie-talkies, copper wires, safety goggles, radial tires
The store sells walkie-talkies, copper wires, safety goggles, and radial tires.
BB pellets, rubber mallets, fans and dehumidifiers
Other items available in the store include BB pellets, rubber mallets, fans, and dehumidifiers.
Picture hangers, paper cutters, waffle irons, window shutters
The store has picture hangers, paper cutters, waffle irons, and window shutters for sale.
Paint removers, window louvres, masking tape and plastic gutters
The store also sells paint removers, window louvres, masking tape, and plastic gutters.
Kitchen faucets, folding tables, weather stripping, jumper cables
Other items that can also be found include kitchen faucets, folding tables, weather stripping, and jumper cables.
Hooks and tackle, grout and spackle, power foggers, spoons and ladles
The store has hooks and tackle, grout and spackle, power foggers, spoons and ladles for sale.
Pesticides for fumigation, high-performance lubrication
The store sells pesticides used in fumigation, as well as high-performance lubricants.
Metal roofing, water proofing, multi-purpose insulation
Other items that are available include metal roofing, water proofing, and multi-purpose insulation.
Air compressors, brass connectors, wrecking chisels, smoke detectors
The store has air compressors, brass connectors, wrecking chisels, and smoke detectors for sale.
Tire gauges, hamster cages, thermostats and bug deflectors
The store also sells tire gauges, hamster cages, thermostats, and bug deflectors.
Trailer hitch demagnetizers, automatic circumcisers
The store has trailer hitch demagnetizers and automatic circumcisers for sale as well.
Tennis rackets, angle brackets, Duracells and Energizers
Customers can find tennis rackets, angle brackets, Duracells and Energizers in the store.
Soffit panels, circuit breakers, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers
The store sells soffit panels, circuit breakers, vacuum cleaners, and coffee makers among many other items.
Calculators, generators, matching salt and pepper shakers
Other items found in the store include calculators, generators, and matching salt and pepper shakers.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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