Undisputed as one the finest Chicago punk outfits during the 1990s, The Bollweevils were, and still are, defined by their spirited live performances and a song catalogue that demonstrates both their roots and creative ability as a band.
Known for their connection with fans, The Bollweevils began their recording career on Underdog Records, but soon were noticed by Dr. Strange Records. And shortly thereafter, the band released the punk staple “Stick Your Neck Out,” which featured favorites such as, “Dehumanize,” “Bottomless Pit,” and “John Doe.” The album defined The Bollweevils sound, which is laced with high-paced drumming, aggressive guitar and bass workings, and witty and sometimes tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Because of this, The Bollweevils soon garnered one of the largest local audiences and became one of the preeminent bands during the 1990s Midwest punk scene.
During this time, the band began playing more shows throughout the United States and shared the stage with bands that were both influences and contemporaries, including Naked Raygun, Rancid, AFI, Pegboy, Down By Law and Youth Brigade—many of which who later appeared on the band’s album liner notes.
The Bollweevils' second album, The History of the Bollweevils, Part One, collects previously released material from EPs and compilations. 1995's new studio effort Heavyweight boasted a more mature approach, with increasingly complex arrangements and backing vocals. The album concludes not only with a cover of the Bad Brains' "Pay to Cum," but also a 10-minute-plus, audio tour-diary entry.
And although the band went through several lineup changes, The Bollweevils never lost focus on creating an everlasting effect on the Chicago punk scene. Perhaps, one of the best representations of this is their release “Weevil Live.” To see The Bollweevils live is not only an experience, but an assault on the senses and the album surely captures that spirit. The band gels on stage like very few bands can—with Daryl flying around stage and jumping on the audience, Ken and Bob shredding guitars and the fans just eating it all up.
However, like all good things, things had to come to an end and the band officially disbanded in 1996 when they announced, on the legendary Fireside Bowl stage, that they would be playing their last show. To put it simply, fans were not only stunned, but very disappointed as well. At that time, it appeared that The Bollweevils were destined only to become folklore to a new generation of punks.
But in 2003, The Bollweevils reunited for a one-off sold-out show for WLUW at The Metro with a new drummer, Pete. The show, at that time, was considered as the best Bollweevils’ performance to date and whole new generation of Chicago kids were now even more intrigued by the band.
So when the band officially reunited once again in 2006 for Riot Fest, which included Naked Raygun, The Blue Meanies and 7Seconds, there was a resounding “Hell Yes” by the punk community because unlike many bands who have come and gone, The Bollweevils’ music is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. In the upcoming months on 2007, the band plans new releases, more shows and a dedication to its fans that will be rivaled by none.
Last Laugh
Bollweevils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swallow your pride,
And run and hide and make your shallow effort,
To make amends and be my friend.
When I don't want your friendship.
There's no excuse for your abuse and all the criticism,
Your second face will melt away when it all comes back to you.
You used to laugh at me and call me things and say I wouldn't make it.
Well it's funny 'cause I'm laughing at you.
You used to laugh at me and call me things and say I wouldn't make it.
Well it's funny 'cause I'm laughing at you.
Are you so sure I can't endure all of you indiscretions,
Put out your hand I push away, I hope you learned your lesson.
A heavy load for you to bear upon your head and shoulders,
I can expect this you'll regret I know when you get older.
[Chorus]
Swallow your pride,
And run and hide and make your shallow effort,
To make amends and be my friend.
When I don't want your friendship.
There's no excuse for your abuse and all the criticism,
Your second face will melt away when it all comes back to you.
[Chorus]
The song "Last Laugh" by Bollweevils is a powerful message to those who have constantly belittled and criticized the singer. The lyrics open with a demand from the singer to swallow their pride and hide, as they attempt to make amends and become friends. But the singer does not want the friendship of the person who has been abusing and criticizing them. The singer warns that there is no excuse for this behavior and that the abuser's second face will melt away when it all comes back to them. Essentially, the singer is telling the abuser that their actions will come back to haunt them and they will regret how they treated the singer.
The chorus of the song repeats the insults that the abuser used to hurl at the singer - how they used to laugh at them, call them names, and say that they wouldn't make it. The singer turns the tables on the abuser, saying that they are now the one laughing. The lyrics continue with the singer's confidence in their own ability to endure the abuser's indiscretions and their refusal to accept any attempt at amends. The singer makes it clear that the abuser will carry the burden of their behavior on their head and shoulders and will eventually regret how they treated the singer.
Overall, "Last Laugh" is a song about standing up to bullies and refusing to be their victim. The singer is confident in themselves and their ability to overcome the abuse, and they will not accept any shallow attempts at friendship from those who have been cruel to them.
Line by Line Meaning
Swallow your pride,
Admit your mistake and accept your defeat,
And run and hide and make your shallow effort,
Flee and try to make a superficial attempt to fix things,
To make amends and be my friend.
To apologize and try to repair our relationship,
When I don't want your friendship.
When I have no interest in being friends with you,
There's no excuse for your abuse and all the criticism,
There is no justification for your mistreatment and harsh words,
Your second face will melt away when it all comes back to you.
Your deceptive nature will be exposed when things come full circle.
You used to laugh at me and call me things and say I wouldn't make it.
In the past, you mocked and belittled me, predicting my failure.
Well it's funny 'cause I'm laughing at you.
Ironically, now that I have succeeded, I find your actions amusing.
Are you so sure I can't endure all of your indiscretions,
Do you really think I can't handle all of your mistakes?
Put out your hand I push away, I hope you've learned your lesson.
You reached out to me, but I reject you, hoping you've realized the error of your ways.
A heavy load for you to bear upon your head and shoulders,
You will find it difficult to live with the burden of your guilt and shame.
I can expect this you'll regret I know when you get older.
I anticipate that you will come to regret your actions as you mature.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK KNOPFLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind