The group was formed in the 1990s in Boston, Massachusetts by Viola and drummer Todd Foulsham, with other performers. Viola and Foulsham moved to New York City and the pair began appearing as a stripped-down acoustic duo. Viola has since kept the band name alive with various lineups and recording projects. Foulsham left the group in the mid-90s when the band's future was uncertain, but returned to perform on 2004's Hang On Mike. The pair have also begun playing as an acoustic duo again in the mid-2000s.
Tough Hang
Candy Butchers Lyrics
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Just like I did when I had something to rush home to
Did you call me over to rub it in?
Did you call me over to dig you out?
I can't take it when he talks shit
Knowing he makes love to you with that mouth
It's a tough hang
Yeah, well, I'm not the most original, but at least I have a mind of my own
He's in the same suit, different hanger
He's in the same frame, different face
He is not my doppelgƤnger
'Cause I can't be replaced
It's a tough hang
Next time tell him not to dance, and I'll promise not to laugh
He can't hold his booze and I can't hold your hand, we're both fading fast
He's playing Thumbelina with my Athena
He's playing Little Piggies, too
I'd like to stay here and babysit with ya
But there's nothing left for me to prove
It's a tough hang
The Candy Butchers's song "Tough Hang" portrays the perspective of a man who is struggling with his feelings of longing and jealousy towards a woman who has moved on to a new partner. The first verse talks about how the man can empathize with the new partner as he rushes to be with the woman, just like he used to when they were together. However, he questions the woman's intention for calling him over - is it to make him feel worse by showing off her new partner or does she need him to help her out? He becomes agitated as he imagines the new partner talking badly about him while making love to the woman. It's clear that the man is not over his feelings for the woman and her new relationship is a tough hang for him.
The next verse describes how the man believes he is being judged by the new partner for his appearance and style. He defends himself by saying that he may not be unique but he has his own identity. He is not intimidated by the new partner who wears the same suits and has a different face. He is not easily replaceable, unlike what the new partner might believe. The last verse suggests that the man is still hanging around with the woman even though it's not healthy for him. He indirectly mocks the new partner's inability to dance and how they both are losing control due to their insecurities. He implies that the new partner is trying to fit into his shoes and mimic his behavior with the woman, but nothing is left for the man to prove. He realizes that the situation is difficult to handle, and it's a tough hang.
Line by Line Meaning
Out on the Interstate, there's a man rushing home to you
A man is speeding down the highway to be with his lover, just like I would when I had someone to rush home to
Did you call me over to rub it in?
Are you purposely trying to hurt me by bringing me here?
Did you call me over to dig you out?
Did you ask me to save you from a bad situation?
I can't take it when he talks shit
I can't stand it when he talks badly about me
Knowing he makes love to you with that mouth
I know he's been intimate with you and it bothers me
It's a tough hang
This is a difficult and uncomfortable situation for me to be in
He thinks he has me pigeonholed with my mall clothes and cologne
He thinks he knows everything about me just because of my fashion choices
Yeah, well, I'm not the most original, but at least I have a mind of my own
I may not be the most unique person, but I have my own thoughts and ideas
He's in the same suit, different hanger
He's wearing the same outfit as usual, just on a different day
He's in the same frame, different face
He has the same personality and behavior as always, but with a different appearance
He is not my doppelgƤnger
He is not my identical twin or look-alike
'Cause I can't be replaced
I am unique and cannot be replicated or substituted
Next time tell him not to dance, and I'll promise not to laugh
If you ask him not to dance, I will try my best not to find it funny
He can't hold his booze and I can't hold your hand, we're both fading fast
He's getting drunk and I'm losing you, and we're both falling apart quickly
He's playing Thumbelina with my Athena
He's flirting with you and trying to win your affection
He's playing Little Piggies, too
He's being childish and immature
I'd like to stay here and babysit with ya
I wish I could stay with you and keep you company
But there's nothing left for me to prove
However, there's no point in me staying when I have nothing left to prove or accomplish here
It's a tough hang
Once again, this is a difficult and uncomfortable situation for me to be in
Contributed by Amelia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.