The original line-up consisted of lead singer Shannon Selberg, who later took up the bugle, guitarist Thor Eisentrager, bass guitarist Kevin Rutmanis, and drummer Sandris Rutmanis (soon to be replaced by Norm Rogers). The band had a hardcore sound characterized by blurred guitars, however the Cows took the formula a step further, creating a unique and unconventional style.
Stripping away anything that remotely resembled pop - including melody and catchy hooks and riffs - the Cows offered punk rock in its crudest form. John Dougan in All Music Guide described the group's distorted sound as "a feral racket that sounded as is if the guitars were being played with metal files". Lyrically, their songs dealt with just about anything, from losers in life to sex and bodily fluids. And Selberg's shrieking vocal style and general lunacy on stage provided the Cows with a bizarre, yet often engaging focus.
In 1987, the Cows released their debut album, Taint Pluribus, Taint Unum, landing a record deal with Amphetamine Reptile for the release of their second LP, Daddy Has A Tail. And by the time Cunning Stunts arrived in 1992, critics began to cite improvements.
However, while the Cows exhibited a more solid playing technique and greater songwriting focus, they stayed true to their punk roots and anti-commercial stance. "We play music that we like", said Eisentrager once. "We know how the world works. We're not trying to make music for mass consumption. Sometimes you get frustrated, but it's all about music. Episodically you get pissed off, but we've had a fair shake with the band, and we've had good tours. Basically we wish more people could get their hands on the records, but we know what we're doing and like what we do. It's not like somebody is trying ... to ignore us. It's just the nature of the beast".
After the release of Orphan's Tragedy in 1994, Roger decided to leave the Cows, fuelling rumors of a breakup. The rumors were silenced, however, with the release of Whorn in 1996. The album featured a new drummer, Freddy Votel.
In the wake of Whorn, talk of a band breakup emerged a second time when Selberg relocated from Minneapolis to New York City. But a new album again served as notice that the Cows were a healthy unit. Released in 1998, the eclectic Sorry In Pig Minor also saw the Cows, for the first time, exploring new ground. Although evidence of the old Cows remained, Sorry In Pig Minor was more varied in scope and texture. The opener, Cabin Man, was vintage Cows, yet tunes like the Latin-flavored El Shiksa and the jazzy Felon Of Troy proved that the group could handle more than punk.
After more than a decade of noise rock, the Cows disbanded in 1998.
They have a star on Minneapolis' First Avenue. Their singer, Shannon Selberg, has gone on with music, fronting the noise rock band The Heroine Sheiks.
Blown
Cows Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now the tanks are rolling
You've finally figured out that it's not all in your head
You got a plan, you wanna be free
If you think I'm gonna stop you then you don't know me
Cuz I ain't got the strength, I ain't got the muscle
So if you're gonna go then go man, go
I've shown you what I've got, I told you what I know
I hit the ol' sack with my thirteen pack
My head's a whorehouse
Got nothing in my pockets, I can't get out of bed
I just want a hug, I just want a beer
You wanna ride but I don't wanna steer
Cuz I ain't got the strength, I ain't got the muscle
So if you're gonna go then go man, go
You're a little fast and I'm a little slow
And I'm blown
You're looking awesome you're one curve blossom
You want to talk some
But I'm trying to watch the tube and you're getting in the way
You still have your looks you still have your friends
I got a bad poem, I guess that's where it ends
Cuz I ain't got the strength, I ain't got the muscle
So if you're gonna go then go man, go
I'm doing all my tricks, I'm putting on a show
But I'm blown
Seems the votes are all in on my zen Stalin
Now the tanks are rolling
You've finally figured out that it's not all in your head
You got a plan, you wanna be free
If you think I'm gonna stop you then you don't know me
Cuz I ain't got the strength, I ain't got the muscle
So if you're gonna go then go man, go
I've shown you what I've got, I told you what I know
I'm blown
The song "Blown" by Cows depicts a sense of apathy and exhaustion in the singer's life. The first verse refers to the "votes" being in on the singer's "zen Stalin," potentially referencing a political movement or ideology they were once passionate about. However, now the tanks are rolling, implying a sense of defeat or disappointment. The singer acknowledges that their struggles are not simply in their head and that they have a desire for freedom, but they don't have the strength or energy to stand in the way of someone else's plans. The chorus repeats the sentiment of being "blown," suggesting a complete exhaustion or defeat.
The second verse portrays a sense of physical exhaustion as well, with the singer having a "thirteen pack" (beer?) and feeling unable to get out of bed. They mention wanting a hug and a beer but not wanting to take charge or lead in any situation. The third verse introduces a romantic interest, describing them as an "awesome curve blossom," but the singer feels too tired and distracted to engage in conversation or develop a relationship. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the singer's sense of being "blown."
Overall, "Blown" conveys a sense of fatigue and apathy in the face of struggles, both personal and political. The singer seems resigned to their current state, lacking the energy or motivation to fight for change or engage in personal relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Seems the votes are all in on my zen Stalin
Everyone has made up their mind about my beliefs and ideology.
Now the tanks are rolling
Things are moving forward and there is no stopping them.
You've finally figured out that it's not all in your head
You have come to the realization that there are external factors affecting your life.
You got a plan, you wanna be free
You have a goal and want to achieve it to gain your freedom.
If you think I'm gonna stop you then you don't know me
You underestimate my willingness to fight for my beliefs and my respect for your decisions.
Cuz I ain't got the strength, I ain't got the muscle
I lack the physical and emotional capacity to prevent you from pursuing your dreams.
So if you're gonna go then go man, go
If you have decided to leave, then go ahead and don't look back.
I've shown you what I've got, I told you what I know
I have shared my knowledge and abilities with you, but it's up to you to take action.
I'm blown
I am exhausted and defeated.
I hit the ol' sack with my thirteen pack
I am going to bed heavily intoxicated.
My head's a whorehouse
My mind is a chaotic mess with numerous thoughts and emotions.
Got nothing in my pockets, I can't get out of bed
I am broke and unable to motivate myself to leave bed.
I just want a hug, I just want a beer
I crave affection and the numbing effects of alcohol.
You wanna ride but I don't wanna steer
You want me to lead, but I am unable to take control.
You're a little fast and I'm a little slow
You are moving quickly, while I am struggling to keep up.
You're looking awesome you're one curve blossom
You look great and are attractive with your curvaceous body.
You want to talk some
You want to engage in conversation with me.
But I'm trying to watch the tube and you're getting in the way
I am preoccupied with watching TV and find your attempts to talk as an interruption.
You still have your looks you still have your friends
You still have your physical appearance and social circle while I am struggling to keep up.
I got a bad poem, I guess that's where it ends
All I have to offer is a poorly written poem which leads to the end of our interaction.
Contributed by Samantha P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chris
This band helped me through some tough times in high school.
Atio Stefony
Hermoso y poderoso ctm
Greg Corax
awesome pix to this outstanding song !