Their distinct sound, characterized by high gain, extensive use of feedback and distortion, and frontman J Mascis's melodic guitar solos, were highly influential in the alternative rock movement of the 1990s, which is exemplified by the success of acknowledged fans Kurt Cobain of Nirvana among others.
Pick Me Up
Dinosaur Jr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will find you
Not too strong
Not the squire(?)
I've been holding off so long
Can't admit that I was wrong
I've been stung when I've been weak
But I've gone
All along
Pick me up
Cut me out
Tie me up
You're still smiling
I've been wasting all these years
Still you haven't disappeared
I've been lifted I've been poor
And I don't think I belong
Am I wrong?
All along
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Can't hold on
Well I smile
Could I reach you
All the while
I can't stop
It's always been
Awfully useless
You just smile and
Can I scream
Am I hurt
I still miss you
I still burn
Can I bend
To your will
Know I need to
Have to learn
In Dinosaur Jr's song Pick Me Up, the lyrics seem to be expressing the singer's feelings towards someone they keep chasing but can't seem to fully commit to because of their own emotional baggage. The singer seems to be holding back their true feelings and instead putting up a facade of strength by saying "Not too strong" and questioning whether they are truly compatible with the person they are chasing by saying "Not the squire(?)" The repetition of the phrase "Hold on" seems to indicate the singer's struggle in holding on to this person, and the fear that they may ultimately be left alone.
The chorus of the song, "Pick me up, cut me out, tie me up, you're still smiling," may be interpreted as the singer wanting to be fully accepted by this person, even if it means being vulnerable and allowing themselves to be tied down. They are willing to do anything to keep this person with them, even if it means sacrificing their own autonomy.
Towards the end of the song, the singer seems to be pleading with this person to let them back in, even though they know they've hurt them in the past. The line "Can I scream, am I hurt, I still miss you, I still burn" shows the internal conflict the singer is facing - they still care deeply for this person, but are struggling to reconcile their own past mistakes.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a plea for forgiveness and a desire for emotional connection, even in the face of fear and emotional baggage.
Line by Line Meaning
Later on
At some point in the future
I will find you
I will locate you
Not too strong
Not overly intense
Not the squire(?)
Not a warrior or a knight
I've been holding off so long
I've been delaying or postponing for a lengthy period of time
Can't admit that I was wrong
I am incapable of confessing my mistake or error
I've been stung when I've been weak
I've been hurt and felt the pain when I was vulnerable
In the end I disappear
Ultimately, I vanish or go away
But I've gone
But I have left or departed
All along
The whole time
Pick me up
Elevate me or make me feel better
Cut me out
Remove me or exclude me
Tie me up
Constrain or restrict me
You're still smiling
Despite everything, you remain cheerful
I've been wasting all these years
I've been squandering all this time
Still you haven't disappeared
Yet, you have not vanished or gone away
I've been lifted I've been poor
I've been raised up and I've been in a dire situation
And I don't think I belong
And I feel out of place or like I don't fit in
Am I wrong?
Is my opinion misguided?
All along
The entire time
Hold on, hold on
Wait a minute, don't do anything yet
Can't hold on
I am unable to wait
Well I smile
Although, I do grin
Could I reach you
Am I able to contact you?
All the while
Throughout the whole time
It's always been
It has frequently been that way
Awfully useless
Extremely ineffective or pointless
You just smile and
You simply grin and...
Can I scream
Is it possible for me to yell?
Am I hurt
Am I experiencing pain?
I still miss you
I continue to long for you
I still burn
I still feel the fire or the pain
Can I bend
Can I be flexible?
To your will
To your desire or intention
Know I need to
I am aware I must do
Have to learn
I must acquire knowledge or understanding
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOSEPH DONALD MASCIS JR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind