They are known for their nuanced punk repertoire, and controversial lyrics. Since the hardcore punk and scum punk sounds of their early days, they have recently developed more of a pop-punk influence. Their shows have been notable for some aggressive fights on stage (with the audience and even a cop), and because "He Who Cannot Be Named" performs either in nothing but a jockstrap or totally nude, and makes no attempt to hide behind his guitar.
Their album covers are unusual - naked women, and a naked dwarf sodomizing a rabbit covered in blood, for their 1990 album "Blood Guts & Pussy" - followed up a decade later, with a similar theme, this time covered in soap suds, for "Come Clean". The band was sacked from their previous label, Sub Pop over pranks such as the long-lasting hoax contending that guitarist "He Who Cannot Be Named" had died. They have recorded on several labels and recently joined Sympathy for the Record Industry. They also have a track listed on the Punk you compilation album.
The original members of the Dwarves began making music together in the mid 80's as teenagers in the Chicago garage rock outfit Suburban Nightmare. The group's original Paisley underground sound was evident on the band's 1986 Voxx Records debut Horror Stories, an album which, like many of its Paisley underground contemporaries, contained a number of mid 60's Pebbles-inspired garage rock covers, including The Avengers' "Be a Cave man", and Shag's "Stop and Listen".
Lies
Dwarves Lyrics
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You say I never compromise
But you took me by surprise
With your lies
The lyrics to Dwarves' "Lies" express feelings of betrayal and disappointment towards someone who has consistently lied to the singer. The lines "You only told me lies" and "With your lies" are repeated throughout the song to emphasize the main theme of deception. The person being addressed in the lyrics is accused of having never compromised, meaning they have always gotten their way through lying rather than working things out through honest communication. However, the singer admits to being taken by surprise, indicating that they may have been blind to the lies for some time.
The tone of the song is confrontational, with the singer's frustration and anger palpable in the lyrics. The repetition of the word "lies" and the short, sharp delivery of each line contribute to this tone. The song highlights the damage that dishonesty can cause in a relationship, and the hurt that can result from being deceived by someone close to you.
Line by Line Meaning
You only told me lies
Out of all the things you've ever told me, lies were the only words that ever came out of your mouth.
You say I never compromise
You accused me of being stubborn and unwilling to come to a middle ground in any situation.
But you took me by surprise
Contrary to what you claimed earlier, you caught me off guard and shocked me with your unpredictability.
With your lies
And it all comes back to the fact that the main issue at hand is your lack of honesty and your constant fabrication of false information.
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: TERRY ELLIS, DENZIL FOSTER, CINDY HERRON, MAXINE JONES, THOMAS MCELROY, THOMAS DERRICK MC ELROY, DAWN SHERRICE ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind