Fetchin' Bones were a punk/funk/metal/alternative rock band from Charlotte,… Read Full Bio ↴Fetchin' Bones were a punk/funk/metal/alternative rock band from Charlotte, NC, primarily active in the mid to late '80s. Fronted by wild woman Hope Nicholls, who went on to form Sugarsmack, the band were college radio staples in the '80s and toured extensively, especially in the American Southeast. Defying categories, yet with a strong current of Southern rock, mixed with punk sensibilities and occasional funk touches, the band's sound was a good time party sountrack for many. The band never broke through into the mainstream, despite their best efforts. Their final album, Monster, anticipated the sort of fusion of genres pioneered by bands like Jane's Addiction and the Red Hot Chili Peppers just months later. That album was arguably a misstep, moving away from the raw punk urgency of earlier releases.

The band also included bassist Danna Pentes, guitarists Aaron Pitkin, Gary White, and later, Errol Stewart, as well as drummers Marc Mueller, later replaced by Clay Richardson.

Albums included 1985's Cabin Flounder, 1986's Bad Pumpkin, 1987's Galaxy 500 and 1989's Monster.

Sourpuss
Fetchin Bones Lyrics

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Think with your heart
Feel with your mind
Dream, breathe
Take a little time
Words, words follow me so
I think I'll scream just let me go
I'd sing what I feel if I knew how to
I'd share the truth if it weren't chicken soup

To put the pieces in place
They must have some kind of shape

Sour puss, sour puss

Worn out words appeal
Reveal they don't the very big deal
Who gives us strength
Takes and breaks like a tidal wave to a cozy grave
I'd sing what I feel if I knew how to
I'd share the truth if it weren't chicken soup
To put the pieces in place
They must have some kind of shape

Sour puss, sour puss

Think with your heart
Feel with your mind
Dream, breathe
Take a little time
Words, words follow me so
I think I'll scream just let me go
Worn out words appeal
Reveal they don't the very big deal
Who gives us strength
Takes and breaks like a tidal wave to a cozy grave

Sour puss, sour puss

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Fetchin Bones's song "Sourpuss" suggest a frustration with the limitations of language when it comes to expressing emotions and truths. The first two lines of the song seem to urge the listener to prioritize emotional intelligence over intellectual analysis. The chorus, "sour puss, sour puss," seems to be a label applied to someone or something that is detracting from the singer's ability to communicate effectively. The second verse suggests that worn-out phrases and expressions are not adequate to convey important ideas or feelings, and that something with more shape or specificity is needed.

The lines "Who gives us strength / Takes and breaks like a tidal wave to a cozy grave" suggest that the things that empower us can also be destructive, much like a tidal wave can destroy a place that was once comfortable and safe. Overall, the song seems to be expressing a desire for more authentic communication and a frustration with the constraints of language and social expectations.

Line by Line Meaning

Think with your heart
Make decisions based on emotions.

Feel with your mind
Think logically about how you feel.

Dream, breathe
Take time to relax and think about your aspirations.

Take a little time
Don't rush and take a moment to think.

Words, words follow me so
Communication constantly surrounds me.

I think I'll scream just let me go
I need a break from all the noise and confusion.

I'd sing what I feel if I knew how to
I want to express myself, but I'm not sure how.

I'd share the truth if it weren't chicken soup
I would tell the truth if it weren't for social norms and expectations.

To put the pieces in place
To make sense of things.

They must have some kind of shape
They need to fit together in a logical manner.

Sour puss, sour puss
Someone who is overly negative or pessimistic.