Grant Lee Buffalo has an Americana-tinged sound, clearly influenced by the likes of Neil Young and elements of old-fashioned country music, and often tackled political and social issues in their lyrics (for example, "Lone Star Song" from Mighty Joe Moon references the infamous Waco siege). They toured with major bands of the early-to-mid 1990s such as R.E.M., Pearl Jam and the Smashing Pumpkins.
Sing Along
Grant Lee Buffalo Lyrics
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Hammerin' hammerin'
Halleluhoodwink a hound's life is for me
Everything but the kitchen sink he built it just for me
Hallelu you're the thing that leads me to the mark
I'd build you a river but I'm still not through with this ark
Man built the cities of Kansas and Berlin
Man slew the bison and he built a Thieves' Road (oh oh oh oh)
That pass over Tel Aviv-Jaffa and lead to the Mother Lode
Mother Lode
Hallelu-half-a-wit a mule's life is for me
Steppin' off a parapet with a dog nippin' my knee
Hallelu you're the girl that whispers through the wall
I'd build you a hammer with a thick (thick thick) head and long claws
Man built an empire out of ocean and earth
Man built the prisons of Joliet San Quentin Leavenworth
And man built a market for Muhammad Ali (oh oh oh oh)
Evel Knievel and the legacy of John Wayne
Gacy Gacy
But I can't sing along (Bury my body girl)
But I can't sing along (Bury my oh)
But I can't sing along (Bury my body girl)
But I can't sing along
Sing along
Sing along
Hammerin' hammerin'
Hammerin' hammerin'
Hammerin' hammerin' hammerin' hammerin'
But I can't sing along (Bury my body girl)
But I can't sing along (Bury my oh)
But I can't sing along (Bury my body girl)
But I can't sing along
Sing along
Sing along
Man built a furnace a Mercedes-Benz
Man built the cities of Kansas and Berlin
The song "Sing Along" by Grant Lee Buffalo contains several contrasting themes and lyrics that may be interpreted in different ways. The repeated words "Hammerin' hammerin'" sound like a pounding beat that represents the hard work and determination of mankind throughout history. The lyrics talk about how man built many things, such as cities, prisons, markets, and even a furnace and a luxury car. At the same time, the lyrics suggest that the construction of these things may have come at a cost, such as the destruction of nature and the exploitation of people and animals.
The chorus "But I can't sing along, bury my body girl" seems to convey a sense of disillusionment or detachment from the world. It may suggest that the singer does not want to be part of the "Hammerin'" or the construction of modern society, and instead desires peace or even death. The phrase "Sing along" may also allude to the idea of conformity or following the crowd, which the singer may reject. Similarly, the references to Muhammad Ali, Evel Knievel, and John Wayne may represent symbols of heroism or cultural icons that may not align with the singer's values.
Some possible interpretations of the song include critiques of capitalism, consumerism, or environmental degradation, as well as more personal themes such as alienation, depression, or angst. The song's tone is both melancholic and rebellious, with a sense of resignation or acceptance mixed with a desire for change or liberation.
Line by Line Meaning
Hammerin' hammerin'
Continued banging with a hammer, making rhythmic sounds.
Halleluhoodwink a hound's life is for me
Praising and cheating by pretending to be religious is easy for him. He has everything and a comfortable life.
Everything but the kitchen sink he built it just for me
He has everything that he needs, but he still wants more things.
Hallelu you're the thing that leads me to the mark
He believes that God always shows him the right path to success.
I'd build you a river but I'm still not through with this ark
He promises to achieve big things to make God happy, but there is still a long way to go.
Man built a furnace a Mercedes-Benz
Humans created both good and bad things, represented by a machine and a luxury car.
Man built the cities of Kansas and Berlin
Humans can create something beautiful out of nothing, like a city.
Man slew the bison and he built a Thieves' Road (oh oh oh oh)
Man can be destructive, killing bison and paving a path for thievery.
That pass over Tel Aviv-Jaffa and lead to the Mother Lode
That same path leads to a place where wealth can be found, like gold.
Hallelu-half-a-wit a mule's life is for me
He praises God while mocking himself, as if he is not smart enough and a simple life would be better.
Steppin' off a parapet with a dog nippin' my knee
As he dies, he imagines someone (probably his dog) biting him as he takes a deadly leap from a high place.
Hallelu you're the girl that whispers through the wall
God communicates with him in a mysterious way, like whispered words coming from another room.
I'd build you a hammer with a thick (thick thick) head and long claws
He wants to make something powerful and valuable for God, like a hammer with thick and long claws.
Man built an empire out of ocean and earth
Humans are capable of creating an empire by dominating the earth and the ocean.
Man built the prisons of Joliet San Quentin Leavenworth
Humans also built prisons, a cruel reminder of our society's flaws.
And man built a market for Muhammad Ali (oh oh oh oh)
Humans can also create a market for something great, like a famous boxer.
Evel Knievel and the legacy of John Wayne
Or for someone who has left a significant impact in history, like a daredevil or a beloved actor.
Gacy Gacy
This is a reference to a notorious serial killer named John Wayne Gacy, suggesting that humans can also create monsters.
But I can't sing along (Bury my body girl)
He cannot fully enjoy or participate in the good things created by humans because he is aware that humans have also done terrible things. 'Bury my body girl' may reflect his desire for closure or peace.
But I can't sing along (Bury my oh)
Singing is a metaphor for enjoying life, but he cannot because he is disheartened by humanity's flaws. 'Bury my oh' may reflect a sense of resignation or helplessness.
Sing along
A repeated plea to others to enjoy life despite its imperfections and to continue singing along to the rhythm of humanity.
Hammerin' hammerin' hammerin' hammerin'
A final repetition of the opening line suggests a continued effort to build and create amidst the chaos of the world.
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