Hüsker Dü broke with the anti-traditionalist ethos of most early hardcore bands. Their early songwriting shows the influence of folk, 1960s pop music, blues, and other forms (although often buried under a thick layer of angst and aggression), and has a strong melodic sense. The lyrics made astute, sharp, personal and social commentary, showing a great deal of vulnerability and sympathy for their subjects. Hüsker Dü's songwriting was widely admired, and their live shows were often a venue for brilliant improvisational playing. (A feedback-laden solo guitar performance from an early-'80s soundcheck tape merited release via the avant-garde Telus Magazine.) Hüsker Dü were also, however, widely regarded as somewhat unusual-sounding in their early prime, due to the instruments' non-standard tones: Mould's guitar is described below, while Hart's drums were considered 'thumpy' (and he consistently played slightly behind the beat); Norton played bass fairly laconically even at fast tempos, using his fingers rather than a pick. The band's sound can be considered an organic synthesis of these elements -- a unit that was quite powerful in combination, yet perhaps difficult to parse singly.
A particular strength of the group was the two powerhouse singer/songwriters, Mould and Hart. The tension between their musical styles (Mould was generally the angrier songwriter, Hart the more melodic one), and their willingness to collaborate, made the sum of their contributions greater than their parts. Another strength was Mould's unique, resonant guitar sound, described by a critic at the time as "molten metal pouring from the speakers." Mid-period Hüsker Dü songs are immediately recognizable via Mould's incandescent guitar tone, achieved by splitting the signal in the studio between amplified and direct tones and adding a light stereo chorus effect. Mould's technique involved playing resonant drone notes on the high strings. Although a trio, Hüsker Dü generally sounded extremely large on record and live.
The group is also notable as one of the first 1980s American underground rock bands to contract with a major record label, a move that blazed the trail for the rise of alternative rock a few years later. Another key Minneapolis band who served as an alternative rock icebreaker was The Replacements, who had a friendly rivalry with Hüsker Dü.
Mould has gone on to release other albums, including a recent solo double album release called Body of Song. Prior to that he took a stint as a writer for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) scripting scenarios and fights.
Grant Hart died from cancer on September 14, 2017.
Bed of Nails
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not the only one
But some, they cannot walk the jagged line
Callous, concentrating
For nails are sharp as lies
I run the jagged line
From years and years of practice
Alone with perfect balance, hand-in-hand
Prepared with boards and hammers
And several bags of nails
Well, I could build a wall to lean on
Roof above my mind
But I can see you've got your own plans
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
This heart of mine
I can walk the bed of nails
Grin and bear the pain
But some, they cannot deal with all these things
And always sacrificing
For lies are sharp as nails
And all the pain it brings
Sometimes I just pretend that all the lies are true
And then I know I might depend on you
But if my concentration breaks
I'm washed away with pain
And then my feet begin to bleed upon my only bed of nails
And I'm stuck here in the middle
Of a sea of lies, inside my bed of nails
Inside my bed, inside my bed of nails
From years and years of practice
I know just how to stand
Alone with perfect balance, hand-in-hand
Prepared with boards and hammers
And several bags of nails
Well, I could build a wall to lean on
Roof above my mind
I can see you've got your own plans
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
Oh, heart of, oh, oh
The lyrics of Hüsker Dü's "Bed of Nails" describe the ability to tolerate pain and lies, and how some people cannot handle them. The singer is able to walk on a bed of nails, which represents enduring pain and dealing with the sharpness of lies. The imagery of the bed of nails suggest that the pain and lies are constant, and that the singer has had to become accustomed to it through years of practice.
The repeated plea for others not to drive their nails into the singer's heart suggests a vulnerability beneath the tough exterior. Despite the ability to handle pain and lies, the singer is still susceptible to emotional hurt. The final plea to spare the heart may also indicate a desire for connection with others, despite the risks of being hurt.
Overall, "Bed of Nails" is a powerful metaphor for the difficulty of navigating a world filled with pain and deception, and the ability to survive in such a world through resilience and practice.
Line by Line Meaning
I can walk the bed of nails
I am strong enough to face challenges and difficulties
I'm not the only one
Other people also face difficult situations
But some, they cannot walk the jagged line
Some people cannot handle the pain and stress that comes with difficult situations
Callous, concentrating
I have developed a tough exterior and focus to face challenges
For nails are sharp as lies
Difficult situations can be painful and as hurtful as lies
I run the jagged line
I have overcome many challenges and continue to face them head-on
From years and years of practice
I have been through many challenging situations and have developed the ability to handle them
I know just how to stand
I have developed the necessary skills to face difficult situations
Alone with perfect balance, hand-in-hand
I am able to maintain my composure and balance even in a difficult situation
Prepared with boards and hammers
I have the necessary tools and resources to face any challenge
And several bags of nails
I am prepared to face multiple challenges
Well, I could build a wall to lean on
I have the ability to build something sturdy and supportive
Roof above my mind
I have the capacity to protect my thoughts and emotions
But I can see you've got your own plans
I understand that everyone has their own way of dealing with difficulties
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
Please don't hurt me emotionally by doing something that could harm me
And always sacrificing
Some people constantly give up their own well-being for the sake of others
For lies are sharp as nails
Lies can be as hurtful and painful as physical injuries
And all the pain it brings
Difficult situations can bring a lot of emotional and physical pain
Sometimes I just pretend that all the lies are true
Sometimes, it's easier to ignore the truth and pretend everything is okay
And then I know I might depend on you
If I believe the lies, I may rely on someone who is not trustworthy
But if my concentration breaks
If I lose focus or become distracted, I may not be able to handle the situation anymore
I'm washed away with pain
The emotional and physical pain can become overwhelming
And then my feet begin to bleed upon my only bed of nails
Even though I am used to handling difficult situations, they can still cause me pain
And I'm stuck here in the middle
I feel trapped and unable to move forward
Of a sea of lies, inside my bed of nails
The lies and difficulties have surrounded and trapped me
Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine
My emotional well-being is important and I don't want to be hurt
Oh, heart of, oh, oh
My heart and emotions are fragile and need to be protected
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BOB MOULD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stephanie McCarthy
this album is absolutely magnificent and it never gets the credit it deserves.
SS T
"Magnificent" is a special word that my overtly critical father once used to describe Andre Segovia's Flemenco guitar.
Stephanie, I like very much your use of it here in this Husker-context. I absolutely agree. Been deeply in love with this vestige of the past since it was pressed, and no one will ever listen to me when I try to tell them about this band...
Aleksandar Frick
@SS T i heard you and understand from Serbia ...GREAT BAND
jergisen
Do you remember??????? <3
IETCHX69
Stephanie from MEDICINE HAT , ALBERTA ? It's Skinny , if that's you . I mean , HOLT SHIT if it is QQQQQQQQ!
Ratko Martinovic
@Aleksandar Frick ,We in Old Yugoslavia....so called "Urban Yugoslav" adored Hüscer Dü....still in love with Hüscer,Thin White Rope,gun Club....
intentions666
This is a hidden gem in the HD catalogue. Their AOR album but it's got a majesty all of its own. Great on a long drive these songs..
Willie McGee
this is some great music right here. You can practically feel the nails.
IETCHX69
OR ...Nirvana , Buck Owens , Vivaldi , Frank Lloy
IETCHX69
OR ...Nirvana , Buck Owens , Vivaldi , Frank Lloyd Wright , Fentanyl , Mitochondria , o