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.
Beyond the Threshold
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One big desert
The asphalt waste
Asphalt jungle
Beyond the threshold, beyond the threshold
Change for the worse
Hey, hey, hey
Got no place to stay
Beyond the threshold
I hear machines
They burst at the seams
But tar and feather will all stick together
Beyond the threshold, beyond the threshold
Greetings from home
I wish you were here
Hear what I say but you can't hear me at all
Beyond the threshold
Beyond the threshold
Beyond the threshold
Beyond
Beyond
Beyond
In Hüsker Dü's "Beyond the Threshold," the lyrics describe a desolate, one-horse town that has been transformed into an "asphalt waste" and "asphalt jungle." Despite this, there is a clear sense of hopelessness as the singer struggles with the changing world around them. The phrase "Beyond the threshold" is repeated throughout the song, which implies that there is something on the other side that is not within reach. The lyrics "got no place to stay" highlight the feeling of displacement, further emphasizing the struggle to find a place of belonging in this world.
The section of the song that reads "I hear machines, they burst at the seams, but tar and feather will all stick together" contrasts the cold, mechanical world with the warmth of human connection. Even though the machines are breaking down, the people in this town will stick together through the hardships they face. The final verse of the song introduces a shift in perspective as the singer greets someone from home and wishes they were there. The powerlessness of their words "hear what I say but you can't hear me at all" underlines the feeling of isolation and disconnection that comes from being on the other side of the threshold.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a one-horse town
The location is small, insignificant and lacking resources.
One big desert
The geography is uninviting and harsh.
The asphalt waste
Even the roads are barren and empty.
Asphalt jungle
The town's infrastructure is the only sign of civilization.
Beyond the threshold, beyond the threshold
Something exists beyond the limits of this desolate town.
Change for the worse
Things are getting worse, not better.
Change nonetheless
Despite the negative changes, things continue to evolve.
Hey, hey, hey
An expression of frustration and exhaustion.
Got no place to stay
There is no comfort or stability in this place.
Beyond the threshold
The only hope lies in whatever is beyond the boundaries of the town.
I hear machines
Machinery is present, but it's unclear what purpose it serves.
They burst at the seams
The machines are struggling to maintain functionality and cohesion.
But tar and feather will all stick together
In the end, everyone will face the same fate and suffer the same consequences.
Beyond the threshold, beyond the threshold
The town's problems are only a small part of a larger situation.
Greetings from home
There is a sense of comfort and familiarity with being here.
I wish you were here
The artist desires the presence of someone else in this lonely place.
Hear what I say but you can't hear me at all
No matter what is said or done, it will not change anything.
Beyond the threshold
A sense of desperation and urgency to leave this town.
Beyond the threshold
Once again, looking towards what lies beyond this place for hope.
Beyond the threshold
Whatever is beyond this place holds the possibility for a brighter future.
Beyond
The final destination or outcome is unknown, but one must continue forward.
Beyond
The cycle of despair and hopelessness will continue if one remains stagnant.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BOB MOULD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind