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.
Do the Bee
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
If you're tired of all those other moves
You should do this dance that's really wayout
You should do this dance that really grooves
Buzz like a drone
To that guitar tone
Be the cool chick on the scene
Do the bee (16x)
Jump around like you're having a real good time
Jump around, then go and pollinate
Do the bee when you are at a party
Being a social insect is so great
It's even money
You'll impress your honey
Build up a sweat
And look at the attention you get
In the lyrics to Hüsker Dü's song "Do the Bee," the band introduces a new dance style that promises to provide a fresh experience for those tired of the conventional dances and moves. The lyrics suggest that instead of following traditional dance steps, one should engage in a dance that is "wayout" and truly groovy. By advocating for this unconventional dance, the band encourages individuals to break free from societal norms and embrace a unique and exciting way of expressing themselves through movement.
The imagery of buzzing like a drone to the guitar tone creates a sense of synergy between music and dance, emphasizing the importance of rhythm and flow in embodying the spirit of the "Bee" dance. The lyrics also playfully reference being the "cool chick on the scene" and flying around like a queen, suggesting that adopting the Bee dance can elevate one's social status and presence in a party setting. This highlights the idea that dance can be a form of self-expression and a means of asserting one's individuality within a group dynamic.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Do the bee" multiple times, reinforcing the central message of the song and encouraging listeners to embrace this unique dance style. The lyrics describe jumping around with gusto, likening the experience to having a great time and pollinating, which aligns with the playful and energetic nature of the Bee dance. The metaphor of being a social insect and enjoying the communal aspect of dancing at a party further emphasizes the joy and camaraderie that can be found in shared experiences on the dance floor.
In the final verse, the lyrics suggest that engaging in the Bee dance can lead to positive outcomes, such as impressing a romantic partner ("impress your honey") and garnering attention from others. The notion of building up a sweat through dancing underscores the physicality and energy required to fully immerse oneself in the Bee dance, reinforcing the idea that this dance style is not only fun but also invigorating. Overall, "Do the Bee" celebrates the freedom of expression through dance, encouraging listeners to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a vibrant and unconventional form of movement and social interaction.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LORENZ HART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind