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.
Indecision Time
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
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Never find an answer that fits in your plans
Back and forth between the good and the bad
It's indecision time
You're so natural, you're so free
So don't decide what's best for me
You wonder if living can be much worse
Back and forth between the good and the bad
It's indecision time
You're so natural, you're so free
So don't decide what's best for me
Go to the left, go to the right
Your mind is gonna keep you up all night
You twist in your sleep, grabbing the sheets
Sweating to death
Sucking on pollution like a rattle in your mouth
You're a big fucking kid, you don't know what you're about
Back and forth between the good and the bad
It's indecision time
You're so natural and you're so free
So don't decide what's best for me
Tell me about your fellow man
You wipe their shit all over your hands
Back and forth between the good and the bad
It's indecision time
You're so natural, you're so free
Go to the left, go to the right
Your mind is gonna keep you up all night
You twist in your sleep, grabbing the sheets
Sweating to death
The lyrics of Hüsker Dü's song "Indecision Time" convey conflicting feelings and confusion, highlighting that decisions are not easy to make. The opening lines compare questions to a candle that burns at both ends, implying that asking too many questions may lead to unresolved answers. The verse "Back and forth between the good and the bad / It's indecision time" suggests that the decision-making process is not linear and that one may oscillate between the two options.
The following lines seem to convey a message of self-acceptance and independence, as the singer is urged not to decide what's best for others. However, the chorus is reprised, emphasizing the difficulty of decision-making. The verse "Sucking on pollution like a rattle in your mouth / You're a big f**king kid, you don't know what you're about" may be interpreted as criticizing the singer's lack of direction and his tendency to follow others' lead.
The lyrics indicate that indecision takes a toll on the singer's mental health, as he suffers from anxiety and insomnia. The final lines "Tell me about your fellow man / You wipe their sh*t all over your hands" may suggest that following others' opinions and advice can be detrimental and that one should make decisions based on their own instincts and values.
Line by Line Meaning
Questions like a candle that's burning at both ends
You have so many questions and concerns that it's overwhelming and exhausting, much like a candle that's burning from both sides.
Never find an answer that fits in your plans
Despite all of your questions, you can't seem to find a solution that works with what you had envisioned.
Back and forth between the good and the bad
You are constantly debating between different options or choices, considering both the pros and cons.
It's indecision time
You are struggling with making a decision and it's causing you stress and anxiety.
You're so natural, you're so free
You feel comfortable with how you are and don't want anyone else to dictate what is best for you.
So don't decide what's best for me
You resent people who try to influence your choices or make decisions for you.
Nothing in your life is ever going on course
You feel like your life is never going as planned or on the path you wanted it to take.
You wonder if living can be much worse
You contemplate if there could possibly be more suffering or hardship in life than what you are currently experiencing.
Go to the left, go to the right
Your mind is constantly considering different options or choices, causing you to feel indecisive.
Your mind is gonna keep you up all night
Your racing thoughts will prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.
You twist in your sleep, grabbing the sheets
You are physically restless and struggle to find comfort while trying to get some rest.
Sweating to death
You are anxious and afraid, feeling as though you might never be able to make a decision.
Sucking on pollution like a rattle in your mouth
You feel overwhelmed and helpless, as if you are choking on the world's problems with no way to alleviate them.
You're a big fucking kid, you don't know what you're about
You feel lost and confused, like a child who is trying to navigate the complexities of the world without any guidance or direction.
Tell me about your fellow man
You are frustrated with humanity and want to understand why people behave the way they do.
You wipe their shit all over your hands
You feel as though you are constantly cleaning up after other people's mistakes or messes.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT,
Written by: BOB MOULD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind