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.
Obnoxious
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
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You can't sell our product
Who asked you to?
Say we play too fast
The music's not gonna last
Well, I think you're wrong
You don't like the way we look
You don't like the way we talk
Obnoxious
You can all go get fucked
Obnoxious
The lyrics to Hüsker Dü's song "Obnoxious" express the frustration of a band that is constantly criticized or dismissed by so-called music experts or industry professionals. The song starts with a sarcastic invitation for these critics to call them obnoxious because they know that their music and style is not mainstream or universally appealing. The lyrics challenge the notion that "selling" music is the ultimate goal of a band, suggesting that the authenticity and integrity of the music should be more important.
Furthermore, the lyrics also address the tone of the criticism, with the band acknowledging that they are seen as too loud, fast or abrasive. But instead of taking the criticism to heart, the lyrics challenge the notion that music must be preserved in one form or style to survive. In the end, they declare that they don't care if people don't like them or their music and assert their own authenticity in being obnoxious rather than compromising their beliefs.
Overall, "Obnoxious" is a rallying cry for any band that has been dismissed or underappreciated by the music industry and those who set themselves up as experts. The lyrics encouraging musicians to be themselves and true to their own sound and style, regardless of what others may say.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell us we're obnoxious
We dare you to criticize and label us as obnoxious. We won't change ourselves based on your opinions alone.
You can't sell our product
Our music is not meant to be a product for commercial gain. It's for expressing ourselves and connecting with our fans.
Who asked you to?
We didn't ask for your approval or input. We're staying true to ourselves regardless of external pressure or commentary.
Say we play too fast
You might criticize our musical style as being too fast or chaotic. But we believe in the energy and passion that comes with our raw sound.
The music's not gonna last
You predict that our music won't stand the test of time. But we're not concerned about that. We're making music that feels authentic and meaningful to us in the present moment.
Well, I think you're wrong
We respectfully disagree with your negative assessment of our music. We have confidence in our unique vision and artistic expression.
You don't like the way we look
You may judge us based on our appearance or image. But we won't compromise our personal style or identity for the sake of conformity.
Obnoxious
We embrace the label of being obnoxious if it means staying true to our artistic vision and not bending to outside pressures.
You don't like the way we talk
You might not appreciate our outspoken and unapologetic personalities. But we believe in being honest and authentic in all aspects of our lives and work.
Obnoxious
We don't shy away from being labeled as obnoxious or difficult if it means staying true to our values and creative vision.
You can all go get fucked
We don't have to please everyone or seek their approval. We'll continue to create the music and art that resonates with us, regardless of who approves or disapproves.
Obnoxious
We stand by our uniqueness and authenticity, even if that means being viewed as obnoxious by some outsiders.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB MOULD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind