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.
PRIDE
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
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I didn't meant it, it was just an act
My friend's outside, can't he come in?
And everybody else
Stupid pride
Selfish people
Stupid pride
Pride
Pride
Pride
Why does everybody have to be like that?
Out
You're the only one who cares
Just as long as somebody
I want so bad
Stupid pride
Selfish pride
Stupid pride
Pride, pride, pride
Why everybody have to be like that?
No reaction, no response
Forget him, just forget him
The lyrics of Hüsker Dü's "Pride" speak to the destructive force of pride in interpersonal relationships. The singer describes feeling backed into a corner by someone they care about, likely a friend or romantic partner, and lashing out in a way they regret. Despite their initial defense, they want their friend and others to be included and feel regretful for pushing them out. The singer proceeds to criticize the destructive nature of pride, labeling it as "stupid" and "selfish," but the refrain that follows shows that they too struggle with the problem, repeating "pride" again and again.
The second verse expands on the theme, asking why everyone has to be so caught up in their own pride that they forget about those around them who care about them. The singer struggles with wanting someone they cannot have because of pride, perhaps their own or that of the person they desire. In the end, they urge themselves and others to forget the pain pride has caused to move forward.
Overall, "Pride" speaks to the complexities of human relationships and the damage pride can cause. It is a familiar topic in music that can inspire listeners to take a step back and consider their own roles in their relationships and whether pride is holding them back.
Line by Line Meaning
Why did you back me into a corner?
Asking why someone put them in a difficult and uncomfortable situation
I didn't meant it, it was just an act
Explaining that a mistake was made unintentionally
My friend's outside, can't he come in?
Requesting permission for a friend to enter
And everybody else
Asking for equality in the situation
Stupid pride
Expressing disdain for someone's arrogance
Selfish people
Critiquing people who only think of themselves
Stupid pride
Reemphasizing the foolishness of pride
Pride
A term used to describe arrogance and excessive self-esteem
Pride
Reiterating the meaning of the previous line
Pride
Once again highlighting the negative connotations of pride
Why does everybody have to be like that?
Posing a rhetorical question about people's tendencies to be selfish
Out
Telling someone to leave
You're the only one who cares
Acknowledging the presence of someone who is concerned
Just as long as somebody
Asking for someone to care about the situation
I want so bad
Expressing a strong desire
Stupid pride
Criticizing the foolishness of arrogance
Selfish pride
Repeating a critique of self-centeredness
Stupid pride
Once again emphasizing the negative qualities of pride
Pride, pride, pride
Repeating the theme of the song, that of criticism and negative commentary on arrogance and self-centeredness
Why everybody have to be like that?
Repeating the critical rhetorical question regarding selfishness
No reaction, no response
Describing someone's lack of response
Forget him, just forget him
Advising someone to stop trying to engage with a person who is self-centered and arrogant
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BOB MOULD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind