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.
Something I Learned Today
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Black and white is always gray
Looking through the windowpane
I'm not inside your brain, your brain
Something I learned today
Yield to the right of way
Stopping at a four-way sign
Something I learned today
Never look straight in the sun's rays
Letting all the sunshine in
Can't remember where I've been, I've been
Something I learned today
Something I learned today
Something I learned today
Something I learned today
Something I learned today
Something I learned today
Something I learned today
Something I learned today
The lyrics to Hüsker Dü’s song “Something I Learned Today” convey a sense of introspection and self-discovery, as the singer reflects on various lessons they have learned. The first line “something I learned today, black and white is always gray” suggests that the singer has come to understand that life is not as simple or straightforward as they once thought. They have realized that things are not always black and white, and that there are often shades of gray that need to be considered. This realization may have come from personal experience, or from observing others.
The second verse, which begins with “yield to the right of way,” continues this theme of navigating life’s complexities. The singer acknowledges that there are rules and guidelines that must be followed, but these are not always straightforward or simple. They recognize that “someone else’s rules” may not always feel right for them personally, and that it can be a challenge to strike a balance between following established norms and being true to oneself.
The song’s final verses touch on the idea of self-preservation and the importance of protecting oneself from harm. The line “never look straight in the sun’s rays” suggests that the singer has learned to be wary of things that may be harmful or damaging, even if they seem appealing. They have come to recognize that there can be a hidden cost to letting one’s guard down, and that it is important to remain vigilant and cautious even in the face of temptation.
Line by Line Meaning
Something I learned today
The singer has learned something new and significant.
Black and white is always gray
Morality is not always clear cut; there are often shades of gray.
Looking through the windowpane
The singer is observing from a distance and not actively participating.
I'm not inside your brain, your brain
The artist cannot understand someone else's thoughts or motivations.
Yield to the right of way
Sometimes it's necessary to let others go first, to prioritize their needs, and to avoid conflict.
Stopping at a four-way sign
The singer is approaching a junction, deciding which way to go.
Someone else's rules, not mine, not mine
The singer accepts that others may have different values or beliefs, and cannot impose their own on them.
Never look straight in the sun's rays
There are things that are harmful to us, and we must avoid them to stay healthy and safe.
Letting all the sunshine in
Being open to new experiences and ideas can be overwhelming and can cloud our memories.
Can't remember where I've been, I've been
Sometimes, when we expose ourselves to too much, we lose sight of where we came from or what's important.
Something I learned today
The singer has gained even more knowledge, and likely intends to use it to better themselves or their understanding of the world.
Something I learned today
The artist is reiterating how significant the lesson was, and that they want to make sure they don't forget it.
Something I learned today
The singer is reminding themselves of their newfound knowledge in a way that will help them hold onto it.
Something I learned today
The singer is emphasizing the importance of learning new things and growing as a person.
Something I learned today
The singer is likely grateful for their experience and is acknowledging the power of knowledge.
Something I learned today
The artist is acknowledging that learning is an ongoing process and that they will continue to have their eyes opened to new things.
Something I learned today
The artist is ending the song on a note of optimism, reminding listeners that there is always more to learn and discover.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB MOULD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind