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.
Whatcha Drinkin'?
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
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I don't care what they say, I don't care what they're drinkin' today
I don't care what they say, I don't care I'll be drinkin' today
I try not to drink anymore and try not to think anymore
Oh, I don't care what you think, I don't care whatcha drinkin' today
I don't care what they say, I don't care whatcha drinkin' today
Whatcha drinkin' today
I try not to drink anymore and try not to think anymore
I try not to drink anymore and try not to think anymore
I don't care whatcha drinkin' today
The lyrics of "Whatcha Drinkin'?" by Hüsker Dü seem to convey a sense of defiance and independence in the face of societal expectations and pressures. The repeated lines "I don't care what they think, I don't care whatcha drinkin' today" suggest a rejection of conformity and a determination to march to the beat of one's own drum. The singer refuses to be swayed by the opinions or actions of others, emphasizing their autonomy and self-assurance.
The repetition of phrases like "I don't care what they say" and "I try not to drink anymore, I try not to think anymore" could imply a struggle against external influences and inner demons. There is a sense of internal conflict and resistance, as the singer grapples with the urge to conform or succumb to self-destructive behaviors. The lines reflect a desire to break free from toxic patterns and thought processes, illustrating a journey towards self-awareness and personal growth.
The refrain "Whatcha drinkin' today" serves as a recurring question that seems to highlight the theme of choice and agency. By repeatedly posing this query, the song prompts listeners to consider their own decisions and the paths they choose to follow. It can be seen as a challenge to take ownership of one's actions and refrain from being blindly led by external influences or societal norms.
Overall, these lyrics paint a picture of resilience, self-reflection, and defiance in the face of societal pressures. The refusal to conform, the struggle against destructive habits, and the emphasis on personal agency all come together to create a message of empowerment and individuality. The song appears to celebrate the strength that comes from staying true to oneself and making conscious choices, regardless of external expectations or influences.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't care what they think, I don't care whatcha drinkin' today
I don't care about other people's opinions, I don't care what you're drinking today
I try not to drink anymore, I try not to think anymore
I make an effort to cut down on drinking and also to quiet my mind
Oh, I don't care what you think, I don't care whatcha drinkin' today
I really don't care what you think, and I still don't care what you're drinking today
I try not to drink anymore and try not to think anymore
I am trying hard to stay away from drinking and overthinking
I don't care whatcha drinkin' today
I really don't care what you're drinking today
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Robert Mould
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind