Joyce Manor is an American punk rock band from Torrance, California, formed… Read Full Bio ↴Joyce Manor is an American punk rock band from Torrance, California, formed in 2008. With their first release in 2010, they became well known for playing fun and energetic music influenced by bands such as Jawbreaker, Descendents, Weezer, Thin Lizzy, and The Smiths. They joined 6131 Records in 2010. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Barry Johnson, guitarist Chase Knobbe, bassist and back-up vocalist Matt Ebert, and drummer Pat Ware. Their self-titled full-length debut was released in 2011 to a host of critical and fan praise. Punknews named it their "2011 Album of the Year" and it landed the band on many year-end best-of lists. Joyce Manor moved over to Asian Man Records (and Big Scary Monsters in the UK) for their next album, Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired, released in April 2012. This album contains a cover of The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star". Joyce Manor signed with Epitaph Records to release their third album Never Hungover Again, which was released on 22 July 2014. The album was produced by Joe Reinhart[9] and it features Frances Quinlan from the band Hop Along on the cover. The band received attention within the indie and punk communities for its stance against stage diving after the band interrupted several sets to call out stage divers. In the fall of 2014, drummer Kurt Walcher was replaced by Jeff Enzor. In 2016 the band announced their fourth album, Cody, produced by Rob Schnapf. The ten track release features the single "Fake I.D." and was released on October 7 through Epitaph. In 2018 the band announced their fifth album Million Dollars to Kill Me by releasing the title track as their first single. The album was released on 21st of September through Epitaph Records.

21st Dead Rats
Joyce Manor Lyrics

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You're the worst in turn, the first of the night
Who could stand there staring at the blacks of your eyes?
What a curious type, reaching out for the iron
To never ask for a slap, but don't indulge in a smile
We're twenty-first dead rats again

You're the worst in turn, the first of the hour
I can feel it creeping on me out of the shower

Like a film on a postcard, a moment entranced
And with the confidence of prom queens insist on me asking
Say it was me, who's getting sick on my jeans
Just as I thought about the part that goes, "You're such a disease"

Go on and call around, after I've been put down

So fucking empty when it hits you'll hear a hollow sound
I'm twenty-first dead rats again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song "21st Dead Rats" by Joyce Manor are difficult to comprehend at face value. Although they are metaphorical and deep, a keen observer can make sense of them. The song talks about a toxic relationship where one person is the worse, aggressive, and dominant person in the relationship. The first verse talks about how this person has intense eyes, is curious, and loves to try new things. The person is always the first in many things, and they are not afraid to take risks. However, their actions sometimes lead to violent encounters, and they end up getting slapped.

In the second verse, the lyrics explain how the relationship makes the other person feel. They describe how they can feel the toxicity coming and creeping up on them, just like how one feels after taking a shower. They then go on to explain how the other person insists on blaming them for their problems, even if they have nothing to do with it. All in all, the song talks about a broken relationship that only leads to pain and leaves both people feeling empty and hollow.

In summary, the song "21st Dead Rats" is an interpretation of a toxic relationship that is doomed to fail. The words describe the experiences of both partners in the relationship, focusing on the negative aspects and emotions. The metaphorical language and imagery throughout the song emphasize the depth of the feelings and the pain caused by the failed relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

You're the worst in turn, the first of the night
You are the most unpleasant person in the immediate vicinity and the first one to arrive in the evening.

Who could stand there staring at the blacks of your eyes?
Your eyes have a menacing, dark appearance that causes people to look away.

What a curious type, reaching out for the iron
You are an unusual person who has a tendency to reach for dangerous objects.

To never ask for a slap, but don't indulge in a smile
You avoid asking for trouble, but also refuse to show any kindness or courtesy.

We're twenty-first dead rats again
We are repeating a cycle of misery and misfortune that has happened many times before.

You're the worst in turn, the first of the hour
You remain the most unpleasant person around and are now the first person to arrive in the new hour.

I can feel it creeping on me out of the shower
I have a sense of foreboding that is affecting me even while I am in the shower.

Like a film on a postcard, a moment entranced
My thoughts are stuck on a particular moment in time, replaying like a scene from a movie.

And with the confidence of prom queens insist on me asking
You have the arrogant demeanor of a high school prom queen, demanding that I ask you something.

Say it was me, who's getting sick on my jeans
Blame my own sickness on me rather than admitting to any fault.

Just as I thought about the part that goes, "You're such a disease"
As I reflect on your unpleasant behavior, the phrase "You're such a disease" comes to mind.

Go on and call around, after I've been put down
You may make phone calls after causing me trouble and bringing me down emotionally.

So fucking empty when it hits you'll hear a hollow sound
The realization of your behavior will make you feel completely void and empty.

I'm twenty-first dead rats again
I am continuing to repeat a depressing cycle in my life.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Barry Johnson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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