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.

Midnight Service at the Mutter Museum
Joyce Manor Lyrics

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It's for the curious and it's for the hopeful
Kick in the doors and climb in the window
Kick in the doors and climb in the window
Oh because it's midnight service at The Mutter Museum
Oh it's midnight service and I'm glad
I'm glad that you're here

Better luck better luck at the poll tax

That's what I that's what I thought too
You're better off not trying too hard
Well that's what I that's what I thought too

But now it's midnight service at The Mutter Museum
Oh it's midnight service and I'm glad
I'm glad that you're here

I'm glad that you're here

Overall Meaning

The first verse of this song talks about how the Mutter Museum is for the curious and the hopeful. The Mutter Museum is a medical museum in Philadelphia that displays preserved specimens, medical equipment, and anatomical models. It's a place that would attract people who are interested in the human body, its functions, and its anomalies. The second line of the verse, "Kick in the doors and climb in the window," is an exaggeration but it shows how excited and eager the singer is to get into the museum. It's like he cannot wait to feast his eyes on the unusual and fascinating exhibits inside. The repetition of the line emphasizes the sense of urgency and the exuberance.

The chorus talks about how it's midnight service at The Mutter Museum and how the singer is glad that the listener is there. The midnight service implies that the museum is open at an unusual time, maybe even illegally for a secret gathering. The dark and secretive nature of this event creates an atmosphere of thrill and adventure. The singer is happy that the listener is there with him to witness something special, something that not everyone is lucky enough to see. The tone of the chorus is welcoming and inclusive, even though the context is unusual.

The second verse talks about "better luck at the poll tax" but quickly dismisses it as a thought that is not worth pursuing. The poll tax refers to the tax levied on individuals in order to be allowed to vote. In the past, this tax was used to prevent minorities, particularly black people, from voting. The fact that the singer says "better luck" implies that he does not see it as a fair system, but then again he does not believe in trying too hard to change it. The verse contrasts the seriousness and gravity of social reform with the excitement and wonder of visiting The Mutter Museum. The singer seems to prefer the latter as a way of escaping the former.

Overall, the song talks about the pleasure of discovery and the joy of sharing it with someone else. The Mutter Museum is presented as a place where the unconventional and the macabre are celebrated, where curiosity is rewarded, and where one can be oneself without judgment.

Line by Line Meaning

It's for the curious and it's for the hopeful
This experience is made for those who are curious and hopeful about what they will find.

Kick in the doors and climb in the window
The excitement of the moment makes one willing to break the rules to get in.

Oh because it's midnight service at The Mutter Museum
The event taking place is a Midnight Service at The Mutter Museum.

Oh it's midnight service and I'm glad
The artist is excited and happy to be at the Midnight Service.

I'm glad that you're here
The artist is expressing their happiness that their friend or companion is with them.

Better luck better luck at the poll tax
It is better to have luck with the task of paying taxes than to try too hard and fail.

That's what I that's what I thought too
The singer and their friend both initially held similar beliefs about the idea of trying too hard.

You're better off not trying too hard
Trying too hard at something may not be the best course of action and may ultimately lead to disappointment.

But now it's midnight service at The Mutter Museum
Despite their previous beliefs, they are now attending the Midnight Service and enjoying themselves.

Contributed by Lillian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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