The band members are Lars Frederiksen (vocals and lead guitar), Gordy Carbone (also credited as "Unknown Bastard") (vocals), Jason Woods, aka Big Jay Bastard, (bass), Craig Leg (rhythm guitar) and Scott Abels (also credited as "Skatty Punk Rock") (drums). While Craig did not appear on the first album, he has always been a touring member of the band.
The band was formed after Lars' friend and bandmate in Rancid, Tim Armstrong suggested writing songs about Lars and his friend Ben growing up in Campbell, California. The band was then put together as an outlet to release these songs, as well as covers of Billy Bragg's "To Have and to Have Not", Holland-Dozier-Holland's "Leaving Here" (which was also covered by Motörhead) and most importantly a slightly disguised rendition of Cabaret's "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" re-titled "Campbell California". This first album was named Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards.
Lars and Tim then got together to write the second Bastards album, Viking, this time the focus being more on Lars' recent life (with the exception of the songs "1%", "The Kids Are Quiet on Sharmon Palms" and "The Viking".) after having "got outta Campbell". The album also included cover versions of The Blasters' "Marie, Marie" and the Anti-Nowhere League's "For You". The song "Little Rude Girl" was originally intended to be used as a Rancid song, slated to appear on an aborted split 7" with Rancid and Richmond, VA punk band Avail on Lookout! Records. The album was mixed by Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion.
It is also currently stated that Lars has no intention of creating another "Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards" album
Marie Marie
Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I sit in my car
Oh, while she sings so sad, Marie-Marie
Marie-Marie, it's so lonely in these farmlands
Please come with me
To the bright lights down town, Marie-Marie
I said, hey pretty girl, don't you understand
Marie-Marie, the sun is down in the cornfield
The evening is dark
And you sing so sad Marie-Marie
Marie-Marie, I got two weeks in back pay
There's gas in my car
And your folks say I must go, Marie-Marie
I said, hey pretty girl, don't you understand
I just want to be your lovin' man
Marie-Marie, playin' guitar on the back porch
I leave in my car
Oh, while you sing so sad, Marie-Marie
The song Marie-Marie by Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards is a story about a man who is enamored with a girl named Marie-Marie who lives in the farmlands. He meets her while she's playing guitar on the back porch and is immediately drawn to her song. The man tries to convince Marie-Marie to leave the farm and come with him to the city to experience the bright lights of downtown. Despite his best efforts, Marie-Marie refuses to leave her home and the man eventually leaves alone, feeling sad and alone just like Marie-Marie's song.
The lyrics of this song showcase the feelings of restlessness and longing that can come with living in a rural area. Marie-Marie's melancholic song and the cornfield sunset serve as a stark contrast to the bright lights and excitement of the city, prompting the man to want to bring Marie-Marie with him. It's clear that he is genuinely in love with her, but Marie-Marie's loyalty to her home and family is too strong for her to leave.
Overall, the song is a beautiful portrayal of the bittersweet moments that come with falling in love, and the desire to be somewhere else while still holding onto one's roots.
Line by Line Meaning
Marie-Marie, playin' guitar on the back porch
Lars Frederickson is describing a girl called Marie who is playing guitar on the back porch.
I sit in my car
Lars is sitting in his car and watching Marie sing.
Oh, while she sings so sad, Marie-Marie
Marie's singing is beautiful, but the lyrics are sad.
Marie-Marie, it's so lonely in these farmlands
Lars is feeling lonely in the countryside and wants Marie to come with him to the city.
Please come with me
He pleads with Marie to come with him.
To the bright lights down town, Marie-Marie
He wants to take Marie to the city where there are bright lights and excitement.
I said, hey pretty girl, don't you understand
Lars talks to Marie and asks if she can see what he is offering her.
I just want to be your lovin' man
Lars wishes to be Marie's lover.
Marie-Marie, the sun is down in the cornfield
It is dark now and Lars is still with Marie in the countryside.
The evening is dark
It has now gotten dark in the countryside.
And you sing so sad Marie-Marie
Marie continues to sing melancholic lyrics in a beautiful way.
Marie-Marie, I got two weeks in back pay
Lars has received some overdue payment.
There's gas in my car
Now that Lars has been paid, he has enough money to put gas in his car.
And your folks say I must go, Marie-Marie
Marie's family insists that Lars should leave.
I said, hey pretty girl, don't you understand
Lars reiterates his desire to be with Marie and asks if she understands his intentions.
I just want to be your lovin' man
Lars is persistent in his desire to be in a relationship with Marie.
Marie-Marie, playin' guitar on the back porch
Lars comes back to Marie's performance on the porch.
I leave in my car
Lars is departing from Marie.
Oh, while you sing so sad, Marie-Marie
As Lars drives away, Marie continues to sing her melancholic melodies.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVE ALVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sunnyvale Drunk668
Probably the best cover Lars has ever done...this is for the blasters!!!
Lucybaby666
What a great song!
Vanspecial
Great cover of The Blasters song!
shanetones
great song
Jose Gonzalez
great covers
vlad luck
marie marie ya fucking drive my car