Phair's 1993 debut studio album, Exile in Guyville, was released to acclaim; it has been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Phair followed this with her second album, Whip-Smart (1994), which earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, and Whitechocolatespaceegg (1998). Ten years after the release of her debut, Phair's fourth album, Liz Phair (2003), released on Capitol Records, moved towards pop rock, earning her a mainstream audience but alienating critics.
After the release of her fifth album, Somebody's Miracle (2005), Phair left Capitol and released her sixth album Funstyle independently in 2010. In 2018, it was announced that Matador Records would be releasing a retrospective set for Phair's debut album Exile in Guyville which includes remastered recordings from her original Girly-Sound demo tapes. Phair released her seventh studio album, Soberish, in 2021.
South Dakota
Liz Phair Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Born in South Dakota.
For a mean baby, well I like your hips.
Born in South Dakota, I was in born in South Dakota.
Man I feel lucky tonight, I'm gonna get stoned and run around.
Born in South Dakota.
Hey we're goin' to a rodeo town, I'm gonna get drunk and fuck some cows.
I was born in South (Hu Hu) Dakota.
Hey all you city fucks, it's a prairie man's world.
It's wide open.
Hey all you city fucks, it's a prairie man's world.
Masons and lumberchucks it's got its moss squirreled.
It's wide open.
I said it's wide open.
(Hu Hu) Dakota.
Man I feel lucky tonight, I'm gonna get stoned and run around.
Born in South Dakota.
Hey we're goin' to a rodeo town, I'm gonna get drunk and fuck some cows.
Born in South Dakota, I was born in South Dakota.
I was born in South (Hu Hu) Dakota.
Hey all you city fucks, it's a prairie man's world.
It's wide open.
Hey all you city fucks, it's a prairie man's world.
Masons and lumberchucks it's got its moss squirreled.
Mr. Flint-top and Razor-back you know I'm your girl.
I'm wide open.
I said I'm wide open.
(Hu Hu) Dakota.
(Hu Hu) Dakota.
(Hu Hu) Dakota.
The lyrics of Liz Phair's song "South Dakota" are provocative and controversial, telling a story of a reckless and rebellious character who takes pleasure in the freedom of the prairie lands. Throughout the song, the character born in South Dakota proudly claims their roots and celebrates their distinctiveness from the "city fucks." The opening lines, "For a mean baby, well I like your pants. Born in South Dakota. For a mean baby, well I like your hips. Born in South Dakota, I was in born in South Dakota," suggest that this person is unapologetically attracted to individuals from their home state, embracing their heritage and cultural roots.
As the song progresses, the character expresses their plans to indulge in drugs and promiscuity, stating, "Man I feel lucky tonight, I'm gonna get stoned and run around...Hey we're goin' to a rodeo town, I'm gonna get drunk and fuck some cows." This language is intentionally crass and provocative, pushing the boundaries of acceptability and challenging societal norms. However, the character seems to revel in this rebellious behavior, feeling empowered by their ability to be unapologetically themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
For a mean baby, well I like your pants.
Although you have a bad reputation, I find your clothing appealing.
Born in South Dakota.
I was brought into this world in the state of South Dakota.
For a mean baby, well I like your hips.
Despite your unpleasant demeanor, I find your body attractive.
Born in South Dakota, I was in born in South Dakota.
I want to emphasize that I was indeed born and raised in South Dakota.
Man I feel lucky tonight, I'm gonna get stoned and run around.
I am feeling fortunate and plan on getting high and engaging in various activities.
Hey we're goin' to a rodeo town, I'm gonna get drunk and fuck some cows.
We are heading to a town known for their rodeo, and I plan on getting drunk and engaging in inappropriate activities with farm animals.
Hey all you city fucks, it's a prairie man's world.
This is a reminder to all the urban people that this is a place dominated by the rural lifestyle.
Masons and lumberchucks it's got its moss squirreled.
Various professions such as stonemasons and loggers have their own unique gathering places.
It's wide open.
The land is vast and unobstructed.
I said it's wide open.
I want to emphasize again how expansive and unconstrained this area is.
(Hu Hu) Dakota.
South Dakota is a unique and noteworthy place.
Mr. Flint-top and Razor-back you know I'm your girl.
I am an unconventional individual and am attractive to men who are rough around the edges.
I'm wide open.
I am open to new experiences and opportunities.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PHAIR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
rainbowsOnmyeyeballs
"man i feel lucky tonight / i'm gonna get stoned and run around"
i love this song
dan thefan
Those lyrics & the melody are from iggy pop song "Funtime", was used in the movie "The Hunger" & theres a Great Live version of iggy with bowie in keys from the dinah shore tv show.
travis00017
I love Liz Phair, but this song always bummed me out. I've lived in South Dakota as well as four other states and three countries. South Dakotans were some of the best, kindest and most honest people I've met.
v
I live in texas, and I can relate to this song in so many ways. Can't wait to get out.
Mjoe T
leftist?
BlackMarket Lightbulbs
As God as my squirrel! HA! SOOO GOOD!!
jdessell
If you don't find this song funny then you're not mature enough.
pkitty2219
I grew up in North Dakota and could not love this song more. I got stuck in Abercrapbag for five, long, horrid years. People there are beyond awful. Turn it into a buffalo free range. The people there will "correct" themselves on the way out. "huh huh"
NunChuck Taylor
As if North Dakota is any better in any way.
nightsintherut1
I DONT HINK WE CAN SHOE THIS ON VIDEO