In the early days of their career their dark, heavy, oppressively slow sound made them innovators of genres like sludge, grunge, and doom metal. The Melvins' music is influenced by Flipper, Black Flag's My War-era hardcore punk and Black Sabbath-style heavy metal, but their idiosyncratic approach, bizarre sense of humor, and experimentation make neat categorization difficult. Singer/guitarist Buzz Osborne (aka "King Buzzo") and drummer Dale Crover are constant members while several bass guitarists have cycled through the group. The Melvins usually performed as a trio until 2006 when two members of Big Business became permanent members of the band.
The band was named after a grocery clerk at the Thriftway in Montesano, Washington where Osborne was employed. Melvin was the most-hated fellow employee and the band felt it to be an appropriate name. Like SF noisenik predecessors Flipper, their love of slow tempos and sludgy sound were a strong influence on grunge music, especially Nirvana and many other bands from Seattle. Their protegés, however, tended to use more conventional musical structures with this sound.
Though the group has received mostly positive critical notice, Crover's drumming has been especially praised; Patrick Kennedy describes his work as "astonishing, powerful, and daring."
While never finding and most likely never even seeking great mainstream success, the Melvins maintain an impressive schedule of new albums and tours, including a collaboration with Fantômas in The Fantômas Melvins Big Band, two releases with former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, and in 2004 the Melvins collaborated with ambient artist Lustmord for Pigs of the Roman Empire. In appreciation of their devoted fans, the Melvins have released various collectables through the years that have included two-headed dolls, an eight-track tape, and a plastic fetus in a jar.
Fellow Aberdeen resident Kurt Cobain (a good friend of Crover) was a huge Melvins fan and helped them transport their equipment to a few shows. Cobain also auditioned to join the band on bass, but he didn't make it, reportedly because he was so nervous that he forgot all the songs. Cobain maintained his relation with the band. Later he produced and played on some songs (guitar on "Sky Pup", percussion on "Spread Eagle Beagle") on the band's major label debut, Houdini. Dale Crover is also attributed as playing on the Nirvana debut album, Bleach, and on "Incesticide". In addition, Dave Grohl (ex-drummer for Nirvana) co-wrote and played drums for Isabella on Buzzo's Melvins solo album, King Buzzo.
My Generation
Melvins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Just because we get around
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Things they do look awful cold
Talkin' ′bout my generation
I hope I die before I get old
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Why don′t you all fade away
Talkin' ′bout my generation
And don't try to dig what we all say
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
I'm not trying to cause a big sensation
Talkin′ ′bout my generation
I'm just talkin′ 'bout my generation
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
This is my generation
This is my generation
The lyrics to the Melvins' song "My Generation" speak to the defiance and rebellion that often come with being part of a particular generation. The song confronts the stereotypes and judgments that older generations place on the younger, emphasizing the dismissive attitudes and attempts to suppress their experiences and voices. The repeated line "Talkin' 'bout my generation" is a clear indication that the singer is not afraid to speak up and assert their identity and perspective.
The lyrics touch on themes of youthful energy, freedom, and the desire to live life to the fullest, even if it means challenging societal norms. The line "Just because we get around" could be interpreted as a reference to the younger generation's inclination towards exploration, whether it's through travel, personal relationships, or new experiences. The sentiment of hoping to die before getting old suggests a preference for a life filled with excitement and adventure rather than stagnation.
Overall, the song can be seen as an anthem for the youth, celebrating their unique experiences and challenging the established order. It encourages them to be unapologetic about their generation's values and aspirations.
Line by Line Meaning
People try to put us down
Individuals attempt to belittle us or diminish our worth
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Engaging in discussions regarding the characteristics and experiences of our unique cohort
Just because we get around
Simply because we are socially active or have various interactions
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Conversing about the distinctive attributes of our particular group
Things they do look awful cold
The actions of others appear distant, unfeeling, or unsympathetic
Talkin' ′bout my generation
Discussing the characteristics and experiences specific to our cohort
I hope I die before I get old
Expressing a desire to avoid growing old and potentially losing the vitality and rebellious spirit we possess
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Engaging in dialogue about the defining aspects of our unique group
Why don′t you all fade away
Why don't you all disappear or recede from our presence?
Talkin' ′bout my generation
Discussing the distinctive qualities of our particular cohort
And don't try to dig what we all say
Furthermore, refrain from trying to comprehend or appreciate our collective expressions
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Engaging in conversation regarding the defining features of our specific group
I'm not trying to cause a big sensation
I am not attempting to create an enormous stir or provoke a major reaction
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Referencing the attributes and experiences unique to our cohort
I'm just talkin' ′bout my generation
I am simply discussing the characteristics and values of our particular group
Talkin′ 'bout my generation
Engaging in dialogue about the defining aspects of our unique group
This is my generation
This cohort belongs to us; it represents our collective identity
This is my generation
This cohort belongs to us; it represents our collective identity
Writer(s): Pete Townshend
Contributed by Audrey K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.