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.
Negative No No
Melvins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You better save it for another moron
Even if I look naïve
Don't judge the book by its cover
Get out, get out, get out...
Cast your spell and disappear
Pack your prejudice and get over¬ it
Despite your pride and high self esteem
Turns out your character is so obvious
Get out, get out, get out...
We're bringing men's world to an end
cnd you keep acting like you are a pot of gold
So, listen carefully while I draw it out:
Once I say no, it's no
Get out, get out, get out...
The lyrics to Melvins's song "Negative No No" are a reflection of the struggles and challenges that one faces while trying to make it in the streets. Melvins, the artist, is trying to convey the message that despite the hardships he faces on the streets, he is determined to keep hustling and making money. He talks about how the people around him, whether it be family or friends, can turn on him when it comes to money. The lyrics also mention how people hate to see others succeed, but Melvins is determined to win and succeed no matter what. The line "Where em de wen i de struggle, where em de wen i de starve" is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the struggle and pain he has been through.
The lyrics also talk about betrayal, snitches, and the lack of trust in the streets. Melvins mentions that he nor does he have time for love and that he is not ready for that kind of stress. He talks about his enemies and the people who hate on him, but despite that, he is still determined to make it big and win. The line "I bust everywhere" means that he is flourishing and achieving success, and he is unapologetic about it.
Overall, the lyrics to "Negative No No" are a reflection of the harsh realities of the streets and the determination it takes to succeed in such an environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Still on the mic lil melvin killing the beat fuck it up brah
Melvin is fully confident in his ability to perform and is encouraged to perform with great energy
Where em de wen i de struggle
Melvin asks where his supporters are when he's struggling
Where em de wen i de starve
Melvin asks where his supporters are when he's going through hard times and dealing with hunger
Being true a-lot in the street
Melvin prides himself on being honest with the people in the street
Go tru pains in the street
Melvin experiences a lot of physical pain while living in the street
I go too much in the street
Melvin spends a lot of time in the street
But still yet these nigga don’t want me to win
Despite all his hard work, Melvin feels like there are people who don't want him to succeed
Get money family go start to de torment you
Once Melvin starts making money, his family members begin to harass him for it
Get money friends go turn enemies
Once Melvin starts making money, his friends begin to see him as a threat and turn against him
No love in the street
There is no sense of camaraderie or brotherhood in the street.
You gotta to make it on
Melvin realizes he can only rely on himself to succeed in his situation
Hustle everyday just to make this money
Melvin has to work hard every day just to make enough money to survive
I burst everywhere 2sec the boi dey trend haters nor wah see my light
Melvin's popularity and success appear to be drawing negative attention from people who don't want him to succeed
But steady i dey shine
Despite the negativity, Melvin remains positive and continues to shine
I gat Grace gat faith
Melvin has a strong sense of faith and an unyielding belief that he will succeed
Everywhere sexy
Melvin's popularity is on the rise and he's being noticed more and more everywhere he goes
Em nor believe the boi
Despite his success, there are still people who don't believe in Melvin
2sec the boi blow
Melvin's rise to success has been quick
Fuck ur pride
Melvin has no time for people who are too proud to admit their mistakes or acknowledge him as a success
I nor get time for yur love
Melvin doesn't have time for people who only show him love when he's successful
Zero competition
Melvin feels like there is no one who can compete with him in terms of success or popularity
I still wanna win
Despite his success, Melvin is still driven to keep winning and achieving more
Hate me or you want
Melvin knows that not everyone will like him, but he's okay with it
We still gonno make it
Melvin is confident that he and his team will continue to succeed
So keep ur love
Melvin doesn't want people's love or support if it's not genuine
I ain’t ready for that stress
Melvin doesn't want to deal with people's negativity or drama
Taking Trips With The Carbon
Melvin is traveling with a dangerous weapon, implying that he's not afraid to defend himself if necessary
I Know you Niggas Won’t Miss
Melvin is aware that others are trying to bring him down or harm him
The Chance If You Could Harm Me
Melvin is daring people to attempt to harm him if they have the guts to do so
I Bust everywhere like say i be bottle
Melvin is everywhere and his presence is becoming more and more noticeable
Na me cult Shane
Melvin is known and respected by others in his community
And weather no fit weld am
Despite the difficulties and obstacles he faces, Melvin is tough and resilient
Food is now ready
Melvin is successful and can now afford to take care of himself
Fuck ur trust
Melvin doesn't care if people don't trust him because he knows he's honest and genuine
Niggas being snith
Melvin is aware that others are trying to hurt him by snitching on him or spreading lies
We want to make it big
Melvin and his team are striving to achieve greater success
Burst everywhere
Melvin and his team's success and popularity are spreading quickly
Where em de wen i de struggle
Melvin is asking his supporters where they are during his times of difficulty and hardship
Where em de wen i de starve
Melvin is asking his supporters where they are when he doesn't have enough to eat
Where em de wen i de struggle
Melvin is still looking for support during his struggles
Where em de wen i de starve
Melvin is still looking for support during his times of hunger and desperation
Where em de wen i de struggle
Melvin is continuing to search for his supporters' presence and help during his times of difficulty
Where em de wen i de starve
Melvin is continuing to search for his supporters' presence and help during his times of starvation and need
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc.
Written by: Tiago Arakilian Affonso
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind