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.
Sober-delic
Melvins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It all seems natural but it don't mean a thing
What have I left here?
The capacity to carry it
I didn't notice
Part of the fabric of life
I didn't know it ever would
Perspective of perplexity
Treat people like that, they'll break your arms and legs
You're gonna miss me
When you have to take a chance
The heart is sadness
This action I foresee
I didn't know it ever would
I couldn't even when I could
That's the beautiful thing about nothing
It all seems horrible and it means everything
You won't miss me
You won't do a thing
It's not so bad now
It doesn't hurt like that
I didn't know it ever would
I couldn't even when I could
The lyrics of Melvins' song "Sober-delic" explore the complexity of memory and perception. The singer reflects on the paradoxical nature of remembering, highlighting that while it may feel natural, it ultimately holds no significant meaning. The opening lines express a sense of detachment, questioning what is left behind and the ability to bear the weight of memories. There is a sense of disillusionment with the idea of memory itself, as if it ultimately serves no purpose or brings no true understanding.
The next lines convey a lack of awareness or recognition of something important within the fabric of life. The singer didn't realize its significance and couldn't even comprehend it when they had the opportunity. This speaks to a sense of missed opportunities, a failure to grasp the significance of certain moments or experiences. The perspective of perplexity suggests a state of confusion and uncertainty, cautioning against treating people poorly as it may result in physical harm.
The following stanza introduces the theme of absence and being missed. The heart is associated with sadness, indicating that the singer anticipates being missed or longed for when someone realizes they have lost their chance with them. The final stanza brings a shift in perspective, suggesting that nothingness can also carry weight and meaning. The singer asserts that they won't be missed and nothing will come of it. There is a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if the pain has subsided and they've come to terms with it.
Overall, "Sober-delic" delves into the intricate nature of memory, the missed opportunities in life, and the cyclical nature of emotions and perceptions.
Line by Line Meaning
That's the beautiful thing about remembering
The beauty lies in the ability to recall past experiences
It all seems natural but it don't mean a thing
Despite things appearing familiar, they hold no significance or value
What have I left here?
What remains in this situation or state?
The capacity to carry it
The ability to bear or endure the burdens or consequences
I didn't notice
I failed to perceive or recognize
Part of the fabric of life
An integral component or aspect of existence
I didn't know it ever would
I was unaware that it could happen in this manner
I couldn't even when I could
Even though I had the ability, I couldn't do it
Perspective of perplexity
Viewing things from a state of confusion or uncertainty
Treat people like that, they'll break your arms and legs
If you mistreat individuals in this manner, they will retaliate fiercely
You're gonna miss me
You will regret not having me around
When you have to take a chance
In a situation where you must embrace risks or uncertainties
The heart is sadness
Emotions of sorrow or melancholy reside within the core of one's being
This action I foresee
I can anticipate or predict this course of action
You won't miss me
You will not feel the absence or longing for my presence
You won't do a thing
You will remain inactive or uninvolved
It's not so bad now
The situation has improved and is no longer as dire
It doesn't hurt like that
The pain or emotional distress is not as intense as before
I didn't know it ever would
I never expected it to occur in this way
I couldn't even when I could
Despite having the ability, I was incapable of doing it
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buzz Osborne, Steven McDonald, Dale Crover
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind