History Lesson
Minutemen the Lyrics
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Real names'd be proof
Me and Mike Watt, we played for years
Punk rock changed our lives
We learned punk rock in Hollywood
Drove up from Pedro
We were fucking corn dogs
Mr. Narrator
This is Bob Dylan to me
My story could be his songs
I'm his soldier child
Our band is scientist rock
But I was E. Bloom and Richard Hell
Joe Strummer, and John Doe
Me and Mike Watt, playing the guitar
The Minutemen's "History Lesson" is a reflection on the punk rock experience, specifically the transformation of punk rock from a niche subculture to a more commercialized, mainstream genre. The lyrics make reference to the origins of punk rock, including Hollywood and Pedro (two neighborhoods in Los Angeles where much of punk rock's early history took place). The "corn dogs" and "pogo" are also hallmarks of the punk rock scene - corn dogs being a popular food item at punk rock shows, and "pogoing" being a form of dancing that involved jumping up and down in time with the music.
The lyrics also make reference to other punk rock luminaries, including Joe Strummer of The Clash, Richard Hell of the Voidoids, and John Doe of X. The Minutemen see themselves as part of a larger punk rock community, and the song reflects their deep admiration for the genre and its players.
Finally, the lyrics also touch on the idea that the band's music is a form of scientific inquiry. The Minutemen see themselves as experimenting with sound and form, and the song reflects their belief that punk rock can be a tool for understanding the world around us.
Overall, "History Lesson" is a celebration of punk rock's history and ethos. The Minutemen pay tribute to the genre's roots, while also celebrating its evolution into a more sophisticated and nuanced musical form.
Line by Line Meaning
Our band could be your life
Our band represents the experiences and struggles of everyday people.
Real names'd be proof
We use our real names to show authenticity and sincerity in our music.
Me and Mike Watt, we played for years
Mike Watt and I have been playing music together for a long time.
Punk rock changed our lives
The punk rock genre had a significant impact on our lives and music.
We learned punk rock in Hollywood
We were introduced to punk rock music in Hollywood.
Drove up from Pedro
We drove to Hollywood from Pedro to explore this music scene.
We were fucking corn dogs
We were inexperienced and naive, but excited to be a part of the punk rock scene.
We'd go drink and pogo
We would drink and dance to the punk rock music.
Mr. Narrator
The person telling this story.
This is Bob Dylan to me
This experience is as meaningful to me as Bob Dylan's music is to many people.
My story could be his songs
My experiences and struggles are similar in significance to the stories told in Bob Dylan's music.
I'm his soldier child
I am a devoted follower and admirer of Bob Dylan's music.
Our band is scientist rock
Our band's music is intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking.
But I was E. Bloom and Richard Hell
I identified with and was inspired by the music of E. Bloom and Richard Hell.
Joe Strummer, and John Doe
I also appreciated and was influenced by Joe Strummer and John Doe's music.
Me and Mike Watt, playing the guitar
Mike Watt and I played guitar together in our band.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Mike Watt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@1thommyberlin
Our band could be your life
Real names'd be proof
Me and Mike Watt played for years
Punk rock changed our lives
We learned punk rock in Hollywood
Drove up from Pedro
We were fucking corn dogs
We'd go drink and pogo
Mr. Narrator
This is Bob Dylan to me
My story could be his songs
I'm his soldier child
Our band is scientist rock
But I was E. Bloom and Richard Hell
Joe Strummer, and John Doe
Me and Mike Watt, playing guitar
@tonyjones2612
When you beat the punk rock final boss this is what plays as you drive into the sunset
@getthepoooffmybum
"Mr. Narrator, this is Bob Dylan to me. My story could be his songs."
And that's when I said "he's just like me fr"
@flowerfairies4685
real asf
@crocodilewerewolf
One of the great songs of all time. Without question, this is the best song that exists about friendship, and what it means to truly love one's friend.
@carlbayard6448
Well said
@elmoblatch9787
No argument here.
@santaincarolina6280
I can agree with that! This is humanity!
@fila365
This is Bob Dylan to me!
@captainshaw685
Beautiful.
@leadmate1612
You can almost hear D-Boon smiling as he sings this one, fucking magical.