Their first single release was on the Outpunk Records compilation Outpunk Dance Party, to which they contributed the song "I Can't Sleep". They have released many singles and LPs, mainly on the independent record label Lookout! Records and on Alternative Tentacles.
Their discography is as follows:
That's So Gay
Alternative Tentacles 3/09
The Essential Pansy Division
Alternative Tentacles 1/06
Total Entertainment!
Alternative Tentacles 8/03
Absurd Pop Song Romance
Lookout 9/98
More Lovin' From Our Oven
Lookout 8/97
Wish I'd Taken Pictures
Lookout 2/96
Pileup
Lookout 2/95
Deflowered
Lookout 6/94
Undressed
Lookout 3/93
You can read more about them on their official website: www.pansydivision.com/Biography/pd_biography.html
Negative Queen
Pansy Division Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't say anything good about anything
He flips his cigarette with disdain
You've failed to live up to his standards again
He's a negative queen, he's a negative queen
He reads all the latest magazines
He's quick to follow, but thinks he's in the lead
He was there and you weren't
He's a negative queen, he's a negative queen
He drips disdain, he's lacking tact
He's popular in a scene
Where being nice is a radical act
Everything's got to be just so
If it's not, he'll let you know
Don't put up posters on Castro Street
He'll rip them down so he shop in peace
He's a negative queen, he's a negative queen
He struts into a bar with swagger
Stumbles out later with a stagger
Spent half his life in a bar
Now he looks so haggard
No sympathy for a braggart
Everything's got to be just so
If it's not, he'll let you know
Darling, you simply haven't lived
Unless you've lived like him
He's a negative queen, he's a negative queen
The song "Negative Queen" by Pansy Division is a scathing critique of a certain archetype of queer culture - the negative queen. This character is described as a bitter, jaded, and overly critical person who is obsessed with staying "current" and being part of the "scene". He knows everything there is to know about pop culture and the latest trends, but uses this knowledge to put others down and maintain his own superiority complex.
The singer of the song describes the negative queen in great detail, mocking his pretentiousness and lack of tact. He is so consumed by his own negativity that he can't find anything good to say about anything or anyone. He is quick to judge and doesn't hesitate to tear down posters or other forms of expression he finds distasteful. In the end, the singer suggests that this attitude is ultimately self-destructive - the negative queen spends his days in bars and ends up looking haggard and despondent.
The song is a biting satire of a certain type of gay subculture that can be found in urban centers around the world. Despite the harshness of the lyrics, there is a sense of empathy and understanding for the negative queen - he is simply a product of his environment, and his bitterness is likely a defense mechanism against the homophobia and discrimination he faces on a daily basis.
Line by Line Meaning
He thinks he's Oscar Wilde, but he's Paul Lynde
He believes himself to be a literary genius, but he's actually just a flamboyant actor.
Can't say anything good about anything
He is constantly criticizing everything and cannot find anything positive to say.
He flips his cigarette with disdain
He is so full of contempt that he even abuses inanimate objects like cigarettes.
You've failed to live up to his standards again
He has unrealistic expectations that no one can meet.
He's a negative queen, he's a negative queen
He is an excessively pessimistic and caustic person.
He reads all the latest magazines
He is constantly keeping up with the latest trends and gossip.
He's quick to follow, but thinks he's in the lead
He has a false sense of superiority despite being just a follower.
He was there and you weren't
He assumes he is more experienced and knowledgeable than everyone else.
You're out of it, you're not current
He considers himself to be updated and fashionable while viewing others as behind the times.
He drips disdain, he's lacking tact
He is not only harsh in his words but also in his demeanor.
He's popular in a scene
He is well-known within a certain social group.
Where being nice is a radical act
The group values kindness so highly that exhibiting it is considered revolutionary.
Everything's got to be just so
He is a perfectionist and cannot tolerate even the slightest mistake.
If it's not, he'll let you know
He is not shy about criticizing and pointing out mistakes.
Don't put up posters on Castro Street
He has a sense of ownership over a certain area and does not want anyone else to interfere with it.
He'll rip them down so he shop in peace
He would rather deface and destroy public property than tolerate the slightest disturbance in his own environment.
He struts into a bar with swagger
He enters places in a showy and arrogant manner.
Stumbles out later with a stagger
He drinks excessively and loses his composure as a result.
Spent half his life in a bar
He has had a long-standing habit of excessive drinking.
Now he looks so haggard
His lifestyle has caught up with him, and he appears worn out and aged.
No sympathy for a braggart
He has little patience or sympathy for those who boast or show off.
Darling, you simply haven't lived
He believes that his way of life is the way to really live and that others are missing out by not following his example.
Unless you've lived like him
He thinks that other lifestyles are inferior to his drinking and critical ways.
He's a negative queen, he's a negative queen
He is a person who spreads negativity and criticism around him.
Contributed by Adam S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jinxfink
this is so amazing <3
A Is For Apple 🍎
I think I used to work with that guy.
IfautahSkimm
I love this music because they know how gay life truly is.
Jana Tweedy
I know some boys like this...
Maximellow
I know a boy like this.
I don’t like him.😒