Q and Not U was a Washington, D.C. post-hardcore band from 1998-2005, signe… Read Full Bio ↴Q and Not U was a Washington, D.C. post-hardcore band from 1998-2005, signed with Dischord Records. Their sound, with fractured guitar leads and disorganized and inventive percussion, was a direct tribute to DC post-hardcore forefathers like Fugazi and Rites of Spring, but added noticably more art-damaged and rhythmic elements to their chaotic and emotional music. Members John Davis, Harris Klahr, Christopher Richards, and Matt Borlik formed the band in 1998. After Borlik's departure following the release of their first album, the band went on to record two more critically lauded LPs as a three-piece, exploring aspects of post-hardcore, dance-punk, and other disparate musical styles. Q and Not U disbanded in September 2005 after completing their touring commitments and a short farewell stand in Washington, D.C.

Nine Things Everybody Knows
Q and Not U Lyrics

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Congratulations!
Now put the knife back in the medicine cabinet.
No contest(-ation).
Now put the knife back.
Didn't you read the one about the youth who ate the
Blue-black-lead-blue Washington bullet?
If this is the cream of the crop,
It's time to start burning some fields.

Years past, stop gap, too little yield.
Decline?
Make me.
No cognoscenti can stab critique in the back
For making me cognizant.
The scissor blades can spin another twelve hours,
Then we're taking your medicine.
You can make believe, enfant terrible.
The secrets out: you wet the bed to fertilize your list of names,
Bouquets, and passing interests.

Please.
Put the knife back in the medicine cabinet.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Q and Not U's song Nine Things Everybody Knows are quite abstract and can be interpreted in various ways. The verses seem to explore themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and the struggle to break free from a stagnant and unfulfilling life. The chorus, "Congratulations, now put the knife back in the medicine cabinet," can be interpreted as a call to the listener to stop self-harming and destructive behavior and instead focus on personal growth and self-care.

The song mentions the story of a youth who ate a "blue-black-lead-blue Washington bullet," which could be interpreted as a reference to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who was shot with a bullet made by the Western Cartridge Company in Washington. The phrase "cream of the crop" could be a reference to the idiom "cream rises to the top," which means the best people or things will stand out. The line "The scissor blades can spin another twelve hours, then we're taking your medicine" could be interpreted as a reference to the cycle of self-harm and medication that some people struggle with.

Overall, the song seems to be urging the listener to let go of destructive behaviors and patterns and pursue a more positive and fulfilling life.

Line by Line Meaning

Congratulations!
Sarcastically congratulating someone for doing something bad

Now put the knife back in the medicine cabinet.
Telling someone to put away the weapon that they were just using

No contest(-ation).
There is no disagreement or argument

Now put the knife back.
Reinforcing the command to put away the weapon

Didn't you read the one about the youth who ate the Blue-black-lead-blue Washington bullet?
Referencing a real-life news story about someone who died from gunshot wounds

If this is the cream of the crop, It's time to start burning some fields.
Suggesting that things are not as good as they seem and drastic measures need to be taken

Years past, stop gap, too little yield.
Reflecting on past failures and disappointments

Decline? Make me.
Challenging someone who suggested that there was a decline

No cognoscenti can stab critique in the back For making me cognizant.
Acknowledging that criticism can be helpful

The scissor blades can spin another twelve hours, Then we're taking your medicine.
Warning someone that their time is running out

You can make believe, enfant terrible.
Addressing someone who is behaving childishly or immaturely

The secrets out: you wet the bed to fertilize your list of names, Bouquets, and passing interests.
Revealing embarrassing information about someone

Please. Put the knife back in the medicine cabinet.
Politely asking someone to put away the weapon and not cause any more harm

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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