In 1990, Coomes, Weiss, and Brad Pedinov formed the band Motorgoat. The band released two self-released cassettes and one 7" single before dissolving in 1993. Quasi started recording as a duo in 1993. They played with various additional musicians in early live appearances, but eventually settled on playing live as a duo as well. They self-recorded and self-released a cassette and a CD in 1993. They recorded R&B Transmogrification in the Portland band Pond's basement recording studio and released it on Up Records in 1997. They released two more albums with Up: Featuring "Birds" in 1998 and Field Studies in 1999; both albums were recorded at Jackpot Studios in Portland, Oregon.
In 1998 and 1999 they toured the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Japan opening for and serving as the backup band for Elliott Smith (who Coomes had played with in Heatmiser) as well as touring on their own in the U.S. and Europe. In 2001 They home-recorded The Sword of God and released it on Touch & Go. Quasi had been somewhat political since its inception, but their opposition to the 2003 Invasion of Iraq showed through in a straight-forward way with the release of Hot Shit! in 2003, particularly in the songs "White Devil's Dream" and "Master and Dog." When the Going Gets Dark followed in 2006, released on Touch & Go in the U.S. and Domino Records in Europe, as with Hot Shit!.
In Spring 2009, the band announced that they had signed to the Kill Rock Stars label, and were due to release their already recorded next album in the latter half of the year. That album, entitled American Gong, was released February 23, 2010 to generally favorable reviews. It was their first and only album to feature third member Joanna Bolme. Following a tour of Japan, Europe, and the United States in support of the full length, Bolme left the band. A duo again, Sam and Janet are recording material for a new album.
Poverty Sucks
Quasi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I saw your name written up in the stars
I jumped ship and I'm down a hole
Deep underground like a lump of coal
Then a dream I never knew came true
They'll rattle your cage, they'll yank your chain
And all your dreams tumble down the drain
Poverty sucks but it ain't no sin
Then a dream you never knew comes true
The lyrics to Quasi's song Poverty Sucks might seem straightforward at first, but they contain deeper meaning when analyzed. The first few lines, "Drifting down a river of cars, I saw your name written up in the stars," may refer to feeling lost or insignificant in a world full of materialism and consumerism. The next line, "I jumped ship and I'm down a hole, deep underground like a lump of coal," suggests the singer has removed themselves from the mainstream capitalist society, but is now struggling or even suffering in poverty.
However, the next line, "Then a dream I never knew came true," offers a glimmer of hope. It implies that despite the harsh realities of poverty, there is still the possibility of finding purpose and fulfillment in life. The following lines, "They'll rattle your cage, they'll yank your chain, and all your dreams tumble down the drain," acknowledges the struggles and obstacles faced by those living in poverty. Nevertheless, the chorus offers a message of resilience and perseverance, "Never give up, never give in, poverty sucks but it ain't no sin. Then a dream you never knew comes true," reminding the listener that they are not alone and to hold onto their hopes and dreams.
Overall, Poverty Sucks is a poignant commentary on the struggles of poverty while also offering a sense of comfort and hope for those facing these hardships.
Line by Line Meaning
Drifting down a river of cars
Traveling through a bustling urban landscape.
I saw your name written up in the stars
Feeling a deep connection or admiration for someone.
I jumped ship and I'm down a hole
Leaving a situation or job that felt oppressive or unfulfilling.
Deep underground like a lump of coal
Feeling trapped or stuck in a difficult situation.
Then a dream I never knew came true
Finding unexpected success or happiness.
They'll rattle your cage, they'll yank your chain
Feeling controlled or manipulated by others.
And all your dreams tumble down the drain
Feeling hopeless after experiencing setbacks or failures.
Never give up, never give in
Encouragement to persist despite challenges.
Poverty sucks but it ain't no sin
Acknowledging the difficulty of living in poverty while rejecting societal judgement and stigma.
Then a dream you never knew comes true
Reiterating the idea that success and happiness can come unexpectedly.
Contributed by Elizabeth F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
NYCST
This doesn’t make sense. If you graduate high school. And then get a job. And then get married you will not be in poverty? If you have just a high school degree, what type of job are you going to be getting ? It’s going to be around low wage. If you make minimum wage and work full time, you’ll make $1160 a month. If you make $10 an hour, you’ll make $1600 a month. How are you supposed to make enough money to get married and support a family?
If your in California, Miami, Chicago, New York, DC, Denver, (or many of the other major parts of this country) this is an obvious no brained that you wouldn’t even be able to afford a 2 bedroom apartment alone with that salary. You literally won’t have enough money to cover the rent at all. It would be more than 100% of your income.
But let’s say your in a cheap part of the country.
Housing is let’s say $800. Utilities (WiFi, electricity, water, gas) is another $100. (Being very generous)
Then you have phone bill = average $75.
Food : $200.
Health insurance : $200 (being generous)
Then add $300 for miscellaneous. You know life things. like clothes, tickets, bed, pillow, fans, shoes, emergencies....Maybe the DMV charged a fee when you visit.
So as you can see, we’re already over our monthly salary. I didn’t take out taxes. I didn’t mention a TV, or maybe a microwave. I’m talking about bare necessities.
I didn’t even put a car payment and gas even though if you have cheap housing in America you most likely NEED a car. If you have a cheap car you most likely will need car repairs. I didn’t put car insurance bills either.
There is no money being saved here. This is not a way to the middle class.
This is all for a single person. So how are you supposed to start a family in all this?
I Hate Introductions
Count Olaf called, he wants his eyebrows back.
vara fouroneone
PERSONAL. RESPONSIBILITY. What a revolutionary concept.
Brendan Brown
I think we can all get behind this study despite where one stands politically.
Brendan Brown
Very true. It's unfortunate how presumptuous people can be when it comes to delivering direct data.
Nando
I don't think he himself thinks that the facts stated where racist, I think he was stating that some people would take the facts as racist, since in today's society, some people will take anything they don't agree with as racist.
Brendan Brown
I'm curious to hear your perspective. Can you please explain how you feel these facts are racist?
Jesse Sewell
The facts are racist.
jdemars
I like how Ben Shapiro puts it. "Number 1: Finish high school, number 2: get a job, number 3: get married before you have babies,, thats it!
Gabe Galardi
the problem is almost 50 percent of people dont graduate 4 year colleges
Morgan J
A person can do very well if they complete their trade school certifications. I.e. a plumper, welder, electrical worker.