Along with such bands as Pavement and Guided By Voices, Sebadoh helped pioneer lo-fi, a style of indie-rock characterized by low-fidelity recording techniques, often on four-track machines. The band's early output, such as Weed Forestin (1990) and III (1992), was typical of this style, and wavered between Barlow's wry, introspective folk and Gaffney's psychedelic noise-rock experiments.
Following 1993's Bubble and Scrape, Gaffney left the band. His replacement, Bob Fay, appeared on the band's most acclaimed and consistent effort, 1994's Bakesale, which saw the emergence of the songwriting talents of multi-instrumentalist Jason Loewenstein, and the follow-up Harmacy in 1996.
Fay left the band before the sessions for The Sebadoh (1999), to be replaced by Russ Pollard. Following the tour to promote this album (2000), the band went on hiatus, with Barlow concentrating on his other project, the Folk Implosion, and Loewenstein working on material for his debut solo album At Sixes and Sevens, released in 2002. The two reunited to play concerts in late 2003 and the spring of 2004.
In 2006, III was reissued with a bonus disc and expanded liner notes. In 2007, the band (reunited with Eric Gaffney) was touring.
In 2013, Defend Yourself was released followed by Act Surprised in 2019.
Discography:
* The Freed Man (1989)
* Weed Forestin' (1990)
* The Freed Weed (1990)
* III (1992)
* Rocking The Forest (1992)
* Sebadoh vs. Helmet (1990)
* Smash Your Head On The Punk Rock (1992)
* Bubble and Scrape (1993)
* 4 Song CD (1994)
* Bakesale (1994)
* Harmacy (1996)
* The Sebadoh (1999)
* Defend Yourself (2013)
* Act Surprised (2019)
Mystery Man
Sebadoh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing thrills you like denial
There's nothing wrong with the need to please
And children know no shame
Baby on your bended knees and she'd love to play your game
She's a curious girl easily swayed by your force of will
Empty to be filled with the hunger for more
What if time denies you, the key to your fulfillment fails?
Stand shoulders above her
Pick her up when you love her
Rub it right when you use her
Need it so bad you abuse her
But don't leave her alone 'cause soon she'll be tasting
The sweet unknown
If it feeds her candy she'll follow it home
Make your claim, she's legally yours
When she shares your name
But don't lose control 'cause you'll scare her away
Go on beg her to stay
The lyrics to Sebadoh's song Mystery Man speak to the complicated dynamics of relationships where one partner is needy and controlling while the other is curious and easily influenced. The opening line "Earnest little lover, little mystery man" suggests that the subject of the song is a man who is trying hard to please someone but is still somewhat of an enigma. The line "Nothing thrills you like denial" suggests that the man may take pleasure in denying himself something he wants, which perhaps gives him a sense of control.
The lyrics go on to describe a woman who is curious and easily swayed by the man's force of will. She is "empty to be filled with the hunger for more" and is drawn to the man's neediness and controlling behavior. The lines "Stand shoulders above her / Pick her up when you love her / Rub it right when you use her / Need it so bad you abuse her" paint a picture of a man who is both passionate and possessive, a combination that can be dangerous in a relationship.
The chorus warns the man not to lose control and scare the woman away, but also suggests that he wants her to stay by his side. The song seems to be highlighting the complex emotions and power dynamics at play in relationships, particularly those where one partner is needy and the other is easily influenced.
Line by Line Meaning
Earnest little lover, little mystery man
Addressing the person who is earnest about love, and presents a mystery to others.
Nothing thrills you like denial
Thriving on the act of denying oneself something that is desired.
There's nothing wrong with the need to please
Being obliging and always ready to please someone is not a bad trait.
And children know no shame
Children are not hindered by inhibitions or embarrassment, and they express themselves honestly.
Baby on your bended knees and she'd love to play your game
If you present yourself in a pleasing, humble manner, you'll attract someone who will enjoy playing along with your desires.
She's a curious girl easily swayed by your force of will
If you assert your desires strongly enough, it will influence a curious, impressionable girl.
Empty to be filled with the hunger for more
There is a constant yearning for something more, as if one is an empty vessel waiting to be filled.
What if time denies you, the key to your fulfillment fails?
What if, despite your efforts, you are unsuccessful in obtaining what you desire the most?
Around the world again on a boat that sinks as it sails
The notion of being on a journey that is doomed to failure from the outset, much like a sinking boat.
Stand shoulders above her
Being in a position of strength or superiority over someone.
Pick her up when you love her
Being supportive and kind toward someone when you love them.
Rub it right when you use her
Taking care or giving attention to someone else's needs when you are using them for your own benefit.
Need it so bad you abuse her
Being so desperate for something, that you will mistreat someone else in order to obtain it.
But don't leave her alone 'cause soon she'll be tasting
The sweet unknown
Do not abandon someone who is vulnerable, because they might end up experimenting with something new and unknown, which may not be good for them.
If it feeds her candy she'll follow it home
If something is pleasing or attractive to someone, they will be willing to pursue it further.
Make your claim, she's legally yours
When she shares your name
Taking legal ownership of someone when you get married and share the same last name.
But don't lose control 'cause you'll scare her away
If you become too controlling over someone, they will become frightened and back away from you.
Go on beg her to stay
Pleading with someone to stay and not leave you.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LOUIS KNOX BARLOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PuddingAtheist
not bad at all