shortstraw play music. music that sounds like puppies being born. music tha… Read Full Bio ↴shortstraw play music. music that sounds like puppies being born. music that sounds like protestors outside an abortion clinic. music that sounds like church bells ringing on a crisp sunday morning. music that sounds like angels playing scrabble. music that sounds like a married couple fighting through the thin wall of your apartment. now doesn't that sound nice?

shortstraw started out in 2007 as a two-piece thrash folk band consisting of the enigma that is oliver nathan and what most would call 'sarcastic', alastair thomas. they played a few shows in and around melville, joburg before bringing in the guitar and keyboard skills of jay hartford and the basswork of the esteemed and handsome phil brierley. now a four-piece, slightly less folky outfit, shortstraw aim to hit the gigging circuit with guns blazing, so look out for a show near you... fuck that's boring. apologies. frankie says go fuck yourself.

The Wedding Blues
Shortstraw Lyrics

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Hey Dave, you're getting married today
Mazeltov, man
I must say
Your future father-in-law looks so strung out
'Cause there is an open bar and I'm parched
You see, I've got a bone to pick with you
You've sat me next to your aunt who looks long overdue
For a

Dental cleaning and that got me thinking
Am I in the mood for
Fish or chicken?

Something blue
Something borrowed
Something old
Something novel
Here's to you
You handsome devil
Bottoms up, man
This shit's forever

Hey Dave, your bride looks so good today
With that wine on her dress and that look on her face
While we bust a move to this band or DJ
Let's start the conga
Shit go get cray, cray

Something blue
Something borrowed
Something old
Something novel
Here's to you
You handsome devil
Bottoms up, man
This shit's forever

(Ladies and gentlemen)
(Put your hands together for the best man)

Well, where to begin
He is my best friend
Ruining his big day
Is tradition
I've got jokes about
When we were teenagers
That time you pooped your pants
In high school
Got stories about
When we got so wasted
Went to the mall naked
Murdered that homeless dude
I'm offending everyone
Just threw up on your mom
The bridesmaids are sexy
Except for that fat one
Shooting Apple Sours
I fell off the stage
I've got jokes for hours
I've got jokes for days
I'm closing with a classic
It's a sure thing
If I'm the best man
Why are you marrying him?

Raise your glasses
To your faces
Let's get blasted
Let's get wasted

Raise your glasses
To your faces
Let's get blasted
Let's get wasted

Something blue
Something borrowed
Something old
Something novel
Here's to you
You handsome devil

Bottoms up, man
This shit's forever

Overall Meaning

In "The Wedding Blues" by Shortstraw, the lyrics portray the perspective of a best man named Dave attending his friend's wedding. The song starts with a playful greeting to Dave on his special day, followed by a comical observation of his future father-in-law appearing stressed due to the open bar. The singer then humorously expresses their dissatisfaction with being seated next to a relative in need of a dental cleaning, contemplating whether to choose fish or chicken for the meal.

The chorus reflects the traditional wedding saying, "Something blue, something borrowed, something old, something novel." It celebrates the occasion and toasts to the groom, calling him a handsome devil, and acknowledging that they will be partying together as they raise their glasses. The lyrics also mention the potential for craziness and dancing, encouraging everyone to join in on the fun.

As the song progresses, the best man takes center stage, acknowledging his role and relationship with the groom. He indulges in playful reminiscences of their shared history, including embarrassing teenage moments and humorous escapades. The best man jokingly disrespects various individuals at the wedding, from pooping his pants in high school to insulting the bridesmaids, highlighting a mischievous and irreverent sense of humor.

The song climaxes with a provocative question, asking why Dave is marrying someone else when the best man is supposed to be closer to him. The final repetition of the chorus encourages everyone to raise their glasses, let loose, and have a great time at the wedding celebration.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey Dave, you're getting married today
Hey Dave, congratulations on your wedding day

Mazeltov, man
Congratulations, my friend

I must say
I have to admit

Your future father-in-law looks so strung out
Your future father-in-law seems stressed

'Cause there is an open bar and I'm parched
Because there is a free-flowing bar and I'm really thirsty

You see, I've got a bone to pick with you
Actually, I have something to discuss with you

You've sat me next to your aunt who looks long overdue
You placed me next to your aunt who seems neglected

For a Dental cleaning and that got me thinking
In need of a dental cleaning, and it made me wonder

Am I in the mood for Fish or chicken?
Should I choose fish or chicken for the meal?

Something blue
Something traditional and symbolic

Something borrowed
Something borrowed from someone else

Something old
Something old-fashioned or nostalgic

Something novel
Something new and unique

Here's to you
Cheers to you

You handsome devil
You attractive person

Bottoms up, man
Let's raise our glasses and drink

This shit's forever
This moment is for a lifetime

Hey Dave, your bride looks so good today
Hey Dave, your bride looks stunning today

With that wine on her dress and that look on her face
With the wine stain on her dress and the expression she has

While we bust a move to this band or DJ
As we dance energetically to the music played by the band or DJ

Let's start the conga
Let's begin the conga line dance

Shit go get cray, cray
Things are about to get crazy

(Ladies and gentlemen)
(Addressing the audience)

(Put your hands together for the best man)
(Applaud for the best man)

Well, where to begin
Now, let's start

He is my best friend
He is my closest friend

Ruining his big day
Spoiling his important day

Is tradition
Is a customary practice

I've got jokes about
I have humorous anecdotes about

When we were teenagers
Back when we were adolescents

That time you pooped your pants
That moment when you accidentally soiled your trousers

In high school
During our time in secondary education

Got stories about
I have tales to share about

When we got so wasted
When we became heavily intoxicated

Went to the mall naked
When we visited the shopping center in the nude

Murdered that homeless dude
Killed that homeless person

I'm offending everyone
I am upsetting everyone present

Just threw up on your mom
Just vomited on your mother

The bridesmaids are sexy
The bridesmaids look attractive

Except for that fat one
Except for the overweight one

Shooting Apple Sours
Drinking shots of Apple Sours

I fell off the stage
I stumbled and tumbled off the raised platform

I've got jokes for hours
I have plenty of jokes to tell

I've got jokes for days
I have a vast repertoire of jokes

I'm closing with a classic
I'm ending my performance with a timeless joke

It's a sure thing
It's a guaranteed hit

If I'm the best man
Considering I am the best man

Why are you marrying him?
Why have you chosen to marry him?

Raise your glasses
Lift your glasses

To your faces
In celebration of all of you

Let's get blasted
Let's get extremely intoxicated

Let's get wasted
Let's consume alcohol excessively

Here's to you
Cheers to all of you

You handsome devil
You good-looking person

Bottoms up, man
Let's drink and finish our glasses

This shit's forever
This situation will be remembered for a lifetime

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RUSSELL GRANT COWARD, GAD DE COMBES, SHANE MATTHEW DURRANT, OLIVER NATHAN, THOMAS JAMES REVINGTON, ALASTAIR LESLIE THOMAS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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