Discography:
1995 - Sleater-Kinney (Chainsaw)
1996 - Call the Doctor (Chainsaw)
1997 - Dig Me Out (Kill Rock Stars)
1999 - The Hot Rock (Kill Rock Stars)
2000 - All Hands on the Bad One (Kill Rock Stars)
2002 - One Beat (Kill Rock Stars)
2005 - The Woods (Sub Pop)
2015 - No Cities to Love (Sub Pop)
2019 - The Center Won't Hold (Mom+Pop)
2021 - Path of Wellness (Mom+Pop)
All Hands on the Bad One
Sleater-Kinney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can polish everything
except for the mark on you, you
Come be the first in line
To shake the hand of mine
Come be the first in line
To shake the hand of
All Hands on the Bad One, all Hands on the Bad One
We would be no better, we would be no better
All Hands on the Bad One, all Hands on the Bad One
We would be no better, we would be no better
You can't get to heaven in your Sunday best
When the night before they were calling it
your cocktail dress
Come be the first in line
To shake the hand of mine
Come be the first in line
To shake the hand of
(They call you out and up)
All Hands on the Bad One, all Hands on the Bad One
We would be no better, we would be no better
All Hands on the Bad One, all Hands on the Bad One
We would be no better, we would be no better
All Hands on the Bad One, all Hands on the Bad One
We would be no better, we would be no better
All Hands on the Bad One
You can't get to heaven with a three chord song
They called you a sinner
but the people want to sing along
The lyrics to Sleater-Kinney's "All Hands on the Bad One" are a commentary on society's judgments and expectations of others. The opening line, "You can't get to heaven in a silver spoon," speaks to the idea that privilege and wealth do not guarantee entrance into a better place. The following line, "You can polish everything except for the mark on you," suggests that one's actions and choices leave a permanent mark on their life, regardless of their material possessions.
The chorus, "All Hands on the Bad One," is a call to unite and not judge those who society perceives as "bad." The lyrics emphasize that we should not compare ourselves and judge others as we "would be no better." The lines "Come be the first in line to shake the hand of mine" indicate that the singer is open to acceptance and connection.
The lines "You can't get to heaven with a three-chord song, they called you a sinner but the people want to sing along" offers further commentary on the nature of judgment. The reference to a "three-chord song" implies simplicity and a perceived lack of skill, while being called a "sinner" speaks to the stigma and condemnation of those who do not conform to societal norms. However, the people's desire to sing along suggests that despite society's judgments, there is still a desire for connection and for individuals to be recognized for their talents.
Overall, "All Hands on the Bad One" is a powerful call for society to unite and not judge others based on surface-level characteristics, but rather to focus on the qualities that connect us all.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't get to heaven in a silver spoon
No amount of privilege and prestige can buy you passage into heaven.
You can polish everything, except for the mark on you, you
You can try to improve your outer appearance, but your true self will always be evident.
Come be the first in line, To shake the hand of mine
Come be my friend, be the first to support me.
(They call you out and up) All Hands on the Bad One, all Hands on the Bad One
All those who are judged and rejected by society, we come to your aid and support.
We would be no better, we would be no better
We acknowledge that we are also flawed and imperfect, and we stand with those who are marginalized.
You can't get to heaven in your Sunday best, When the night before they were calling it, your cocktail dress
Your superficial attempts to impress others will not gain you entrance to heaven, especially when your true self is exposed.
You can't get to heaven with a three chord song, They called you a sinner but the people want to sing along
Even if society condemns you for being different or going against the norm, there will always be those who appreciate and support you.
Contributed by Makayla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@tonyboughman8050
Brilliant drumming Janet!
@remopiwak6026
This music makes me feel so at home even though I was never really a part of the scene
@PSG1A1
How is this approaching 20yrs already...fk
@pspgamerserjio
to me this is the best song i heard on this band but even tho i havent heard every single one
@erikagrl1
My second best is Youth Decay but the whole album is pretty good. Also, the Hot Rock is awesome (Burn, Don't Freeze is my favorite).
@cardboardu6019
Modern Girl, Jumpers, youth decay, you're no rock and roll fun for me I think.. Modern girl for sure my favorite Carrie lead song
@zephyrsky__
Thank you early 2000s internet (semi-run by actual people). The amount of amazing music I found back then as a teen
@mchevre
omg I feel the same way.. I was in high school from 2001 - 2004. I'm forever thankful in particular to a friend of mine that recommended an internet radio site called "soma fm" - it had several stations, one of them was called "Indie PopRocks" and on that station I first heard Sleater-Kinney, Modest Mouse, Built To Spill, Guided By Voices, and many other indie bands I'd otherwise probably not have discovered until way later in college if ever at all.
@OceanSpaceman
Sleater Kinney are insanely talented and get better album by album, I love all their albums but have a special place for All Hands on The Bad One, a magnificent piece of work, Ballad of A Ladyman is truly exceptional.
@MetalHeadAZ
reminds me of college