Ironclad
Sleater-Kinney Lyrics


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You're no rock n' roll fun
Like a party that's over
Before it's begun
You're no walk in the park
More like a shot in the dark
With clues left for no one

And all the boys in the band
Know how to get down
Fill our Christmas socks
With whiskey drinks
And chocolate bars
And when the evening ends we won't
Be thinking of you then
Although the best man
Won't hang out with the girl band!

You're no rock n' roll fun
Like a piece of art
That no one can touch
Your head is always up in the clouds
Writing your songs
Won't you ever come down?

And all the boys in the band
Know how to get down
Fill our Christmas socks
With whiskey drinks
And chocolate bars
And when the evening ends we won't
Be thinking of you then
Even if your song
Is playing on the jukebox

You want to party with the lights on
Come on I like it dark!
You always want to hear the same old song
Come on play another song!





You're no rock n' roll fun

Overall Meaning

The song "Ironclad" by Sleater-Kinney is a commentary on the lack of fun and spontaneity in rock n' roll. The lyrics are directed towards someone who is not able to let go and enjoy themselves, someone who is too uptight and caught up in their own head. The opening lyrics, "you're no rock n' roll fun like a party that's over before it's begun" sets the tone for the entire song. The singer is essentially saying that this person is no fun to be around, they don't know how to let loose and enjoy life.


Throughout the song, the band uses various metaphors to emphasize this point. The line "like a shot in the dark with clues left for no one" suggests that this person is confusing and mysterious, and not in a good way. The line "like a piece of art that no one can touch" further highlights how this person is unapproachable and distant.


Towards the end of the song, the band emphasizes the idea that this person is not a true rock n' roller. They won't party with the lights off, they always want to hear the same song, and their music is not memorable enough to be remembered when the night is over. Overall, the song conveys a sense of frustration with this type of person who takes themselves too seriously and can't enjoy the simple pleasures in life.


Line by Line Meaning

You're no rock n' roll fun
You don't embody the essence of rock n' roll fun and energy


Like a party that's over Before it's begun
Being around you is like attending a party that fails to take off


You're no walk in the park More like a shot in the dark With clues left for no one
Interacting with you is not easy, it often feels like a risky venture with little guidance for what's expected


And all the boys in the band Know how to get down Fill our Christmas socks With whiskey drinks And chocolate bars
The men in the band know how to party and have a good time by indulging in delicious foods and drinks


And when the evening ends we won't Be thinking of you then Although the best man Won't hang out with the girl band!
Once the night is over, we won't remember you, and even the most popular band member won't associate with you


Like a piece of art That no one can touch Your head is always up in the clouds Writing your songs Won't you ever come down?
You are like a work of art that is unapproachable, and you tend to isolate yourself while creating music. Will you ever try to connect with people around you?


Even if your song Is playing on the jukebox
Even if your music is playing, we still won't think of you


You want to party with the lights on Come on I like it dark!
You prefer well-lit parties, but I prefer dimly lit ones instead


You always want to hear the same old song Come on play another song!
You have a habit of requesting the same songs over and over again, so could you please ask for something different?




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Carrie Brownstein, Corin Tucker, Janet Weiss

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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