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)
Ironclad
Sleater-Kinney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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