Sleater-Kinney (/ˌsleɪtərˈkɪniː/ SLAY-tər-KIN-ee) is an American rock band … Read Full Bio ↴Sleater-Kinney (/ˌsleɪtərˈkɪniː/ SLAY-tər-KIN-ee) is an American rock band that formed in Olympia, Washington, in 1994. The band's current lineup features vocalists/guitarists Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, following the departure of longtime drummer Janet Weiss. Sleater-Kinney came out of the riot grrrl movement, formed from the ashes of the bands Heavens to Betsy and Excuse 17. Today they are recognized as a key part in the American indie rock scene. The band is also known for its feminist and left-leaning political views. They went on hiatus in 2006, working on several other projects, and reunited in 2014.

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)

My Stuff
Sleater-Kinney Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Say no way
We won't let them grow up that way
Things have changed
but some things have stayed the same
Hold on what you want to
but some things are passed down anyway
Hold on to what I want to
I don't think I know what I just

Leave me without a god without belief with out a cause
Without a path that I should take
Without a choice that a should make
Such an easy thought and now I had it but I lost it
I guess I need your help and now I
Guess I need your help and now I

Say no way
Don't let things go on this way
A clean slate
but it don't work that way
Hold on to what you want to
but some things are passed down anyway
Hold on to what I want to
I will have to own what I have

Leave me without a god without belief with out a cause
Without a path that I should take
Without a choice that a should make
Such an easy thought and now I had it but I lost it
I guess I need your help and now I
Guess I need your help and now I

It's not my stuff it's just too much
It's just my stuff it's just my

Leave me without a god without belief with out a cause
Without a path that I should take
Without a choice that a should make
Such an easy thought and now I had it but I lost it

I guess I need your help and now I
Guess I need your help and now I

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sleater-Kinney's song "My Stuff" are about the struggle to hold onto what one wants in the face of societal pressures and the weight of tradition. The singer is addressing someone else and urging them to "say no way" and resist the pressure to conform to the ways of the past. However, they acknowledge that there are things that are "passed down anyway", implying that some aspects of tradition are so ingrained that they are difficult to escape. The singer is also grappling with their own sense of purpose and direction, feeling lost without a belief system or clear path to follow. They admit to needing help from someone else to navigate these complex emotions and resist the pull of tradition.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of tension between holding onto one's individuality and confronting the weight of history and societal expectations. The phrase "hold on to what you want to" is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the importance of resisting external pressure and staying true to one's own desires. However, the line "some things are passed down anyway" suggests that this is easier said than done. Ultimately, the singer realizes that their possessions (their "stuff") are a burden rather than a source of comfort, and they need to let go of them in order to find clarity and purpose.

Line by Line Meaning

Say no way
Refusing to accept the status quo

We won't let them grow up that way
We will not allow the mistakes of the past to define future generations

Things have changed
Society and culture have evolved

but some things have stayed the same
Certain beliefs and attitudes persist despite progress

Hold on what you want to
Stick to your principles

but some things are passed down anyway
Inherited prejudices and biases still exist in society

Hold on to what I want to
Maintain personal convictions

I don't think I know what I just
Uncertain about the future

Leave me without a god without belief with out a cause
Feeling lost without guidance or direction

Without a path that I should take
Unsure of the right course of action

Without a choice that a should make
Feeling trapped by circumstance