Stump were an Anglo-Irish indie/experimental/rock group featuring Mick Lynch (vocals), Kev Hopper (bass), Rob McKahey (drums) and Chris Salmon (guitar) formed in London in 1983.
Their first release was a four track EP Mud on a Colon,released in 1986 through the Ron Johnson record label. This was followed by a self-released mini album,Quirk Out,produced by Hugh Jones which included their cult hit Buffalo. Continuous UK touring, regular coverage in the UK music press - including cover features in both the NME and Melody Maker-and a memorable performance of Buffalo on Channel 4's The Tube ensured Quirk Out stayed in the UK Indie Charts for 26 weeks,peaking at number 2[1]. Sessions for the John Peel radio show recorded during this time were released as a Peel Sessions album on Strange Fruit Records in 1987. Following these successes the band were signed to Ensign Records.
An album A Fierce Pancake,released in 1988,was recorded in Berlin and London produced by Holger Hiller with assistance from Stephen Street. Three singles were released from this album:Chaos, Charlton Heston and a re-released Buffalo. The album did not bring the crossover success the label had hoped for and the band split before any new material was released.
Buffalo
Stump Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swing big bottom
Swing-a-linga
Big bottom
Swing big bottom
Swing-a-linga
It's blubbery burberry baby
It's blubbery burberry
Big bumpy
Bop-a-lula
Big bumpy bump
Big bumpy
Bop-a-lula
In terylene tartan lady
In terylene tartan lady
Big bottom
Swing big bottom
Swing-a-linga
Big bottom
Swing big bottom
Swing-a-linga
How much is the fish?
How much is the fish?
How much is the chips?
Does the fish have chips?
How much is the fish?
How much is the chips?
How much is the fish?
Does the fish have chips?
I don't want a drink but I'll go to the bar
I'd go for a walk but I ain't got a car
Exclamation mark click-click-click...
Exclamation mark click
Exclamation mark click-click-click...
I like when it's different but it's just not the same
I like when it's different but it's just not the same
The weather is perfect except for the rain
The weather is perfect except for the rain
Big bottom
Swing big bottom
Swing-a-linga
Big bottom
Swing big bottom
Swing-a-linga
Immaculate molars baby
Immaculate molars baby
Big bottom
Swing big bottom
Swing-a-linga
Big bottom
Swing big bottom
Swing-a-linga
How much is the fish?
How much is the fish?
Don't mention hamburgers Harry...
How do I get off the bus?
The lyrics of Stump's song "Buffalo" are quite difficult to interpret as they seem to lack a coherent message or meaning. The repetition of the words "Big bottom" and "Swing-a-linga" makes it seem like it might be some sort of chant or mantra. The line "It's blubbery burberry baby" could be interpreted in a few ways - it might be a reference to someone's physical appearance, or it might be a metaphor for excess or luxury. The lines "In terylene tartan lady" and "Immaculate molars baby" are similarly enigmatic and don't seem to contribute much to the overall meaning of the song.
The second section of the song starts with the repeated question, "How much is the fish?" This could be interpreted in a few ways - it might be a literal inquiry about the cost of a fish, or it might be a metaphor for something else entirely. The subsequent lines ("How much is the chips?"; "Does the fish have chips?") add to the confusion. The lines "I don't want a drink but I'll go to the bar" and "I'd go for a walk but I ain't got a car" seem to reference someone who is feeling discontent or restless but doesn't quite know how to address those feelings.
The final section of the song restates the "Big bottom, swing big bottom, swing-a-linga" chant, along with the phrases "Immaculate molars baby" and "How much is the fish?" The final line, "How do I get off the bus?" adds to the general sense of uncertainty and confusion that runs throughout the song.
Overall, "Buffalo" seems to be a somewhat nonsensical song that doesn't convey a clear message or meaning. It might be seen as a reflection of the feelings of disconnection and uncertainty that many people experience in their daily lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Big bottom
The large derriere
Swing big bottom
Move your large bottom in a wide sweep
Swing-a-linga
Swing rhythmically
It's blubbery burberry baby
The bottom is fat and jiggly
Big bumpy bump
The bottom has lumpy contours
Bop-a-lula
Singor shout out loud with joy and pleasure
In terylene tartan lady
A woman wearing retro synthetic fabric patterned with tartan
How much is the fish?
Asking the price of seafood
How much is the chips?
Asking the cost of fries
Does the fish have chips?
Inquiring if a fish dish comes with fries
I don't want a drink but I'll go to the bar
Going to the bar with no intention of drinking
I'd go for a walk but I ain't got a car
Yearning to walk but lacking transportation
Exclamation mark click-click-click...
Sounds of computer keys
I like when it's different but it's just not the same
Enjoying variety, but not finding it satisfying
The weather is perfect except for the rain
Weather is great, except for the presence of rain
Immaculate molars baby
Having perfect teeth
Don't mention hamburgers Harry...
Warning to avoid discussing food
How do I get off the bus?
Inquiring about proper exit strategy from public transportation
Contributed by Maria H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Caddicarus
this one of the most complex songs ever written. Brilliance. Also, DAT BASS
@jaywrights
Holy shit Caddy lmao
@liverpooldean11
Why are you here O.o
@JoelCarli
Holy shit Caddy
@declanhampson1098
Fancy meeting you here Caddy 😂😂😂 my mind is blown.
@georgesbugs6664
In all the videos, in all the sites, in all the internet, in all the world. You click on mine.
@Flypool
If one day I found my own country, this will be the national anthem
@luvmydub
I would like to apply for citizenship of your country
@joelpitcher4824
Count me in.
@johngerity
You do realize this whole song is a rip on American tourists visiting England right?