After a pair of well-received singles, Superchunk released Superchunk in 1990, a critically-lauded LP. In spite of the ensuing interest from major labels, Superchunk decided to stay independent, going with Matador Records for their second, just as critically-lauded LP, No Pocky for Kitty, followed by a collection of singles, Tossing Seeds and another pair of well-reviewed LP's, On the Mouth and Foolish.
Superchunk singer Mac McCaughan and bassist Laura Ballance decided to release future albums on their own Merge Records, which they had started in 1989. The band continued touring and recording, appearing on Lollapalooza and backing a minor hit in "Hyper Enough" (from Here's Where the Strings Come In). In 1999, Superchunk released Come Pick Me Up.
McCaughan was a member of Seam and has also recorded several albums as Portastatic. Initially a solo project, Portastatic has evolved into a full band, which currently includes Superchunk's Jim Wilbur as a member. Before forming Superchunk, McCaughan was a member of the Slushpuppies, Wwax, and Bricks.
In 2008, the band announced they would be performing live shows and working on new material. That new material manifested itself as 2009's Leaves in the Gutter EP, which was followed by a full-length in 2010.
In 2013 bassist Laura Ballance announced that she would no longer tour, due to a worsening hearing condition (hyperacusis). However, the band continues to release new material, including the 2018 album "What a Time to be Alive."
Learned to Surf
Superchunk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've just gone to find you, Ill be back in a bit
Circles close up but(?) circles are wide
We'll be wearing wigs and costumes, won't need any hole to hide
When I learned to walk, you know humans roamed the earth
I can't hold my breath anymore, I stopped sinking and learned to surf
When I learned to talk, I found words that weren't worth dirt
If I drift out in channels way too deep
Its cause I can't stand the shifting sand and shells under our feet
Put your suitcase down, and leave your shoes
Gently by the door, in a puddle with your blues
When I learned to walk, you know humans roamed the earth
I can't hold my breath anymore, I stopped sinking and learned to surf
When I learned to talk, I found words that weren't worth dirt
I can't hold my breath anymore, I stopped swimming and learned to surf
When I learned to walk you know humans roamed the earth
I can't hold my breath anymore, I stopped swimming and learned to surf
When I learned to talk, I found words that weren't worth dirt
Heavy like the rocks we carry, I stopped sinking and learned to surf
I stopped swimming and learned to surf
Stopped swimming, learned to surf
I learned to surf
I learned to surf
The song "Learned to Surf" by Superchunk is a reflection on personal growth and progression. The lyrics suggest that the singer has evolved from someone who was unable to hold their breath and sank to the bottom, to someone who now rides the waves on a surfboard. The line "when I learned to walk, you know humans roamed the earth" denotes a sense of personal history and journey. The idea that the singer has moved from sinking to surfing seems to suggest that the ability to surf is something that must be learned, acquired through experience and hard work. The idea of wearing wigs and costumes and not needing to hide suggests that the singer has gained confidence and is now comfortable with themselves.
The lyrics seem to also suggest a sense of peace that comes with being out in the ocean. The shifting sand and shells under our feet signify instability and uncertainty. The singer's desire to drift out in channels way too deep might be seen as a metaphor for wanting to escape the chaos and unpredictability of daily life. The invitation to leave your shoes gently by the door signifies a sense of release and liberation — a letting go of the past.
Overall, the song talks about personal evolution, seeking peace and self-acceptance, and finding the courage to explore new horizons.
Line by Line Meaning
If I seem out of it
I am momentarily absent because I am searching for you. I will be back soon.
I've just gone to find you, Ill be back in a bit
I am on my way to locate you and will return shortly.
Circles close up but(?) circles are wide
Although the cycle of life seems to be closing in on us, there are infinite opportunities for new experiences.
We'll be wearing wigs and costumes, won't need any hole to hide
We will be disguising ourselves so we can evade detection and not require any means of concealment.
When I learned to walk, you know humans roamed the earth
I have been around for a long time and observed human existence from its inception.
I can't hold my breath anymore, I stopped sinking and learned to surf
I have developed a new skill and can now ride the waves with ease, no longer consumed by the water.
When I learned to talk, I found words that weren't worth dirt
I have discovered that words, despite their potential for communication, can be meaningless and insignificant.
If I drift out in channels way too deep
If I appear to be lost or struggling, it is because I am in unfamiliar territory.
Its cause I can't stand the shifting sand and shells under our feet
The instability of the earth beneath us makes me uncomfortable and uncertain.
Put your suitcase down, and leave your shoes
Drop your baggage and shed your inhibitions.
Gently by the door, in a puddle with your blues
Leave your sadness and worries behind, symbolically represented by your discarded shoes in a small pool of water.
Heavy like the rocks we carry, I stopped sinking and learned to surf
The weight of our emotional burdens can be overwhelming, but I have found liberation through surfing.
I stopped swimming and learned to surf
I have transcended my previous limitations and acquired a new ability.
Stopped swimming, learned to surf
I have abandoned my old ways of navigating life and found a new path forward.
I learned to surf
I have mastered a new skill and can now thrive in previously unnavigable waters.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James August Wilbur, Jonathan Patrick Wurster, Laura Jane Ballance, Ralph Lee Mccaughan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
rmorte62
Superchunk is one of the few bands that still make me jump up and down because of the sheer rock n roll joy they generate..
Jennifer Reyes
At 47, I still agree.
Gregory Thomas
It is criminal that such a great song has less than 10 million views!
Mark Weiss
I don’t know about criminal but what is weird to me is it in one hand literally I am watching and listening to this on a $1000 personal computer and I other hand my screen is locked such that I cannot scroll up to figure out the name of the song so it is both the best of times and the worst of times
Louis Greene
One vote at a time.
chic regel
I love them regardless but the drums have been shaping this band into something superior for 20 years
Dan Sipp
Seeing Laura Ballance rocking makes me so happy.
Jennifer Reyes
She's the heart of this band. I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.
Leandro Pior
ahhh. i remember back there in 1998, when i have the pleasure to be in a superchunk gig in belo horizonte, minas gerais, brasil. i wrote a quote based on a sonic youth's song (screaming skull) and i also asked them to play "for tension". i badly could believe when they start playing it. finishing the concert, mac and jon came to talk with me and friends. what a night! thank you. this clip/music rocks! love you !
Jackson Forrester
Leandro Pior for tension!