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."
Me & You & Jackie Mittoo
Superchunk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What is it worth?
Can't bring anyone
Back to this earth
The feeling of space
Between all of the notes
But I got nothing else
So I guess here we go
Let me do back to the mallow yeah
All of our friends with the plan on
So watch out all the old... sea
All of it takes to pull off our feet
We got out stereo freaks
We got our sweet summer breeze
Had it all the record estranged
Hours a day we were never the same
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
I hate music
What is it worth?
It can't bring you
Back to this earth
The song "Me and Jackie Mittoo" by Superchunk contains two repeated lines that sums up the theme of the song "I hate music. What is it worth? It can't bring you back to this earth." This theme signifies how the love for music, something that was once a source of joy for the singer has now turned into a lingering feeling of despair. The lyrics suggest that no matter how much we might love music, it is not enough to bring back the ones we lose. The lines "Let me do back to the mallow yeah / All of our friends with the plan on" hints at a past memory or event that might have contributed to the singer's current state of despair. The mention of Jackie Mittoo throughout the song could indicate how music might have played a significant part in their friendship.
Furthermore, the lyrics of the song suggest that music often fails to capture the raw emotions of loss, and at times it might even be a hindrance to acknowledging one's emotions. The line "The feeling of space / Between all of the notes" is a metaphorical representation of how music's silence can draw attention to the fact that the person we lost is no longer there to fill that void. At the same time, it suggests that the singer feels the music has failed to capture their emotions fully. Thus, the singer's cynicism towards music is a reflection of how their relationship with it has changed over time.
Overall, the song "Me and Jackie Mittoo" by Superchunk is a contemplative reflection on the role of music in our lives. While music can be a source of comfort and joy, it falls short when it comes to dealing with loss, a feeling that cannot be translated into the lyrics or notes of a song.
Line by Line Meaning
I hate music
I dislike the art and entertainment of music
What is it worth?
Is it worth anything or of any value?
Can't bring anyone
Music cannot revive or resurrect anyone
Back to this earth
Bring someone back to life in this world
The feeling of space
The experience of silence or emptiness between musical notes
Between all of the notes
Referring to the sound intervals between musical tones
But I got nothing else
There is nothing else available or appealing to do
So I guess here we go
Thus, I suppose I'll listen to some music
Let me do back to the mallow yeah
Returning to the feeling of the moment, going back to an enjoyable time
All of our friends with the plan on
All of our buddies with the same mindset
So watch out all the old... sea
Beware of the older generation who don't understand our ways
All of it takes to pull off our feet
All it takes is some good music to get us dancing
We got out stereo freaks
We have people who are obsessed with high-quality sound systems
We got our sweet summer breeze
We enjoy the refreshing and relaxing breeze of summer
Had it all the record estranged
Had it all on a record that had been forgotten or separated from us
Hours a day we were never the same
We would listen for hours without getting bored or losing interest
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
The trio of 'me', 'you', and Jackie Mittoo is united through music
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Again, the three of us are together, sharing the joy of music
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Repeating, we are an inseparable group of musical fans
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Continuing, we always come together to share in the love of music
Me and you and Jackie Mittoo
Finally, repeating again that we are bonded by our love of music
I hate music
Repeating again, my distaste for music
What is it worth?
Wondering once again about its value or worth
It can't bring you
Reiterating that music cannot revive or resurrect someone
Back to this earth
Bringing back someone to life in this world, emphasized again
Lyrics © 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
Jackie Treehorn
Arguably the greatest two minutes and one second of music released in 2013. Great song, great album!
*Semjase from Erra*
Nice job, Superchunk! Giving props to (organ/piano/keyboard) reggae legend, Jackie Mittoo. There will never be another like you... RIP
Ger Devine
Superchunk are the kings of the endlessly watchable, indie rock video.
Karen Kane
The bridge still gives me chills 5 years later.
Danny Sigelman
awesome! that's me holding the Coltrane record at :30 in the upper right. Superchunk, Coltrane and Jackie Mittoo are three of my most favorite. such a great song and video!
kittyjitters
time presses on but superchunk still sounds just like superchunk. i am happy.
Marc Brown Pictures
Great tune, fun video...well done!!
Teona
Wonderful! Thanks.
Juan Bascur Núñez
sí, el video comparte idea fuerza con el de la banda de bob stanley. cáspita!
Beautiful la
This is so similar to the Portastatic song I'm In Love (with Arthur Dove). This is so good.