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."
Sprung A Leak
Superchunk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's deep blue leaves ? and pools of open green
Down here where the light has never been
Where I'm staying that's healthy for my skin
[Chorus]
Yesterday you talked to me
Today I feel I've sprung a leak
Today you just swam away
I know there could be
Well I know there could be no bond ?
If you sank with me
Into this mildew ? pond
[Chorus]
If you sank with me
If you sank with me
If you sank with me
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Superchunk's song Sprung A Leak speak to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The opening lines describe a bed that is unlike any other, with deep blue leaves and pools of open green. The setting is one that is devoid of light and healthy for the singer's skin. This creates an atmosphere of being cut off from the outside world and hiding away from it all.
The chorus captures the essence of the song's message. It is an expression of the duality of a relationship where nothing seems to be clear. Yesterday, the singer had someone to talk to, but today, they feel like they have sprung a leak. They're slowly losing the connection with the other person. The person today swam away, and there's nothing left to say. This shift in the relationship's dynamic is causing the singer to feel like they're drowning in a mildew pond, as the other person swims away.
The song's lyrics hint at the difficulty of forming a meaningful connection with someone who is not willing to put in the effort. The song leaves a lot open to interpretation but shows the singer's frustration with the lack of communication and emotional support from the other person.
Line by Line Meaning
My bed ? is like non you've ever seen
The singer's sleeping arrangements are unconventional and striking.
It's deep blue leaves ? and pools of open green
The bed is composed of vibrant, contrasting colors that create a unique atmosphere.
Down here where the light has never been
The location of the bed is in a dimly lit or underground area.
Where I'm staying that's healthy for my skin
The artist believes that the darkness and dampness of their sleeping quarters is beneficial for their skin.
Yesterday you talked to me
The artist had a conversation with someone the day before.
Today I feel I've sprung a leak
The singer is experiencing an emotional breakdown or sudden vulnerability.
Today you've got nothing to say
The person the singer talked to the day before is not communicating in the present moment.
Today you just swam away
The person the artist talked to the day before has figuratively or literally distanced themselves from the artist.
I know there could be
The artist acknowledges the possibility of something.
Well I know there could be no bond ?
The artist doubts the potential for a connection or relationship with the person they're referring to.
If you sank with me
The singer implores the person they're referring to to join them in their emotional state.
Into this mildew ? pond
The artist describes their mental or emotional state as polluted and stagnant.
If you sank with me
The singer repeats their plea to the person they're addressing.
If you sank with me
The singer repeats their plea once more.
If you sank with me
The singer repeats their plea for a final time.
[Chorus]
Refrain that the song returns to throughout its duration.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Chuck Garrison, James August Wilbur, Laura Jane Ballance, Ralph Lee Mccaughan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind