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."
The First Part
Superchunk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're drunk and the selfless relentless caresses
How long must the first part last
Before we make our respective messes?
Well all the clocks wound down
Well all the clocks wound down
And all the doors thrown open
One good minute will last me a whole year
Well it's a delicate line
We draw it in pink
We draw it in white
So take your time with it
Yeah take your time
I have remembered these things before
Whispered phrases and emotions
I have remembered these things before
Whispered phrases and emotions
And I know that they will only
I know that they will only haunt me
One good minute could last me a whole year
One good minute will last me a whole year
Well it's a delicate line
We draw it in pink
We draw it in white
So take your time with it
Yeah take your time
The lyrics to Superchunk's song "The First Part" depict a moment of drunken intimacy between two people. The first part is seemingly enjoyable, but the singer is aware of the mess that will follow. The clocks have wound down and the doors have been thrown open, implying a reckless abandon. The singer wishes that one good minute could last a whole year, but they also acknowledge a delicate line that they draw in pink and in white- perhaps referring to the boundary of their relationship or their emotional state.
The repetition of "I have remembered these things before" suggests a cycle of pain and nostalgia that the singer has experienced before. The whispered phrases and emotions will only haunt them. The song's theme is bittersweet. It is a moment of connection that is meaningful but fleeting. Like most of life's beautiful moments, it will eventually come to an end.
Line by Line Meaning
So this is the first part
The beginning of a sequence of events with an unknown duration
We're drunk and the selfless relentless caresses
Intense, passionate displays of affection while inebriated
How long must the first part last
Questioning the duration of the initial phase of a relationship
Before we make our respective messes?
Wondering when problems will arise from the situation
Well all the clocks wound down
Time seems to have stopped or slowed greatly
And all the doors thrown open
Opportunities and possibilities have become available
One good minute could last me a whole year
A moment of happiness could sustain the singer for a prolonged period
Well it's a delicate line
Navigating relationships requires careful attention and balance
We draw it in pink
Marking the boundaries of the relationship with a gentle touch
We draw it in white
Creating a blank slate for the relationship's future to be built on
So take your time with it
Urging caution and patience
I have remembered these things before
The artist has experienced similar situations in the past
Whispered phrases and emotions
Intense feelings and promises that may not be kept
And I know that they will only
The singer is aware that it will likely not end well
Haunt me
The memories and regrets will stay with the singer
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James August Wilbur, Jonathan Patrick Wurster, Laura Jane Ballance, Ralph Lee Mccaughan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Enefis Crypt
I bought this cd at Deaf Ear Records, in LaCrosse, WI in 1995. I was looking for 'On the Mouth', but they didn't have it. Around the same time I discovered other great indie bands such as Jawbox, Archers of Loaf, The Raymond Brake, Meices, The Dismemberment Plan, Seaweed, and Shiner. To this day, I still listen to the same bands I loved almost 25 years ago. Great music stands the test of time.
pelle lindbergh
you so right man ,i really can't stand the shit they play now ,and here a band that don't get any radio love now !!!????
mike bosi
Mac and the gang, seems like they have been putting out music for my enjoyment for the last two decades and Funny how there's so few who appreciate how good they are!
frflinstone
It is a mystery, but then again it might explain what has happened in the US in the past 5 or so years ! There's no accounting for taste !
julian schulz
I was a metal kid that sometimes watched 120 minutes in the 90's, and this song
would always come on & blow my mind.
I'd wait for that opening drum part, because they'd play it every Sunday.
Alternative Drummer
Foolish is such an amazing album. So many great memories from this time in my life.
luiz96826
banda muito legal, pena que perdi o show
Harriston Miller
classy track from a classy band
Nana M Wolfson
love the song. Can't find any band like them in 2017....
Merlin Siervo
Oso oso - The Yunahon Mixtape