As well as being classed as a "punk revival" band (reminiscent of UK 1970s bands such as Stiff Little Fingers, The Damned, Sham 69 and Eddie & the Hot Rods), Swingin' Utters have increasingly shown themselves to be influenced by Irish folk, particularly The Pogues. The Utters paid homage to their influences with a stellar cover of Cocksparrer's I Got Your Number on the Blackout compilation Punk Rock Jukebox.
Members of the Swingin' Utters have been involved in many musical side-projects, most notably Johnny Bonnel and Darius Koski's Filthy Thieving Bastards and Druglords of the Avenue (formed in Oakland, California in 2004), and Spike Slawson's Me First and the Gimme Gimmes (in which he is the singer). Drummer Greg McIntee's side project Viva Hate was founded with Tiger Army bassist Geoff Kresge and singer Matt Wedgley of The Force. Guitarist Jack Dalrymple formed and fronted the Fat Wreck band Dead to Me after One Man Army disbanded. Dalrymple, Slawson and Koski also play together in the Re-Volts.
Swingin' Utters tracks have been used in the soundtracks of computer games including "Five Lessons Learned", which appeared on the soundtrack to the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 and "Stupid Lullabies" which was used as the title track to Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX.
Back to You
Swingin' Utters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drank all the pubs bone-dry in seconds flat
Been to holes in walls and bathroom stalls from the states to foreign parts
And I'm always left with sickness in my heart
So I'm comin' back to you
To what's always right and true
Comin' back to my saving grace
The lyrics of Swingin' Utters' song "Back to You" tell a story of a protagonist who has gone on a wild journey, traveling to different places, drinking in pubs, and exploring different parts of the world. However, despite all the experiences, the singer still feels a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction in his heart. The line "And I'm always left with sickness in my heart" perfectly encapsulates this feeling of disillusionment and sadness. In the end, the singer realizes that nothing can replace the comfort and safety of being with someone who is his "saving grace." By returning to this person, the singer is finding redemption and a sense of purpose in life.
The song's lyrics are powerful in their simplicity, yet they are able to evoke deep emotions and feelings of longing and regret. The song's melody is catchy and upbeat, but there is a certain melancholy that pervades through the lyrics, making it a song that is perfect for both happy and sad occasions. The theme of the song is universal, as it speaks to anyone who has ever been lost or searching for meaning, only to find that it is right in front of them all along.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I've been to town down every road and back
I have traveled extensively across various cities and returned to where I started
Drank all the pubs bone-dry in seconds flat
I have consumed all the alcohol available in every pub within a very short time
Been to holes in walls and bathroom stalls from the states to foreign parts
I have been to various seedy places, including rundown establishments and sketchy bathrooms in different states and countries
And I'm always left with sickness in my heart
Despite my travels and experiences, I always feel a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction
So I'm comin' back to you
Therefore, I am returning to someone or something familiar and comforting
To what's always right and true
To something or someone that is consistent and reliable
Comin' back to my saving grace
Returning to a source of salvation or redemption
And I'm stayin' there with you
I am planning to remain in this place of refuge or with this person for an extended period
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Darius Koski
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind