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.
Glad
Swingin' Utters Lyrics
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Like they're flying on uppers
So sweet and smug
That I lose my supper
Some mumble psalms
Of solace and virtue
Hang by their palms
I'm glad we met
So sad you left
Sometimes the sweetest things turn sour
Love songs are cheap
And only get cheaper
They prey on the meek
Who only get Meeker
Cliches sung by stars
Looks so good on paper
Each bar fed to you
A faux communion water
Don't even think of being average
'Cause you're so much more to me than edequate
I'm hanging on to every word you speak
I'll burn the torch until you come to me
I'm glad we met
So sad you left
Sometimes the sweetest things turn sour
The time we spent
Was heaven sent
Opened my eyes and stole my hours
The song "Glad" by Swingin' Utters is a critique on the music industry, specifically calling out musicians who sing about love and virtue in a cliché and insincere way. The opening lines refer to these musicians as "some" who sing their songs "like they're flying on uppers," meaning they are high on drugs or the high of fame. The singer, however, finds their music so "sweet and smug" that it makes them sick to their stomach. The next lines continue the critique by referring to other musicians who sing about solace and virtue, but the singer sees them as phony and choking on their own words.
However, amidst all the criticism, the singer finds solace in the connection they had with someone who has now left. While love songs may be cheap, the singer finds genuine value in the time they spent with this person and acknowledges that even the sweetest things can turn sour. The last few lines of the song, however, provide a glimmer of hope for the singer, as they hang on to every word this person speaks and will wait for them to return.
Overall, the song Glad is a commentary on the shallowness of the music industry and a reminder that, amidst all the noise, genuine connections with others are what truly matter in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Some sang their songs
Like they're flying on uppers
Some performers sing their songs with so much energy that it seems like they're on drugs.
So sweet and smug
That I lose my supper
Their pride and their pretentiousness make me feel sick.
Some mumble psalms
Of solace and virtue
Others sing hymns about comfort and morality.
Hang by their palms
And choke on the cud they chew
Those same people are so virtuous that it's hard for them to connect and interact with others who aren't like them.
I'm glad we met
So sad you left
Sometimes the sweetest things turn sour
I'm happy we became friends, but now that you're gone, it's a bittersweet memory.
Love songs are cheap
And only get cheaper
Songs about love are cliche and overused, resulting in an oversaturation of them, making them cheap.
They prey on the meek
Who only get meeker
These songs exploit vulnerable and timid people, causing them to feel even weaker and more susceptible.
Cliches sung by stars
Looks so good on paper
Celebrities singing about the same thing is so common that it only sounds good and is best on paper.
Each bar fed to you
A faux communion water
Every lyric they sing seems like cheap wine or the act of a shallow offering.
Don't even think of being average
'Cause you're so much more to me than edequate
You're unique, don't let yourself fall into the trap of mediocrity; you're so much more than just average to me.
I'm hanging on to every word you speak
I'll burn the torch until you come to me
I listen to your words with such care, and I'll wait for you no matter what.
The time we spent
Was heaven sent
Opened my eyes and stole my hours
Being with you was a gift from the heavens that has broadened and enlightened my world, as if time spent together is always too short.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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