As well as being classed as a “punk revival” band (reminiscent of British 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 Thievin’ 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).
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.
Another Day
Swingin Utters Lyrics
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The lyrics to Swingin Utters's song Another Day explore themes of domesticity, restlessness, and the desire to break free from the routines of everyday life. The song describes the singer's return home after being away on tour or perhaps just seeking adventure, and his struggles with settling back into "normal" life. He feels trapped and disconnected from the people around him, but is kept going by his partner, who gives him a reason to continue to pursue his passions.
The first verse illustrates his reluctance to return home and his distaste for relaxation: "I'm punishing myself for taking the rest". He paints a picture of his welcoming homecoming, with the support of his family and friends, but laments his loss of independence and his new status as a domesticated husband and father. The second verse exposes the singer's restlessness and the feeling that he is not fulfilling his full potential. He speaks of becoming a "pawn in my own twisted game" and of potentially abandoning his music career to settle into a regular nine-to-five job.
The final verse ends on a note of resignation and defeat. The singer feels trapped and unable to escape the cycle of touring, returning home, and then touring again. He doesn't want to face anyone or deal with the "familiar shouts", so he opts for more of the same old routines. Ultimately, the song is a reflection on the challenges of balancing a creative life with domesticity and the almost universal human desire for escape.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been back now for a day or two, at best and I'm punishing myself for taking the rest
I'm feeling guilty for taking a break and only returning back home after a couple of days.
I've been in slumber and in splendor in my house with beer and whiskey, my new son and spouse
I've been enjoying some quality time with my family at home while indulging in alcohol.
well, they've welcomed me with open arms and handshakes at family get-togethers and at bars
I'm warmly received by my family and friends who are happy to see me back after my brief absence.
I've a massive gift collection in my pantry bottles of wine, dead drying roses and cheap cigars.
I've collected a lot of gifts including wine, dried flowers and cigars at my home.
Now I'm back to every day to the songs I have to play to the roads along the way
I'm getting back to my routine life and traveling while performing my songs.
all the people in the fray no more family or home 'cause my home is not my own
I'm always on the go and have no permanent family or home as my music career demands it.
got to get up and away to another day and place.
I must leave and go to another place as part of my usual routine.
I'm a speck in the collective minds of millions nothing but a pawn in my own twisted game
I'm a small and insignificant part of the music industry and feel like I'm being played by the system.
I've a good mind to fuck off and finally leave it get an office job and settle with the dust and stains
I'm considering leaving the music industry and taking a traditional 9-5 office job to escape the chaos.
but she gives me reason to go and give it to them shovel the shit from drunken ramblings and perversions
My partner motivates me to continue playing music and dealing with the drunk and rowdy crowds.
if I'm not laughed out of the ring then I've succeeded in bringing to some poor sap my new distractions.
If I can entertain and distract the crowd without getting booed off stage, then I've achieved success in my own way.
Now I'm feeling tame taut, detached and lame like a tired old cliche give me all the blame
I'm feeling exhausted and uninspired, like a cliché, and am willing to take criticism for my performance.
no more smiles or frowns just leave me blackened out amid familiar shouts I'll take the same old route.
I don't care about the reaction of the crowd anymore and just want to stick to my usual routine.
Misdirection leads me to it blindly maps and border crossings greet me kindly my bones are splinters used for extra kindling for the godsthat hover up and around me, laughing.
I blindly follow direction without much thought, crossing borders and receiving a warm welcome. My physical health is deteriorating, and I feel like I'm being laughed at by some higher power or beings.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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