Made up of guitarist and frontwoman Kaia Wilson, bassist Alison Martlew, and drummer Melissa York, the band has been performing together since the recording of their first album, Are We Not Femme? in 1998. Since then, the trio has recorded three subsequent albums, Population: 1975 in 1999, 3 in 2001, and Make Yr Life in 2004. They have also appeared on a number of compilations of note, including Being Out Rocks, produced by the Human Rights Campaign (Centaur Productions, 2002), and Fields And Streams (Kill Rock Stars, 2002). In 2005 the band announced a hiatus.
The first three albums were released by the now-defunct Mr. Lady Records, run by Kaia Wilson and Tammy Rae Carland. It was named after Wilson's first solo LP, Ladyman, created after leaving Team Dresch. The label also released the first two Le Tigre recordings. Make Yr Life was released by Yep Roc. The track, "Sex (I'm a Lesbian)" appeared on Mr. Lady's 1999 sampler album, New Women's Music Sampler. In 2001, a live rendition of the track, "Disco", appeared on another sampler album, Calling All Kings & Queens.
Kaia Wilson had previously performed in Adickdid and Team Dresch, appearing on their first two albums, Personal Best and Captain My Captain; Melissa York was also in Team Dresch, playing drums on the second LP and, prior to that, performing in Vitapup and Born Against.
The Butchies also played on the 2001 Amy Ray (of the Indigo Girls) album Stag on Daemon Records and backed her up on tour.
Mandy
The Butchies Lyrics
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The lyrics to The Butchies's song Mandy depict a bittersweet reflection on the loss of a loved one named Mandy. The singer describes feeling a sense of emptiness and shock upon hearing the news, but also conveys a sense of acceptance and peace. She speaks to Mandy directly, acknowledging that she is no longer physically present but remains with the singer in spirit. The lyrics also touch on themes of gratitude and remembrance, with the singer expressing appreciation for the ways in which Mandy kept her safe and supported her throughout her life.
Overall, the song seems to be a tribute to the enduring power of love and connection, even in the face of loss and hardship. It suggests that while we may have to say goodbye to those we care about, they remain a part of our lives in meaningful ways.
Line by Line Meaning
The light was empty my hands were still
I was in a state of emptiness and stillness when I received the news.
when I heard the news I already knew you already told me waves good bye
I had a feeling that something was about to end, and you confirmed it by saying goodbye.
I'm not saying the end it's going around you
I'm not blaming you for the end, but I feel like the end is happening around you.
Mandy you are with me now Mandy never far from me
Even though you're not physically here, you're still with me and always close to me.
desperate raiding the cupboards mixing gin and vodka
I turned to alcohol in desperation, searching for a way to cope with your absence.
I honestly believe you kept me away from harm I was seeking see you made me safely
I truly believe that you protected me and kept me safe, even though I was searching for you.
I'm at ease I know you are running sweetness
I feel at peace knowing that you are still out there spreading kindness and sweetness.
I miss you I miss you and once upon a time a 10 year old girl Mandy you picked me good bye
I miss you dearly, and I remember when as a ten-year-old, you chose me and said goodbye.
I'll see you when I see see you when I see you again I'll see you when I see you again
I don't know when I'll see you next, but I know that we will meet again someday.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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