Members
Richard Manitoba - lead vocals (1973-2008)
Ross "The Boss" Friedman - lead guitars/backing vocals (1973- 2008)
Scott "Top Ten" Kempner - rhythm guitars (1973-2008)
Andy Shernoff - bass (1973-1975, 1976-2008), keyboards/backing vocals (1973-2008)
Stu Boy King - drums (1974-1975; died 2018)
Ritchie Teeter - drums (1976-1980; died 2012)
Mark Mendoza - bass (1976-1977)
Mel Anderson - drums (1979)
Frank Funaro - drums (1995-1998)
J.P. Patterson - drums (1998-2008)
Discography
Go Girl Crazy (1975)
Manifest Destiny (1977)
Bloodbrothers (1978)
Fuck 'Em If They Can't Take a Joke (ROIR, 1981)
The Dictators Live, New York, New York (ROIR, 1998)
D.F.F.D. (2001)
Viva Dictators (2005)
Every Day Is Saturday (2007)
Weekend
The Dictators Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Benny took downs in class
The principal found his stash
His mother's gonna get his ass
Oh Weekend
In his room he'll stay
Dreamin' when he's king he'll say
Set me free
I might know better when I'm older
But until then
Just give me a sopor for the weekend
Oh Weekend
Bobby is a local punk
Cuttin' school and getting drunk
Eating at McDonald's for lunch
Oh Weekend
Soon he threw up in the store
But if he does it anymore
I'll make him eat it off the floor
Set me free
I might know better when I'm older
But until then
Just give me a sopor for the weekend
Oh Weekend
Time to go a bit insane
Beatin' up the kids from Spain
I'm tired of this social change
Oh Weekend
Flashing rock and roll guitars
Cruising in my daddy's car
I'll do my homework in the bar
Set me free
I might know better when I'm older
But until then
Just give me a sopor for the weekend
The song "Weekend" by The Dictators is a rebellious and nostalgic anthem that celebrates the freedom and excitement of the weekends. It tells the stories of different teenagers who are all looking forward to their weekend activities. The first verse talks about Benny, who got caught with drugs in school, and his fear of punishment from his mother. However, he dreams of a day when every day would be like the weekend, a time of fun and no consequences. The chorus expresses the desire to be free, and to have something to take away the pains of growing up, while waiting for the wisdom that comes with age.
The second verse talks about Bobby, who is portrayed as a local punk, and his reckless behavior of cutting school and eating junk food. He threw up in a store, and his friend threatens to make him eat it off the floor if he does it again. The third verse talks about the desire to break away from society's rules, and to enjoy the freedom of being young, wild, and free, without the constraints of the adult world. The song ends with the same chorus, expressing the longing for a sopor or a temporary escape from reality.
In summary, "Weekend" by The Dictators is a song that speaks to the youthful desire for freedom, rebellion, and the yearning for something to numb the pain and confusion of growing up. The song takes a nostalgic view of teenage life, with its reckless behavior, rebellion, and excitement, and celebrates the temporary escape that weekends offer.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh weekend
The excitement and anticipation for the upcoming weekend.
Benny took downs in class
Benny got caught selling drugs in school.
The principal found his stash
The school principal discovered Benny's supply of drugs.
His mother's gonna get his ass
Benny's mother will discipline him for selling drugs and getting caught.
In his room he'll stay
Benny will remain in his room as punishment for selling drugs.
Dreamin' when he's king he'll say
Benny imagines having power and control, but he must face the consequences of his actions first.
Everyday is Saturday
Benny wishes he could have fun and freedom every day, like on the weekends.
Set me free
The desire for freedom and lack of responsibility.
I might know better when I'm older
Admitting to youth and inexperience in understanding life and its consequences.
Just give me a sopor for the weekend
A temporary escape from reality and its responsibilities for the weekend.
Bobby is a local punk
Bobby is a rebellious and troublesome teenager in the town.
Cuttin' school and getting drunk
Bobby skips school and spends his time drinking.
Eating at McDonald's for lunch
Bobby eats fast food for lunch as a reflection of his careless attitude towards life.
Soon he threw up in the store
Bobby becomes physically ill from his dangerous behavior.
But if he does it anymore
A warning to Bobby to not continue his self-destructive actions.
I'll make him eat it off the floor
If Bobby continues his reckless behavior, he will be punished severely.
Time to go a bit insane
Embracing the idea of letting go and having fun.
Beatin' up the kids from Spain
Seeking excitement through aggression and violence towards others.
I'm tired of this social change
Feeling discontentment with the current state of society and longing for a more carefree time.
Flashing rock and roll guitars
Enjoying the freedom and rebellion that rock and roll music represents.
Cruising in my daddy's car
Feeling a sense of power and freedom while driving his father's car.
I'll do my homework in the bar
Choosing to prioritize fun and pleasure over responsibilities and obligations.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDREW SHERNOFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SunnyDays951
These cats not only Rock but make me laugh my Butt off. God Bless Handsome Dick and company.
Jesse .Sutton
On this album, it was more like Adny Shernoff and Co., but yeah.....
philippe holland
Yeah Andy is the comic genius
Larz Gustafsson
Fantastic song by one of the best bands ever!
Steve Berberovic
Shernoff is a genius,and a funny mother of a man.Saw him play in Hamilton,Ontario couple years back.Tells a story about the Dictators van being pulled over in Germany."Jews,out of the Van!'nervous laughter ensued...
Hugo Pérez
Una gran banda. Se dice que gracias a ellos surgió el Punk. Los Ramones los escucharon a ellos y a otra gran banda de principios de los 70s como lo fueron los New York Dolls. Johnny Ramone comenta en su libro autobiográfico "Commando" que ir a ver varias veces a los New York Dolls y comprobar la energía y actitud que tenían sin casi saber tocar fue lo que lo decidió para formar Los Ramones. ¡Grandes Dictators!. ¡Viva Dictators!.
jose gomez
Acabo de descubrirlo, me partió el bocho ,no puedo dejar de pensar que los violadores tienen muchísimas melodías en guitarras y bajos de ellos ,stuka no puede negarlo jaja gran banda
Nagy Mihai
one of the great punk records
Brewzerr
Without a doubt. I first got ‘Go Girl Crazy’ when I was 12 years old. Now I’m 50 and it still gives me the urge to destroy my house. Still kicks the living shit out of 95% of the rest of my record collection. This album, ‘Bloodbrothers’, ‘LAMF’, the first Ramones album, and ‘Machine Gun Etiquette’.... that’s all I need.
Dave R
Dang this is some rocking stuff!