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)
What's Up With That?
The Dictators Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, you said you're out drinkin' with the girls again
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
What's up with that?
What's up with that?
You treat me like a worn out toy
But when I get paid, I'm your lover boy
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
You're out of work again
Like all your your loudmouth friends
What can a poor boy do with you?
You're always yappin' on the telephone
You're always honkin' on the saxophone
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
Wooh
What's up with that?
The Dictators' song "What's Up With That" is a classic rock track that expresses frustration with a partner who's behaving indifferently. The lyrics describe a situation in which the singer's partner staggers home at 3 AM after going out drinking with her friends, leaving him wondering what's going on. The lyrics express the singer's frustration and confusion as he laments his partner's unwillingness to engage in a meaningful relationship with him.
The track's verses feature a strong rock beat accompanied by distorted electric guitars that accentuate the emotional vibe of the song. There is a strong sense of hurt and disappointment in the vocals, as the singer's feelings are not being acknowledged by his partner. The chorus serves to underscore the importance of the song's central message with the repetition of the lyrics "What's up with that?" which conveys the frustration and confusion of the singer.
Overall, the song is a classic rock anthem that's both powerful and emotional. It expresses a sense of hurt and frustration that anyone in a relationship can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
You stagger home at 3 AM
You come home stumbling drunk in the wee hours of the morning
Yeah, you said you're out drinkin' with the girls again
You claim to have been drinking with your female friends yet again
What's up with that?
What is the reason or explanation for that behavior?
You treat me like a worn out toy
You use me and neglect me as if I am an old, worthless plaything
But when I get paid, I'm your lover boy
But when I have money, suddenly I become your devoted partner
You're out of work again
You are currently unemployed once more
Like all your your loudmouth friends
Just like your obnoxious acquaintances
What can a poor boy do with you?
What options does a man with limited means have when dealing with you?
You're always yappin' on the telephone
You frequently chatter away endlessly on the telephone
You're always honkin' on the saxophone
You constantly play your saxophone loudly and without consideration for others
Wooh
An exclamation of frustration or confusion
What's up with that?
What is the reason or explanation for that behavior?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Brewzerr
Always honkin’ on the saxophone.
@slimchanse9354
No fakin comments?!?! What's up with that?!?!
@jblack806Tx
Greasy, guitar driven power-pop. It's got everything that's good about rock n roll, with none of the fatty gristle or pesky brown acid. That's what's up with that.