The Replacements were an alternative rock group that formed in Minneapolis,… Read Full Bio ↴The Replacements were an alternative rock group that formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1979. The band originally started off as a hardcore punk outfit but began to incorporate folk and power pop influences in their sound. They become one of the leaders of the early alt-folk set and one of the flagship bands of the American post-punk scene in the 80s, being a major influence on 90s indie rock as well.

The band's best known lineup consisted of Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitar), Bob Stinson (guitar), Tommy Stinson (bass) and Chris Mars (drums). They were infamous for their abrasive, hard drinking lifestyles and their ragged stage performances, notorious for coming to some shows too drunk to play very well at all. Sometimes, they just performed entire sets of covers, their picks showing their debt to 70s hard rock outfits.

The sound of this band showed off what their many fans saw as the very best of independent rock n' roll. More than possibly any other band since The Rolling Stones and the the Ramones, the Replacements embodied the spirit of rock, from their raucous performances, drug addictions, charismatic and romantic frontman, and wild, sometimes basic and sometimes powerfully confessional songs. At any given time, almost any list of 'The Best Rock Albums Of All Time' will include either the album 'Let It Be' or 'Tim', sometimes both.

Their sound started off as a classic rock influenced shade of punk, mutating to a melodic hardcore sound reminiscent of local buddies Hüsker Dü. They also progressed into a relatively straightforward but heartfelt rock style, with a number of highly soulful ballads from the heart of Westerberg to round out the mix.

The band broke up in 1991. Bob Stinson, who was fired from the band in 1986 (and was subsequently replaced by Slim Dunlap), died in 1995. Westerberg and Mars both have solo careers, and Tommy Stinson formed several bands, like Perfect and Bash and Pop, and now plays bass for Guns and Roses and Soul Asylum.

In 2012, Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson reformed the Replacements and recorded an EP, "Songs for Slim" as a benefit for former member Slim Dunlap, who had suffered a stroke. The band played their first show since 1991 on August 24, 2013 at RiotFest in Toronto, and has since played at several festivals since. The band also currently includes Josh Freese on drums and Dave Minehan on guitar. The band played its final show in June 2015.

Careless
The Replacements Lyrics

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Yeah
Irresponsibility's my closest friend
Forget my duty I couldn't give a shit
Tell my about the city ordinance
Tell me that we're insubordinate
Plan tomorrow, money to borrow
I couldn't care less, care less
Couldn't care less, care less

I'm careless, careless
And that's the way I stay

I never pay attention, watch my step
Never pay my bills, way in debt
Tell my about the fuckin' ordinance
Tell me that we're insubordinate
Plan tomorrow, money to borrow
I couldn't care less, care less
Couldn't care less, care less
So careless, careless
Yeah that's the way I stay
Stay

Careless, careless...
Yeah careless is the way I'll stay

Overall Meaning

The Replacements's song "Careless" is a reflection on a life of irreverence and disregard for authority. The lyrics delve into the carefree attitude of the singer, who is content to live in the moment and ignore the consequences of his actions. The opening lines, "Irresponsibility's my closest friend, forget my duty I couldn't give a shit," set the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer reveling in his own recklessness. He pays no attention to detail, never pays his bills, and is always in debt. The line, "Tell me about the city ordinance, tell me that we're insubordinate" suggests that he is aware of the rules he is breaking, but he simply doesn't care.

The chorus, "I'm careless, careless, and that's the way I stay" reinforces his philosophy of living life without a care in the world. He is content with the way he is, and even takes pride in his lack of responsibility. The final line, "Careless is the way I'll stay," is a declaration of his intent to continue living his life with complete disregard for others.

The song is an anthem of sorts for those who are tired of living within the boundaries of society. It speaks to the rebellious spirit in all of us, encouraging us to throw caution to the wind and live life on our own terms. The Replacements manage to capture perfectly the feelings of those who feel trapped or stifled by societal expectations. In this way, "Careless" is a timeless classic that resonates as much today as it did when it was first released.

Line by Line Meaning

Yeah
An affirmation signaling the start of the song

Irresponsibility's my closest friend
Being irresponsible is an integral part of my personality

Forget my duty I couldn't give a shit
I don't care about my responsibilities

Tell my about the city ordinance
Inform me about the rules imposed by the city

Tell me that we're insubordinate
Confirm that we don't comply with authority

Plan tomorrow, money to borrow
I plan to have a good time in the future, regardless of my financial situation

I couldn't care less, care less
I have absolutely no concern whatsoever

Couldn't care less, care less
I still have no concern whatsoever

I'm careless, careless
I am reckless and inconsiderate

And that's the way I stay
This behavior is never going to change

I never pay attention, watch my step
I don't pay attention to anything and am often careless