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.

Election Day
The Replacements Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I meant to close the polls
In the chill night, bitter cold
Someone close the polls
On a chill night, in the cold

Election day
I can't stay
Wannabe, wannabe, wannabe, wannabe

I don't care who gets elected
I don't care who gets to find out
I don't care who gets elected
Til I find me a one (to love)

Wannabe, wannabe, wannabe
Election!
Election!
I said election!
I don't care

I don't care
Our election day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Replacements' song Election Day depict a sense of apathy towards the political discourse of the day. The first stanza opens with the singer's desire to close the polls, invoking a sense of weariness towards the ongoing election process. Despite the cold temperatures, the song's protagonist suggests that they would much rather have the polls closed altogether. The repetition of the opening lines creates a sense of frustration and a longing to escape from the entire process.

The chorus of the song, evocatively delivered by Paul Westerberg, further emphasizes this sense of frustration and hopelessness. The singer wishes for the day to pass quickly, as they utter "I can't stay," lamenting the endless cycle of politics. The repetition of "wannabe," further insinuates a sense of disdain towards the political candidates and parties. The subsequent line "I don't care who gets elected" encapsulates the singer's apathy towards the outcome of the election. Apathy that lingers until they find "one to love."

The Replacements' Election Day is a song that reflects the nondescript frustration of a generation that has grown weary of political rhetoric. It speaks to the feeling that the process is interminable and that there is an emptiness to the discourse. The song also highlights the need for people to engage with politics actively, as disengagement can yield little or no positive change.

Line by Line Meaning

I meant to close the polls
I had intended to end the voting process

In the chill night, bitter cold
It was a freezing and uncomfortable night

Someone close the polls
Please let someone put a halt to the voting

On a chill night, in the cold
Referring to the same freezing night as before

Election day
The day of voting

I can't stay
I cannot continue to tolerate this situation

Wannabe, wannabe, wannabe, wannabe
A meaningless repetition of the word

I don't care who gets elected
I am indifferent to the outcome of the election

I don't care who gets to find out
It doesn't matter to me who becomes aware of what

Til I find me a one (to love)
I will not be content until I have found a romantic partner

Wannabe, wannabe, wannabe
The repetition of a meaningless phrase again