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.
Swingin Party
The Replacements Lyrics
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Hear it's never endin', can't remember when it started
Pass around the lampshade, there'll be plenty enough room in jail
If being wrong's a crime, I'm serving forever
Being strong and kind, I need help here with this feather
If being afraid is a crime, we hang side by side
Pound the prairie pavement, losin' proposition
Quittin' school and goin' to work and never goin' fishin'
Water all around, never learning how to swim now
If being wrong's a crime, I'm serving forever
If being strong and kind, then I need help here with this feather
If being afraid is a crime, we hang side by side
At the swingin' party down the line, li-li-line
At the swingin' party down the line
Bring your own lampshade, somewhere there's a party
Hear it's never endin', can't remember when it started
Pass around the lampshade, there'll be plenty enough room in jail
If being wrong's a crime, I'm serving forever
Being strong is what you want, then I need help here with this feather
If being afraid is a crime, we hang side by side
At the swingin' party down the line
Every valentine at the swingin' party down the line
Catch you down at the swingin' party down the line
The Replacements' song "Swingin Party" can be interpreted in multiple ways, but one common interpretation is that the lyrics represent the struggle of being an outsider in society. The line "bring your own lampshade" implies that you need to bring your own source of illumination to participate in the party, symbolizing how outsiders have to bring their own light and energy to situations since they don't fit into societal norms. The lyrics "If being wrong's a crime, I'm serving forever" and "If being afraid is a crime, we hang side by side" suggest that those who are different are often labeled as "wrong" or "afraid," and as a result, are marginalized and punished. The singer ultimately finds solace in the "swingin' party down the line," where others who are similarly marginalized gather to find kinship and release.
The second verse continues the theme of societal alienation but also introduces the idea of a "losing proposition." The lyrics "Quittin' school and goin' to work and never goin' fishin' / Water all around, never learning how to swim now" suggest the singer's decision to conform to societal norms by dropping out of school and working instead of following their interests. However, this conformity causes them to miss out on experiences and skills important to life, like swimming. Instead, they're stuck on a "losing proposition." The chorus remains the same, with the singer again expressing a desire for help and a place to belong.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the alienation individuals can feel in society, the pressures to conform to societal norms, and the hope for community and acceptance among those who feel like outsiders.
Line by Line Meaning
Bring your own lampshade, somewhere there's a party
Bring your creativity and unique personality to the celebration of life, wherever that may be
Hear it's never endin', can't remember when it started
The joys of life never cease and are timeless, beyond our recollection
Pass around the lampshade, there'll be plenty enough room in jail
Indulge in the temporary pleasures of life, even if it's against the rules and leads to confinement
If being wrong's a crime, I'm serving forever
I'm willing to suffer the consequences of making mistakes if it means living life on my own terms
Being strong and kind, I need help here with this feather
In order to be both resilient and compassionate, I require assistance from others who can offer support and guidance
If being afraid is a crime, we hang side by side
If experiencing fear is deemed unacceptable, we will stand united in solidarity with one another
At the swingin' party down the line
At the never-ending celebration of life in the future
Pound the prairie pavement, losin' proposition
Working tirelessly towards an unrewarding goal is a futile endeavor
Quittin' school and goin' to work and never goin' fishin'
Succumbing to societal pressure to prioritize work over pleasure, never taking the time to relax and enjoy life
Water all around, never learning how to swim now
Being surrounded by opportunities, yet failing to take advantage of them due to lack of preparation or confidence
Every valentine at the swingin' party down the line
Each special moment spent with loved ones at the never-ending celebration of life is cherished and remembered
Catch you down at the swingin' party down the line
Looking forward to reuniting with friends and family at the timeless party of life in the future
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Paul Westerberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind