Swingin Party
The Replacements Lyrics


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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 and kind, 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

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

Overall Meaning

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
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