The band was formed by Dot, Betty, and Helen on the insistence of their father, Austin Wiggin, who believed that his mother foresaw their rise to stardom. The only studio album, 'Philosophy of the World', was released in 1969 and failed to garner attention, though the band continued to exist as a locally popular live act. The group disbanded in 1975 after the death of Austin.
The Shaggs have a consistent (but highly idiosyncratic) approach to melody, harmony, and rhythm. The songs use irregular verse structures, which are emphasized by the melodic structures. These typically accord one note per syllable: the guitar accompaniment attempts to reproduce this pattern as well. Most of the Shaggs material is made up of eighth- and quarter-notes.
Posthumously, the band gained notoriety and praise for their unconventional style, and lyrical honesty. Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain highlighted their work for praise. Frank Zappa named 'Philosophy of the World' one of his favorite records. He even said they were "better than The Beatles." 'Philosophy of the World' was later reissued on Rounder, the label of the rock group NRBQ, and the compilation 'Shaggs' Own Thing' was released in 1982.
It's Halloween
The Shaggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's Halloween
It's time for scares
It's time for screams
It's Halloween
It's Halloween
The ghosts will spook
Why, even Dracula will be there
It's time for games
It's time for fun
Not for just one
But for everyone
The jack-o-lanterns are all lit up
All the dummies are made and stuffed
By just looking you will see
It's this time of year again
It's Halloween
It's Halloween
All the kids are happy and gay
There doesn't seem to be a cloud in their way
But when it's over and they've had all their fun
They'll wish that Halloween had just begun
Oh, there are witches, goblins, vampires, devils, Frankensteins and zombies
And there are tramps, Cinderallas, pirates, angels and gypsies
So let's have lots of fun and give many cheers
For Halloween comes but once a year
It's time for games
It's time for fun
Not for just one
But for everyone
It's Halloween
It's Halloween
It's Halloween
It's Halloween
It's Halloween!
The Shaggs's song "It's Halloween" is an upbeat song that captures the excitement and anticipation of Halloween. The song's catchy melody and lyrics convey the joy that children experience during the holiday, with its promises of fun and games, and of course, candy.
The opening lines "It's Halloween, it's Halloween, it's time for scares, it's time for screams" sets the tone for the rest of the song. Halloween is a time for spooky fun, where children can indulge in their imaginations and play out their darkest fantasies. The song's insistence that "it's for everyone" is an important reminder that Halloween is an inclusive holiday where everyone can participate, regardless of their age or background.
The song's bridge "All the kids are happy and gay, there doesn't seem to be a cloud in their way" further emphasizes the joy that Halloween brings. The line "when it's over and they've had all their fun, they'll wish that Halloween had just begun" speaks to the fleeting nature of the holiday and the desire to keep the festivities going.
In conclusion, The Shaggs's "It's Halloween" captures the essence of Halloween, with its infectious melody and spirited lyrics that celebrate the fun and excitement of the holiday.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Halloween
The holiday of Halloween has officially arrived
It's time for scares
It's the season for scary things to happen and be seen
It's time for screams
Frights will be happening and vocalized reactions are expected
The ghosts will spook
Apparitions of the dead will generate fear
The spooks will scare
Ghouls and other scary entities will frighten people
Why, even Dracula will be there
Even the famous vampire from literature and movies will make an appearance
It's time for games
Children will participate in Halloween-themed games
It's time for fun
Exciting and enjoyable activities will take place
Not for just one
Everyone is invited to join in and enjoy the festivities
But for everyone
No one will be excluded from the celebration
The jack-o-lanterns are all lit up
The carved and decorated pumpkins with candles inside them are glowing
All the dummies are made and stuffed
Effigies are constructed and filled with material to create the illusion of a person or animal
By just looking you will see
Simply observing will reveal that Halloween has arrived
It's this time of year again
This same period of time repeats itself annually and is emblematic of Halloween
All the kids are happy and gay
Children are content and joyful
There doesn't seem to be a cloud in their way
Nothing appears to be hindering the children's happiness
But when it's over and they've had all their fun
When the holiday comes to a close and the children have finished playing
They'll wish that Halloween had just begun
The children will desire for the holiday to continue
Oh, there are witches, goblins, vampires, devils, Frankensteins and zombies
Various supernatural and scary creatures will make an appearance
And there are tramps, Cinderallas, pirates, angels and gypsies
People dressed up as non-scary characters will also participate in Halloween
So let's have lots of fun and give many cheers
Have a great time and express enthusiasm for Halloween
For Halloween comes but once a year
Halloween is a singular, annual event
It's Halloween
The holiday of Halloween is still occurring
It's Halloween
The holiday of Halloween continues
It's Halloween
The holiday of Halloween persists
It's Halloween!
Celebrate the holiday of Halloween!
Contributed by Owen M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
j.c.
on Philosophy of the World
"Whenever at ease"
might be "We're never at ease" ?