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.
We Have a Savior
The Shaggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why does everyone fight more and more
Don't they know we have a saviour
All we have to do is believe and pray
Why must we go unheathen (?)
Why does anyone have to run (?)
Don't they know we have a saviour
I often sit and wonder
Why people do the things they do
And I can't understand, no I can't understand
Why they don't have faith in the Lord, like I do
Why do the people go on killing
Why do they feel sad and blue
Don't they know we have a saviour
Just watching over me and you
I often sit and wonder
Why people do the things they do
And I can't understand, no I can't understand
Why they don't have faith in the Lord, like I do
Why do the people go on killing
Why do they feel sad and blue
Don't they know we have a saviour
Just watching over me and you
Don't they know we have a saviour
All we have to do is believe and pray
The Shaggs' song "We Have a Savior" is a heartfelt plea for people to turn to faith and embrace the salvation of God. The song begins with a question; why does the world go unholy and why do people fight? The band expresses confusion and disbelief at the state of the world, unable to comprehend why people continue to engage in destructive behavior when the solution is so simple. All they have to do is believe and pray.
The second verse continues this theme, questioning why people must go unheathen and why they feel the need to run from salvation. The band members claim that God told them about the presence of a savior and express concern for those who don't have faith in the Lord like they do.
In the chorus, The Shaggs repeat their confusion and frustration, asking why people continue to kill and feel sad when there is a savior watching over them. The band concludes the song with another plea for people to recognize the existence of a savior and turn to faith.
Overall, the song is a passionate call for people to turn to faith and embrace the idea of a savior who is watching over them. The Shaggs express deep frustration with the world's state and a genuine belief that the solution is within reach if only people would open their hearts to God.
Line by Line Meaning
Why does the world go unholy (?)
I wonder why the world is becoming more impure and immoral
Why does everyone fight more and more
Why do people engage in more and more conflict with each other
Don't they know we have a saviour
There is a savior who can help us, but some people seem unaware of this fact
All we have to do is believe and pray
If we have faith and pray to the savior, they will help us
Why must we go unheathen (?)
I wonder why many people choose to remain non-religious
Why does anyone have to run (?)
Why do people always seem in a hurry, running from one thing to the next
That's what God told us guys (?)
The belief in the savior is something that we were taught by God himself
Why do the people go on killing
Why do people continue to engage in violent behavior, causing harm to others
Why do they feel sad and blue
I wonder why people experience negative emotions like sadness and depression
Just watching over me and you
The savior is always present, protecting and watching over us
I often sit and wonder
I frequently contemplate and ponder the behavior of others
Why people do the things they do
I try to understand the reasons behind why people act the way they do
And I can't understand, no I can't understand
Despite my efforts, sometimes I still can't comprehend why people behave in certain ways
Why they don't have faith in the Lord, like I do
I struggle to understand why some people don't share my belief in the savior
Contributed by Scarlett F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
j.c.
on Philosophy of the World
"Whenever at ease"
might be "We're never at ease" ?