They began their career in 1991, cutting their first 7" record later that year with the lineup of Joey Vindictive (vocals), Johnny Personality (bass), Billy Blastoff (guitar), Dr. Bob (guitar), P.J. Parti (drums) and Erik Elsewhere (drums). The band would end up releasing 12 albums until July of 1996, when Joey Vindictive revealed that his health issues would prevent the band from going on. Luckily for him, he overcame his ailments to re-form the band in 2000, cutting a new album and overseeing the re-release of a significant part of their catalog. Dr. Bob died in 2003 due to a heroin overdose. Their song "The Invisible Man" was featured in the Ubisoft game Watch Dogs, where it attracted attention to restart the band once more in 2013, releasing a new EP titled Mono-Flexi, and to remaster most of their previous songs as Songbooks coming in volumes starting from I to III.
The Vindictives' website is currently down indefinitely.
Babysitter
The Vindictives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She says she's babysitting tonight
She says come over; it's alright
On the couch with my special one
But don't tell me what we won't have fun
On the couch with my special one
She says she's babysitting tonight
She says come over, it's alright
Yeah, ya know we'll have the TV on
Aren't we glad that the folks are gone
Yeah; ya know we'll have the TV on
Aren't we glad that the folks are gone
She went to see if the kids were asleep
She says they're quiet expect for one little creep
We can't start kissing and I'll tell you why
We can't start kissing 'cause the kid's a little spy
She says she's babysitting tonight
She says come over, it's alright
She says she's babysitting tonight
She says come over, it's alright
Alright
The lyrics to The Vindictives's song "Babysitter," originally by Ramones, may seem simple and straightforward at first glance, but a closer look reveals a deeper message. The first stanza sets the scene, with a babysitter inviting someone over while on the job, and the second stanza implies they will be making out on the couch while the TV is on. However, it is in the third stanza where the true conflict of the song is revealed. The babysitter goes to check on the kids and reports that they're all asleep except for one "little creep." This child serves as the obstacle to the couple's escapades, as they cannot start kissing because the child might see them.
One could interpret this song as a commentary on the societal pressure to conform to traditional adult roles, notably in the form of parenthood. The babysitter represents a young adult, who may be seen as reckless or immature for not following the traditional path of settling down and having children. In contrast, the child represents the societal expectation to start a family and raise children, a role that is all-consuming and leaves no room for the sort of dalliances the couple desires.
Another way to interpret the song could be as a critique of adolescent sexuality and moral behavior. Though the lyrics never state the ages of the couple or children involved, lines such as "little creep" imply a naivety or immaturity of the children. The song could be seen as cautionary, a warning of the dangers and consequences of sexual exploration at too young an age.
Overall, The Vindictives's version of "Babysitter" offers a provocative yet cryptic critique of societal norms and youthful behavior, leaving the interpretation up to the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
She says she's babysitting tonight
She claims to be taking care of children this evening.
She says come over; it's alright
She invites her companion to join her without any issues.
On the couch with my special one
Seated on the sofa with my significant other.
But don't tell me what we won't have fun
However, refrain from saying we will not have a good time as we enjoy each other's company.
Yeah, ya know we'll have the TV on
Undoubtedly we will be watching the television.
Aren't we glad that the folks are gone
Doesn't it feel great to have the adults out of the picture?
She went to see if the kids were asleep
She heads to check and confirm the children are slumbering.
She says they're quiet except for one little creep
She reports that they are all silent apart from a single mischievous child.
We can't start kissing and I'll tell you why
We cannot engage in a romantic kiss, and allow me to explain why.
We can't start kissing 'cause the kid's a little spy
The child has a tendency to observe everything, which makes it hard for us to be intimate as we wish.
She says she's babysitting tonight
Once again, she is looking after the children this evening.
She says come over, it's alright
She insists that it is perfectly okay for her companion to visit.
She says she's babysitting tonight
She reiterates that she is responsible for the youngsters this particular evening.
She says come over, it's alright
She once again reassures her partner that it is safe to come over.
Alright
Okay.
Contributed by Julian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rozer Ramone
Best punk rock band ever!
BenAck912
Green Day.
Patrick Buckley
@Fittest Fat Guy PJ Parti (Drums) here, thx much! Such a great studio session. We just wanted to sound like us...
Fittest Fat Guy
agreed. they are my fav
MonteGrappa55
Great
Cheetah Thunders.
i haven't heard vindictives before... sound like sloppy seconds much? that's a good thing tho. and there can't be enough ramonesness in this world.
Cheetah Thunders.
@Fittest Fat Guy From their respective Wikipedia articles: "The Vindictives are a Chicago-based punk rock group founded by singer/songwriter Joey Vindictive in 1990."; "Sloppy Seconds is a Ramones-influenced punk band from Indianapolis, Indiana that started in 1984" ;)
Fittest Fat Guy
i like sloppy seconds, however, they sound like Joey. they were first.