The Wrens are known for their explosive stage presence, despite each member being well past 35, and are steadily gaining a fanbase across the world. Their debut album, "Silver", was released in 1994 to a moderate degree of critical acclaim. However, it was their second LP, "Secaucus" (named in reference to the town in New Jersey where they resided), that established them as one of the top bands on the indie rock scene. Both of these albums were released on the now defunct Grass Records label.
After the release of "Secaucus", Grass Records came under new ownership, who decided to make The Wrens the flagship band of the label. After the band turned down a million-dollar contract stipulating that the band record more "radio friendly" songs, The Wrens were dropped by Grass Records. "Silver" and "Secaucus" were only recently reissued in 2006 after years out of circulation because of this.
Hindered by their label issues through much of the 1990s, the Wrens managed only to release one EP, "Abbott 1135", in 1997 under the label Ten23 Records. The band's third full-length album, "The Meadowlands", finally surfaced in late 2003 (seven years after the release of "Secaucus") under Absolutely Kosher Records to enormous critical acclaim, topping critics' polls for the following two years and suddenly jump-starting an otherwise plateauing career.
The Wrens are currently being filmed for a documentary by the production company Little Quill, and are working on another LP and a re-recording of Abbott 1135.
There are other artists with the same name:
2) The Wrens were a doo-wop and R&B band from the Morrisania section of the Bronx in New York City. They are best-known for their song "Come Back My Love."
The Wrens first started singing together in 1954 and were comprised of lead singer Bobby Mansfield, George Magnezid (tenor), Francis "Frenchie" Concepcion (tenor), and James "Archie" Archer (bass). They admired the artists such as the Clovers, the Ravens, the Orioles, the Mills Brothers, Nat King Cole and Louis Jordan.
The Wrens were known best for their smooth, elegant harmony singing, and had a somewhat harder R&B edge than many similar groups at the time. Unfortunately, only six singles were offically released before Bobby Mansfield left the group in 1956 for a solo career. The Wrens were inducted into the United Group Harmony Association's Hall of Fame in 1998.
3) The Wrens are also a french indie folk band.
4.) The Wrens are also a family of birds, which may be scrobbled by those listening to recordings of bird songs.
Behold Me
The Wrens Lyrics
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comes as cold then it's gone can you help me
there's a struggle of pants and of skin covered ants
and with that it's done to can you help me
there's a darkening joy as I'm both girl and boy
have my way with ourselves can you help me
the things I know / behold me / one side of me
The Wrens's song "Behold Me" is a complex exploration of gender identity and sexuality that features cryptic, surreal lyrics that convey a sense of confusion, anxiety, and self-discovery. The opening lines suggest a feeling of disorientation and uncertainty, with the twisting and ringing of things indicating a loss of control over one's own identity. The struggle of pants and skin covered ants adds to this sense of bodily confusion, and the plea for help implies a desire for someone to guide and support the singer through this process of self-exploration.
The following lines become even more ambiguous and surreal, with the singer describing a "darkening joy" that comes from being both girl and boy and having their way with themselves. It's not entirely clear what this means, but it could be interpreted as a reflection on the fluidity of gender and sexuality and the freedom that comes from being able to move beyond traditional binary categories. The final line, "the things I know / behold me / one side of me," seems to suggest that the singer is struggling to reconcile different aspects of their identity and may be inviting others to witness their journey.
Overall, "Behold Me" is a fascinating and challenging exploration of gender and identity that showcases The Wrens's unique ability to capture complex emotions and experiences in their music.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a twisting of things and it starts till it rings
A confusing and overwhelming feeling engulfs me, intensifying until it becomes unbearable and almost audible.
Comes as cold then it's gone can you help me
The feeling comes suddenly and shockingly, leaving just as abruptly. I am pleading for assistance.
There's a struggle of pants and of skin covered ants
I am battling with my clothing and my own insecurities, represented by the ants crawling on my skin.
And with that it's done to can you help me
Despite my efforts, the struggle seems to have ended without resolution. I continue to seek help.
There's a darkening joy as I'm both girl and boy
I experience a sense of pleasure as I embrace my identity as both female and male, despite societal expectations.
Have my way with ourselves can you help me
I am exploring my own identity and desires, and am asking for support.
The things I know / behold me / one side of me
I acknowledge and embrace the aspects of myself that society may not understand or accept, and I am asking to be seen and accepted for who I truly am.
Contributed by Emily M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.