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.
Down To The Service
The Wrens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My son, get out of here
They don't want you so don't turn back
Take away this gay U.S.
They wonder why I want to live
I want to die, I want to take what's mine
They always say, "what went wrong my son"
Standing proud over you looking down
Take my gun and I'll take away warm anything
The Wrens's song "Down To The Service" is a complex and intriguing exploration of depression, disillusionment, and the struggle to find meaning in life. The opening lines, "Got to the service and fell on my lazy," suggest a sense of apathy and hopelessness that extends far beyond the church. The singer is disengaged and struggling to find purpose in life, and this is compounded by the fact that he feels rejected by society. The line "My son, get out of here / They don't want you so don't turn back" reinforces the sense of isolation and disconnection the singer feels.
At the same time, there is a strong undercurrent of anger and defiance in the lyrics. The line "Take away this gay U.S." can be read as a critique of homophobia and bigotry, and there is a sense that the singer is fighting against oppressive forces that seek to strip away his identity and sense of self. This becomes even more apparent in the later lines, where the singer declares his desire to "take what's mine" and to reject the expectations and constraints placed upon him by society. There is a sense of rebellion and resistance in these lyrics, even as the singer struggles with feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Line by Line Meaning
Got to the service and fell on my lazy
I arrived at my military duty and immediately submitted to my unwillingness to work.
My son, get out of here
Someone in authority is telling me to leave and disassociate myself from the situation.
They don't want you so don't turn back
The people in charge have made it clear that they do not need or desire my presence, so I should not attempt to return.
Take away this gay U.S.
I wish to remove myself from this country which I view as inferior or negative.
They wonder why I want to live
Others may question why I have a desire to continue existing or find meaning in life.
I want to die, I want to take what's mine
I feel overwhelmed by life and its challenges, and desire a release from my struggles. I also wish to obtain what I feel is owed to me.
They always say, "what went wrong my son"
I am used to being criticized or judged, and have heard this question many times before.
Standing proud over you looking down
Someone is looming over me, perhaps in a position of power or superiority, with a confident or smug attitude.
Laughing like I only can
I am amused by the situation or the power dynamic, and find humor in it.
Take my gun and I'll take away warm anything
A gun represents power or control, and I am willing to use it to take what I want or make others feel as powerless as I often do.
Contributed by Adalyn N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.