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.
Everyone Chooses Sides
The Wrens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
a year in the meadowlands
bored and rural-poor, lord, at 35, right?
I'm the best 17 year old ever
worked these sands
I won't go back again
quitter quitter one boy bitter - rough luck
we're losing sand!
a wrens' ditch battle plan
record after record black and deckered tack! tack!
definition: hell and high water
fatty come a courtin' lord the money!
everyone choose sides
the whole to-do of what to do for money
everyone choose sides
poorer or not this year and hell's the difference
everyone sell lies
everyone choose sides
let's talk plans
and luck said, 'double damned'
were you give women worth winning or what?
a wasted share of shots at high-tide heaven'
greener grasses fade from where you wind up
everyone choose sides
I'm back! I'm back! So sing to raise the blind up
I've walked away from more than you imagine and I sleep just fine
we fought and brought up more - the shovels high up
on the 10-ton line
The Wrens's song "Everyone Chooses Sides" tells the story of someone who worked as a sand miner in the Meadowlands and is struggling to make ends meet. The lyrics depict this person's frustration about their current situation and their resentment towards those who seem to have it better. The line "I'm the best 17 year old ever" suggests that perhaps the person had higher aspirations and feels like they fell short. The repeated phrase "everyone choose sides" highlights the idea that in life, we often have to make decisions based on our financial situation, which can be a difficult and painful process.
Line by Line Meaning
13 grand
Earning only $13,000 a year
a year in the meadowlands
Living in a rural and boring area
bored and rural-poor, lord, at 35, right?
Feeling unfulfilled and poor while living in a rural area at the age of 35
I'm the best 17 year old ever
Feeling confident and accomplished at a young age
worked these sands
Put in hard work and effort
I won't go back again
Refusing to return to a difficult or unrewarding situation
quitter quitter one boy bitter - rough luck
Being labeled as a quitter and feeling bitter about it
man to man hand to hand fight 40
Facing a tough and challenging battle
we're losing sand!
Failing to make progress or achieve success
a wrens' ditch battle plan
Developing a strategic plan with limited resources
record after record black and deckered tack! tack!
Working tirelessly to produce successful records
definition: hell and high water
A difficult and challenging situation
fatty come a courtin' lord the money!
Desiring money and success
everyone choose sides
Being forced to make a decision between different options
the whole to-do of what to do for money
Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to make money
poorer or not this year and hell's the difference
Struggling financially and not seeing much difference despite efforts to improve
everyone sell lies
Feeling like people are dishonest and deceptive
let's talk plans
Discussing ideas and strategies
and luck said, 'double damned'
Experiencing bad luck and feeling cursed
were you give women worth winning or what?
Questioning one's ability to attract women
a wasted share of shots at high-tide heaven'
Feeling like one has missed out on opportunities for success and happiness
greener grasses fade from where you wind up
Realizing that things may not be better in a different place or situation
I'm back! I'm back! So sing to raise the blind up
Returning with renewed confidence and energy
I've walked away from more than you imagine and I sleep just fine
Feeling at peace with difficult decisions and past actions
we fought and brought up more - the shovels high up on the 10-ton line
Overcoming challenges and achieving success through hard work
Contributed by Isaac L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.