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.
Hats Off to Marriage Baby
The Wrens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of what a man how big
White as bath soap, yellow fetch rope
Like a me three times as big
Compare your worth to riches
Dick rank your kiss and tells
At others cursing, show no mercy
Locked in, self-collapsing, days of
Fruitless, lengthy, cracking
Well I'll fry
Hats off to marriage, baby
Hats off to maiden names
Marked as Mrs. sex not kisses
How long you think you'll fan his flames
When truth comes to shake your trophies
That failed run woods and hide
Live a life cast, take the cleared path
Hold forth at cozy fireside
Paint me, crack me, crawl me
I'm your woman, shave me, ball me
For your pleasure, pleasure, fear cure
Homestead and pleasure, lonesome
Your equal and hurting your namesake and all
Please, please
Just this once, once
Oh please, please
Listen
Paint me, crack me, crawl me
I'm your woman, shave me, ball me
For your pleasure, pleasure, fear cure
Homestead and pleasure, lonesome
Your equal and hurting your namesake and all
The lyrics of "Hats Off to Marriage Baby" by The Wrens delve into themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and the complexities of relationships. The opening lines describe the facade of masculinity that men are expected to uphold, with references to physical appearance and societal status. The comparison of worth to riches and the ranking of intimacy highlight the judgment and pressure individuals face in fulfilling these roles.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of self-deception and the toll it takes on individuals in their daily lives. The repetition of "self-collapsing, days of fruitless, lengthy, cracking" suggests a sense of inner turmoil and struggle, possibly stemming from trying to live up to societal standards and expectations. The imagery of being locked in and collapsing mirrors the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of unfulfillment and disillusionment.
The chorus, "Hats off to marriage, baby / Hats off to maiden names," questions the traditional notions of marriage and identity. The reference to maiden names and the expectation of women to take on their husband's last name symbolize the loss of individual identity and autonomy in a relationship. The lyrics challenge these conventions and raise questions about the power dynamics and expectations within marriages.
The repeated phrases at the end of the song emphasize a sense of submission and sacrifice within relationships. The lyrics depict a plea for acceptance and validation, while also highlighting the internal conflict and longing for something more. The juxtaposition of pleasure and fear, homestead and lonesomeness, reflects the complex emotions and experiences that come with love and companionship. Overall, the song delves into the complexities of relationships and the societal pressures that shape them, urging listeners to reflect on their own connections and identities.
Line by Line Meaning
Chip crack a perfect Plaster
Compare and try to imitate perfection
Of what a man how big
Measure yourself against a man's standards
White as bath soap, yellow fetch rope
Pretend to be clean and pure, but actually deceitful
Like a me three times as big
Feel inadequate in comparison
Compare your worth to riches
Base your value on material wealth
Dick rank your kiss and tells
Rank your relationships based on sexual encounters
At others cursing, show no mercy
Judging and condemning others without compassion
Go home team, yeah, go to hell
Rejecting traditional values and embracing selfishness
Locked in, self-collapsing, days of
Feeling trapped and overwhelmed by life
Fruitless, lengthy, cracking
Struggling with unproductive and exhausting efforts
Well I'll fry
Accepting defeat and consequences
Hats off to marriage, baby
Sarcastically acknowledging the challenges of marriage
Hats off to maiden names
Applauding independence and identity
Marked as Mrs. sex not kisses
Reduced to sexuality rather than affection
How long you think you'll fan his flames
Wondering how long you can sustain a relationship
When truth comes to shake your trophies
Facing reality and questioning achievements
That failed run woods and hide
Attempting to escape from mistakes and failures
Live a life cast, take the cleared path
Follow a predetermined path and conform to societal norms
Hold forth at cozy fireside
Seek comfort and security
Paint me, crack me, crawl me
Surrendering and allowing yourself to be controlled
I'm your woman, shave me, ball me
Submitting to masculine authority and expectations
For your pleasure, pleasure, fear cure
Prioritizing others' pleasure over your own well-being
Homestead and pleasure, lonesome
Estranged and isolated despite conformity
Your equal and hurting your namesake and all
Absorbing pain and devaluing yourself for the sake of others
Please, please Just this once, once Oh please, please Listen
Desperately seeking attention and validation
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: The Wrens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind