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.
Napiers
The Wrens Lyrics
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these are incestuous fingers I'm fond of this one let me pull it back for you
convention is fine when it needed room I'll never hold it close because it always lays me
saw a galaxy driving away i wonder if it could have been Sam
darken the cram with hard dated words I have to endure that this is it my only time
and shining through some years late I'll have to hold it in I'll have to wear it thin
The opening line of "Napiers in" by The Wrens references Napier's Bones, an ancient mathematical device used for multiplication and division before the invention of calculators. The singer then declares that they "have it all figured out," which could be a commentary on their own intelligence or a suggestion that they have worked out the complexities of life. The following line, "these are incestuous fingers," is a bit more cryptic, but it could be interpreted as a reference to the notion that we are all related and connected, for better or worse. The implication is that the singer is fond of their fingers and wants to show them off to the listener.
The chorus of the song is especially poignant, as the singer acknowledges that "convention is fine when it needed room," but they "will never hold it close because it always lays" them, meaning that adhering to societal norms and expectations will never bring them satisfaction. The line "saw a galaxy driving away I wonder if it could have been Sam" adds a touch of longing and nostalgia, as the singer looks to the cosmos for answers or solace. The final lines of the song, "darken the cram with hard dated words/I have to endure that this is it my only time/and shining through some years late I'll have to hold it in I'll have to wear it thin," suggest a resignation to the fact that life can be difficult and unforgiving, but the singer will persevere nonetheless.
Line by Line Meaning
from napiers bones to my hair brushed back I have it all figured out
From the ancient calculation tool 'Napier's bones' to my well-groomed hair, I believe I have everything in life solved.
these are incestuous fingers I'm fond of this one let me pull it back for you
These fingers show a resemblance to each other and they are my favorite. Allow me to demonstrate by pulling one back.
convention is fine when it needed room I'll never hold it close because it always lays me
Following the norm is acceptable when it allows for flexibility. However, I will never adhere to it strictly as it always causes disappointment in me.
saw a galaxy driving away i wonder if it could have been Sam
As I was driving, I witnessed a galaxy disappearing and I couldn't help but wonder whether it could represent a person named Sam.
darken the cram with hard dated words I have to endure that this is it my only time
Life is full of harsh, outdated language that can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, I must accept that this is my only chance at living.
and shining through some years late I'll have to hold it in I'll have to wear it thin
Although I may shine later in life, it will come at a time when I have to contain my emotions and endure the difficulties with resilience.
Contributed by Joshua D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.