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.
Still Complaining
The Wrens Lyrics
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Seduced by a promise that things were soon to get better
The meaning of life has been lost forever
And they're waiting for me to discover them one
Haven't you heard this old line before
Out of boredom they married one sun spoiled day
Accelerated to murder while blaming each other along the way
I finally started thinking straight
Do we ever know when to end or to be satisfied
Its time to look at something you've seen before but never noticed
Something you've dragged on its belly through all of your years
Entitled "the greatest companion" as it always stayed by your side
I'll pray that things get better
The Wrens's song "Still Complaining" opens with the lyrics that express how many lives were lost in a short time without a second thought. The singer then mentions how people were seduced by false promises that things were about to get better, but the meaning of life may never be found again. The song indicates that people are desperately waiting for someone to help them, but no one is showing up.
As the song progresses, the lyrics take a more cynical tone. They expose the common phrases like "Haven't you heard this old line before" which has been said too many times in the past. The verses also touch on the subjects of love, marriage, and relationships that have gone awry. The lyrics poetically describe how people in relationships can be bored or feel trapped, leading them to become resentful towards each other. The lyrics also suggest that people don't know how to end things or be satisfied in their lives, leading them to become stuck in a rut.
The song concludes with a message of hope, with the singer saying, "I'll pray that things get better." The overall message of the song could be interpreted as a commentary on society's failure to deliver on its promises of a better future, leaving people feeling disillusioned and trapped in unsatisfying circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
This year has killed so many without a moment's thought
In a cruel and sudden manner, many people have died this year.
Seduced by a promise that things were soon to get better
Lured in by false hope, people believed that things would improve soon.
The meaning of life has been lost forever
The purpose of human existence has disappeared forever.
And they're waiting for me to discover them one
People are hoping that the artist will find some answers to their problems.
Haven't you heard this old line before
The artist is questioning whether the listener has heard this same cliché before.
Out of boredom they married one sun spoiled day
Two people got married on a whim because they were bored, but it didn't make them happy.
Accelerated to murder while blaming each other along the way
Their relationship escalated to the point of murder, while both blamed each other for their problems.
I finally started thinking straight
The artist began to think rationally and clearly.
When I found there was nothing left to investigate
After searching thoroughly, the artist realized there was no more to uncover.
Do we ever know when to end or to be satisfied
Humans struggle to understand when it's time to stop or when they've had enough.
It's time to look at something you've seen before but never noticed
The singer suggests that it's time to take a closer look at a familiar thing that has been overlooked in the past.
Something you've dragged on its belly through all of your years
The aforementioned thing has been neglected and suffered for many years.
Entitled 'the greatest companion' as it always stayed by your side
Despite neglect, the thing remained loyal and steadfast, and the singer refers to it as the best companion.
I'll pray that things get better
The singer expresses their desire for things to improve through prayer.
Contributed by Riley K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.