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.
Strenghtless
The Wrens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm scared in a country that's measured by men
And the listing and the pulling of girls
Makes a clean scrape of ego and arrogant dead
Hide me down me to tiny living slip sister's new doll house
And raise up a home you'll miss me that's certain
My devil's at the curtain
Bless me take me churching to river as head cuts the water
I'm crazy black beetle ignoring them all
Got away with the crown of God
I'll set up scenes of bodies bent for me
And if it's not true then I'll pray to you
I'll start the praying see wait and see
More and more it's a sexy war I'm a man I'm a weakfish and pure unrest
Urgent news rings from Europe the gloating winners
Soured of a crease through his face folds him
Rabbit bag handsome
Things I want I'll do I know I'm small
I get away with the big ones
The Wrens's song "Strengthless" is a poetic and layered examination of vulnerability, fear, and gender identity. The opening phrase "Strengthless with the arms of a woman" sets the tone for a powerful introspection. The singer is frightened and feels helpless in a society that values masculinity and strength above all else. The listing and pulling of girls is seen as a mark of a patriarchal society that strips away confidence and self-assurance, leaving the individual feeling weak and exposed.
The singer seeks refuge in a child-like mentality, wishing to hide in a dollhouse and be protected. The phrase "My devil's at the curtain" suggests that they know the reality of their situation but are still seeking to escape. They seek to find solace in religion, calling for blessings and guidance from a higher power. The use of the phrase "I'm small God shrieks" juxtaposes the idea of a powerful and all-knowing God with the singer's feeling of being insignificant and overlooked.
The final lines of the song, "Things I want I'll do I know I'm small, I get away with the big ones" suggest a renewed sense of determination despite the singer's fear and insecurities. They understand that society may see them as weak and powerless, but they will still strive to achieve their goals and live life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Strengthless with the arms of a woman
Feeling weak and powerless like a woman with no strength left in the arms
I'm scared in a country that's measured by men
Feeling afraid in a society that is dominated and valued by the actions and traits of men
And the listing and the pulling of girls
Referring to the objectification and sexualization of women, represented by their bodies being looked at and grabbed
Makes a clean scrape of ego and arrogant dead
Being objectified in such a way strips away one's sense of self and ego, leaving them feeling dead and insignificant
Hide me down me to tiny living slip sister's new doll house
Craving safety and security, wanting to retreat to a small and enclosed space like a child's dollhouse
And raise up a home you'll miss me that's certain
Asking for someone to build a home that will make them irreplaceable and missed when they leave
My devil's at the curtain
Feeling as though a devil or something sinister is behind the curtain or lurking in the shadows, creating a sense of fear or unease
Bless me take me churching to river as head cuts the water
Asking for a blessing or guidance to go to church and immerse oneself in the purity of the river water
I'm small God shrieks, like a femme when he spots me
When in the presence of God, feeling small and insignificant, like a high-pitched scream from a feminine voice
I'm crazy black beetle ignoring them all
Feeling crazy and unconventional, like a black beetle that stands out and ignores what others are doing or saying
Got away with the crown of God
Feeling empowered as though one has stolen or taken something powerful, like the crown of God
I'll set up scenes of bodies bent for me
Imagining scenarios where others are bent and vulnerable to one's will, creating a sense of control
And if it's not true then I'll pray to you
If what one desires is not true or real, they will pray for it to become so
I'll start the praying see wait and see
Taking action and beginning to pray for what one desires, waiting to see if it will come to fruition
More and more it's a sexy war I'm a man I'm a weakfish and pure unrest
Feeling as though everything is a battle, and that even sex is a war to be won, despite feeling weak and restless
Urgent news rings from Europe the gloating winners
Receiving urgent news from Europe about those who are winning or rejoicing at their victories
Soured of a crease through his face folds him
Seeing a man's face become distorted or wrinkled with bitterness or disappointment
Rabbit bag handsome
A description of someone or something as appearing nervous, anxious and fidgety yet still attractive
Things I want I'll do I know I'm small
Despite feeling small and insignificant, one will still pursue what they want and take action to attain it
I get away with the big ones
Feeling as though one has succeeded in getting or achieving things that are usually considered out of reach or impossible
Contributed by Ava P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.