Although Uncle Tupelo broke up before it achieved commercial success, the band is renowned for its impact on the alternative country music scene. The group's first album, No Depression, became a byword for the genre and was widely influential. Uncle Tupelo's sound was unlike popular country music of the time, drawing inspiration from styles as diverse as the hardcore punk of The Minutemen and the country instrumentation and harmony of the Carter Family and Hank Williams. Farrar and Tweedy lyrics frequently referenced Middle America and the working class of Belleville.
Screen Door
Uncle Tupelo Lyrics
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The weather changes, that's the way it goes
Sometimes it snows, when everything's wrong
Sometimes it snows, but when it does, it doesn't last long
Down here, where we're at
All we do is sit out on the porch
And play our songs, and nothing's wrong
Down here, where we're at
Everyone is equally poor
Down here, we don't care
We don't care what happens outside the screen door
Down here, where we're at
Sweat drips from the tip of your nose
You wear loose clothes, and you try to stay cool
We all still have a lot of fun, never saw much school
Down here, where we're at
Everyone is equally poor
Down here, we don't care
We don't care what happens outside the screen door
The lyrics of Uncle Tupelo's song "Screen Door" seem to describe a small, close-knit community where money doesn't matter and friends and music are the center of life. The line "Down here, where we're at, everyone is equally poor" emphasizes the lack of material wealth, but the chorus "We don't care what happens outside the screen door" suggests a contentedness and satisfaction with their lives. The contrast of the changing weather conditions and the constant, unchanging porch and music scene further emphasize this sense of stability and consistency in an otherwise uncertain world.
The line "Sometime friends come around, they all sing along" speaks to the communal aspect of music in this community. It's not just about individual talent or performance, but about a shared experience and sense of togetherness. The final verse emphasizes the physical discomfort of being in this environment, with the sweat and heat of the summer, but again underscores the sense of fun and enjoyment despite the less-than-ideal conditions.
Overall, "Screen Door" seems to romanticize a simpler way of life, one that prioritizes human connection and artistic expression over material goods and comfort.
Line by Line Meaning
Down here, where's we're at
We live in a place where there isn't much happening.
The weather changes, that's the way it goes
We can't control what happens around us, including the weather.
Sometimes it snows, when everything's wrong
Bad things can happen unexpectedly, like snow in the middle of summer.
Sometimes it snows, but when it does, it doesn't last long
Even though bad things can happen, they don't last forever and things get better eventually.
Down here, where we're at
We live in a specific place with a distinct culture.
All we do is sit out on the porch
Our lives are simple and involve spending time outside.
And play our songs, and nothing's wrong
We find solace in music and it helps us forget our problems.
Sometime friends come around, they all sing along
We enjoy spending time with loved ones and making music together.
Everyone is equally poor
We all share the same economic struggles and hardships.
Down here, we don't care
Despite our difficulties, we find contentment and happiness in our simple lives.
We don't care what happens outside the screen door
We're not bothered by what's happening outside of our immediate surroundings.
Sweat drips from the tip of your nose
The heat and humidity of our environment can be oppressive.
You wear loose clothes, and you try to stay cool
We adapt to our environment by dressing accordingly and finding ways to stay comfortable.
We all still have a lot of fun, never saw much school
Our lack of formal education doesn't stop us from enjoying life and finding joy in each other's company.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAY FARRAR, JEFF TWEEDY, MIKE HEIDORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@charleskershaw2662
Had a radio show in college that I named Outside the Screen Door. Uncle Tupelo was super regularly played. Of course, this was the first song on my first show
@atlasnevershrugged
wilco and son volt have both made some great music, but man I would love to see these guys get back together for a tour.
@BuckTurgidsen
A freakin men!!¡!!!!!
@adamhovey407
I live in rural South Carolina (though I have lived in the midwest). Anyway, this song describes, well, pretty much what it's like to live here. I mean that in a good way. Although I have three years of college. Can't say I haven't seen much school.
@deplorabot3512
Song for my soul
@katjoye
Such a happy feeling song. So good :-)
@ruthdixon7807
he can hear the youth in tweedy's voice as he sings.
@IwanttoliveinParis
How is it they sound so seasoned and old, wizened and yet.....so young?
@SunnyvaleTrailerParkSupervisor
David Ryder cos jays a genius
@brianschaefer9182
The dynamic of two brilliant songwriters very much aware of where they came from, wrestling for keeps in Key of C.