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.
Wait Up
Uncle Tupelo Lyrics
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Hope I didn't wake anybody
Honey, please wait up for me
I miss you more than I need sleep
Guess I'll let you go
Even though I don't want to
Honey, please wait up for me
Uncle Tupelo's song "Wait Up" is a poignant narrative about the consequences of living life on the fast lane. The song begins with a heartfelt plea to a lover to wait up for the singer. The urgency in the opening line suggests that the singer has been away for a while, probably living recklessly out of town. Despite his longing to reunite with his lover, he seems to anticipate resistance from her, hence his apology for waking up anyone.
The second verse is more contemplative, with the character having to let go of somebody or something that he would rather hold onto. Even though he does not reveal what he has to relinquish, the phrase "guess I'll let you go" suggests that it is something meaningful. Instead of wallowing in despair, the singer seeks the comfort and reassurance of his lover, whom he needs more than sleep, emphasizing the extent of his love and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
Are you surprised it's me
Are you caught off-guard by my unexpected presence?
Hope I didn't wake anybody
I hope I didn't disturb anyone's sleep with my arrival
Honey, please wait up for me
Please don't go to bed yet, I want to spend time with you
I miss you more than I need sleep
My longing for you is greater than my requirement for rest
Guess I'll let you go
I suppose I should say farewell and let you get some sleep
Even though I don't want to
Although I am reluctant to leave you
Honey, please wait up for me
Once again, I am asking you to stay up for a little while
I need you and I can't keep up this speed
I require your presence and can no longer maintain this pace without you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JEFF TWEEDY, JEFFREY SCOTT TWEEDY
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