In 2005, it became the first English-language track to ever be allowed on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, the Republic of Ireland Irish-language radio station, after having been selected by listeners for the event.
In media
The song was also featured prominently in the 1997 film Grosse Pointe Blank. John Cusack had initially requested an updated version of the song, which led to the band recording a new, slower arrangement that featured saxophones, strings and other instruments. This version of the song was dubbed "Blister 2000." However, Cusack eventually decided he wanted to include the original version of the song as well. Because the original master tapes of the band's debut album had long been disposed of, they decided to record a new version of the original 1983 arrangement. Neither of these rerecorded versions appears in the actual film, although a new music video, directed by Evan Bernard, was created for the new recording of the 1983 arrangement. It features Gordon Gano as a deranged assassin trying to kill Socks the cat in puppet form, interspersed with clips from the film.
In August 2007, Gordon Gano was the subject of a lawsuit brought by bassist Brian Ritchie. The lawsuit stems partly from Gano's authorization of the use of "Blister" in a Wendy's commercial. In 2008, the song was featured on a Foster's Lager "Stealing Shadows" advertisement.
"Blister in the Sun"
Song by Violent Femmes
from the album Violent Femmes
Released 1983
Genre Folk punk[1]
Length 2:27
Label Slash
Songwriter(s) Gordon Gano
Producer(s) Mark Van Hecke
Blister In The Sun
Violent Femmes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I strut my stuff
And I'm so strung out
I'm high as a kite
I just might stop to check you out
Let me go on
Like I blister in the sunLet me go on
Big hands, I know you're the one
Body and beats
I stain my sheets
I don't even know why
My girlfriend, she's at the end
She is starting to cry
Let me go on
Like I blister in the sun
Let me go on
Big hands, I know you're the one
When I'm out walking
I strut my stuff
And I'm so strung out
I'm high as a kite
I just might stop to check you out
When I'm out walking
I strut my stuff
And I'm so strung out
I'm high as a kite
I just might stop to check you out
I stain my sheets
I don't even know why
My girlfriend, she's at the end
She is starting to cry
When I'm out walking
I strut my stuff
And I'm so strung out
I'm high as a kite
I just might stop to check you out
Let me go on
Like I blister in the sun
Let me go on
Big hands, I know you're the one
The lyrics of Violent Femmes’ song “Blister in the Sun” speak of a feeling of being high and strung out while walking and “strutting [one’s] stuff” in a confident, almost cocky manner. The song seems to be about the thrill of being young, wild, and free, with the singer getting a rush from the way he presents himself and the act of checking out attractive people on the street. The repetition of the phrase “let me go on like a blister in the sun” seems to reflect this feeling of euphoria and recklessness, with the singer wanting to keep going on this high for as long as he can.
However, the lyrics also touch on some darker themes, particularly in the second verse where the singer sings about staining his sheets and his girlfriend crying at the end. While it’s not entirely clear what’s going on, it could be interpreted as a reference to drug use or sexual activity that is less-than-fulfilling. The feeling of being “strung out” and “high as a kite” could also suggest drug use or addiction.
Overall, “Blister in the Sun” is a catchy, upbeat song that seems to capture the thrill of being young and reckless, but also hints at some of the darker aspects of this lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm out walking
When I'm out and about
I strut my stuff
I walk with confidence
And I'm so strung out
And I'm feeling intense emotions
I'm high as a kite
I'm very excited and elated
I just might stop to check you out
I might take a second look at you
Let me go on
Let me continue
Like I blister in the sun
Like I'm burning with energy
Big hands, I know you're the one
I know you're the right person for me
Body and beats
Physical sensations and rhythms
I stain my sheets
I'm engaging in sexual activity
I don't even know why
I'm not sure why I'm doing it
My girlfriend, she's at the end
My girlfriend is feeling upset
She is starting to cry
She is becoming emotional
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gordon Gano
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@giancarlofelicianocastaned9316
You Know a song is good when it is still played on the radio 40 years later and it didn't even chart.
@tommydeamon7657
That is a good indicator
@johnedwardcabrera4559
This didn’t chart? It should have!! 😍💃🪩🕺❤️
@happybeingmiserable4668
They also play it during Pro Sports Games
@MommaLousKitchen
My favorite song. And under the bridge. Tie lol
@HANNAHLUMERIA-it5rw
You ask just have away your ages
@angyshadow2024
This is an 80s song evolving into a 90s song. Way ahead of it’s time. 😊
@rayjr62
Sometimes....in order to get to the future...you must go to the past.
@ShellshockedRadio
What a great song, I love it! I put it into my "Shellshocked Radio - Recommendations" List: https://youtu.be/o_xMjpXS7Bo Very well done!
@leathergrasshopper
1983. That was a long time ago. Such a long time ago. Third grade, for me. But these cats aren't as older than me than they used to be. By 1987, I was into them. I found out about The Fall in 1989. I always felt like I was an outlier, I didn't have good taste. Boy was I wrong. The Cure, Depeschkljljas Mode, Nitzer Ebb, all these are good, but the first was the best, and the most: you take one, one, one for your family....