Drummer Victor DeLorenzo said that he would be open to recording new material with the Violent Femmes, but on July 15, 2013, it was announced that Dresden Dolls drummer Brian Viglione would be replacing DeLorenzo as the band's drummer. In a statement, DeLorenzo said "It's always hard to write a eulogy for a lost loved one. In this case, I sadly lament the loss of a dream and an ideal that was once Violent Femmes." Viglione is credited as the drummer on the 2016 release We Can Do Anything but would later be replaced by John Sparrow, who had played in the Violent Femmes backing band previously.
Their music is an innovative combination of American folk music and punk rock. The lyrics mix common adolescent themes like yearning for love, sex and affection with explorations of sin, death, and the hope of salvation. Their songs often express both a lyrical and musical sense of humor. Critics often attribute the Violent Femmes as laying the groundwork of dynamicism for the 90s grunge movement.
In its early days, the band frequently played coffee houses and street corners. They were discovered by James Honeyman-Scott (of The Pretenders) on August 23, 1981, when the band was busking on a street corner in front of the Oriental Theatre, the Milwaukee venue that The Pretenders would be playing later that night. Chrissie Hynde invited them to play a brief acoustic set after the opening act. The band signed to Slash Records and recorded their eponymous debut in July 1982.
The group quickly gained a small cult following after the release of their self-titled album that never burgeoned into widespread popularity, although a few songs from this album did get some recognition ("Add It Up", "Blister in the Sun" and "Gone Daddy Gone"). The debut album Violent Femmes went platinum ten years after its release, and "Blister in the Sun" has become an alternative rock radio staple.
Prove My Love
Violent Femmes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was reminded of
Just how bad
It had gotten and
Just how sick
I had become
But it could change
With this relationship
We've all been through some shit
And if were a thing
I think this things begun
Tell me now
What do I have to do
To prove my love to you
Special favors come in 31 flavors
Were out of mints
Pass the life savers
I'm droppin' hints
Candy for candy-coated tongue
You'd be so good
So very good for me
What do you think
Tell me honestly
I'm wait wait wait
Wait wait
Waiting for you to come
Tell me now
What do I have to do
To prove my love to you
I'd do anything
I'd do it all
I'd do it all for you
I'd climb a mountain
I'd cross the ocean
I'd do it it all
To prove my love to you
The lyrics to the Violent Femmes song "Prove My Love" express a desire to prove love and the lengths one is willing to go to do so. The song recognizes past struggles and hardships but maintains hope in the possibility of a new beginning with this relationship. The singer reflects on personal growth and healing, acknowledging the bad place they were in before and expressing a willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain this new beginning.
The lyrics also suggest a desire for compromise and a recognition that both parties have been through difficult times, but there is an opportunity to create something new and beautiful. The use of metaphors like candy for a candy-coated tongue, dropping hints, and favors in different flavors suggests that the singer is willing to put in the effort to make the other person happy and make the relationship work.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability, honesty, and openness in the relationship. The singer is willing to go beyond their comfort zone and do whatever it takes to prove their love and make the relationship work.
Line by Line Meaning
Just last night
Recently, I was reminded of the bad place I was in and how sick I had become.
I was reminded of
Something happened that caused me to recall a past experience.
Just how bad
The situation was very unpleasant and unfavorable.
It had gotten and
Things had deteriorated and become worse over time.
Just how sick
I was not well or healthy, both physically and emotionally.
I had become
I had changed, possibly for the worse, due to the circumstances.
But it could change
Despite the current state of things, there is potential for improvement.
With this relationship
The hope for change is tied to the possibility of being in a romantic relationship.
De-de range
I acknowledge that there have been difficult times in the past.
We've all been through some shit
We all have experienced challenging circumstances.
And if were a thing
If we were in a committed relationship.
I think this things begun
It seems that this relationship has started to develop.
Tell me now
I want to hear from you immediately.
What do I have to do
What actions can I take to demonstrate my love for you?
To prove my love to you
I want to demonstrate my commitment to you.
Special favors come in 31 flavors
There are many ways to show my affection; I am willing to do whatever it takes.
Were out of mints
I don't have any more clever ideas at the moment.
Pass the life savers
Can you offer me any suggestions for how to win your heart?
I'm droppin' hints
I am trying to subtly show my interest and desire for a deep relationship.
Candy for candy-coated tongue
I am offering sweet words and gestures to try to win your affection.
You'd be so good
I truly believe that a relationship with you would be beneficial for my well-being.
So very good for me
I believe that you would bring positivity and happiness into my life.
What do you think
I am seeking your opinion and insight about our potential relationship.
Tell me honestly
I want to hear the truth from you, regardless of whether it is good or bad.
I'm wait wait wait
I am eagerly anticipating your response and am willing to be patient.
Wait wait
I am trying to calm my impatience and nerves while waiting for your answer.
Waiting for you to come
I am hoping for your arrival, whether it be physically or emotionally.
I'd do anything
I am willing to go to great lengths to demonstrate my love for you.
I'd do it all
I am willing to do every possible action to prove my love for you.
I'd climb a mountain
I would undertake a significant challenge on your behalf.
I'd cross the ocean
I am willing to endure great hardships and travel long distances for your love.
To prove my love to you
I want to demonstrate my deep and sincere commitment to you.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GORDON JAMES GANO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Debbie Adams
In the summer of 1986, I saw these guys at Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI. Slam dancing, blood flying (not my own)... One of the best concerts of my life, and this song brings that day back like it was yesterday.
Carrie Lee
AWESOME! I love this band!
Maria Asztalos
They used to come into the restaurant i worked at around midnight nice guys .they never acted like they where even known by anyone
Kearl Hat
The most definitive 2.5 minutes in punk!
Claire Says Hello to Your Mom's Car
One of my favorite songs ❤️
DragoOz 88
Played this album non-stop during the summer of 1988 up at Oswego State College.
Chase Jefferson
I guess it is kinda randomly asking but do anyone know of a good place to stream newly released series online?
Michael Keating
"3rd verse......same as the 1st !" Great catchy song !
Jaime Pinto
A very special, very unique, brilliant song! I wonder how would "Prove My Love" lovers rate the song "Lost, in the Night, in the City"? Thanks in advance!
Joseph Reiber
How & why wasn't this released as a single? Woulda been a f'ing hit.