Return of the Rat
Wipers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well you better watch out
Well you better beware
They're coming from all sides of the country
Return of the rat
Return of the rat
Return of the rat
Return of the rat
Return of the rat
Return of the rat
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no...
They better confess
THEY BETTER CONFESS!
They started this mess
I know
I seen them do it




Now they'd better confess
Return of the rat

Overall Meaning

In the Wipers’ song "Return of the Rat," the lyrics suggest a warning to "watch out" as the rats are returning. The rats are described as coming from all sides of the country, and the singer seems to have witnessed the rats' actions, which are responsible for the mess they are in. The rats referred to in this song may also be interpreted as a metaphor for people, politicians, or leaders who are corrupt and harmful. The song's repetition of "Return of the rat" emphasizes the theme of warning and the urgency to prepare for the inevitable. The singer's demand for confession may also indicate a need for accountability and responsibility for the harm caused.


Interestingly, “Return of the Rat” was inspired by a real-life rat infestation in Wipers' rehearsal room. The band's lead singer and songwriter Greg Sage stated that he saw the rats, and it made him think of how humans, like rats, cause destruction and destruction in society. The song's fast-paced guitar riffs and raw vocals added to its punk genre, which gained recognition in the underground Northwest music scene in the late 1970s.


Line by Line Meaning

Well you better watch out
Be careful and vigilant


Well you better beware
Be cautious and alert


They're coming from all sides of the country
They are arriving from everywhere


Return of the rat
The rats' comeback


Return of the rat
The rats' return


Return of the rat
The rats' resurrection


Return of the rat
The rats' comeback


Return of the rat
The rats' return


Return of the rat
The rats' resurrection


Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no...
Expressing surprise and dismay


They better confess
They should admit


THEY BETTER CONFESS!
It is imperative that they confess!


They started this mess
They initiated this problem


I know
I am sure about this matter


I seen them do it
I witnessed them doing it


Now they'd better confess
They must come clean and acknowledge their actions


Return of the rat
The rats' comeback




Contributed by Callie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Wild Tinderbox

This song is over forty years old and still sounds so fresh and heavy. Absolutely brilliant band. Wipers forever.

Tarnished Sphincter

Was not expecting to see you here. You guys are awesome. Wipers too.

Ricky Raso

Agree!

Myrkr

Cobain definitely had great taste in music. I have discovered so many awesome bands over the years because of Nirvana, I'm always scouring the deep dark depths of record stores looking for that next little diamond in the rough. The Wipers are definitely one of those little gems I might not have found without them, Is This Real has jumped onto my list of albums to get

Elise

I'm a nirvana fan too but there's no point in comparing the two versions! Just appreciate the song man.

Dan Brenner

Elise Fraser The opening riffs kill it just like you wanted to do the same to your supervisor on the ickiest days!

Russell Cairo

@Kaleb Forrest instablaster :)

r4ckharder

YESSS THIS

urazs oktay

Nirvana version is better.

1 More Replies...

Melvin Melvins

Greg Sage was true guitar hero, albeit an unwilling one. Been listening to him for decades; every word, chord and swirl of feedback is embedded in my DNA. If you've just discovered the Wipers keep exploring - Sage has much to tell you.

More Comments

More Versions