Cleaver and Walker began playing together in 2001 as a result of Cleaver’s stage fright when asked to perform a brief run of solo shows. The duo’s first performance was largely unplanned and yet went without incident.. so they agreed to continue and expand. Mark Messerly joined in 2002 as bassist and utility man, and Dawn Burman joined on drums shortly thereafter. The four-piece has released three full-length albums and one EP on their native Cincinnati’s Shake It label. Klug joined the band shortly after Burman's departure in early 2009.
The band is known for its use of "an army of alternately droning and jangling guitars" (Uncut 6/09) to offset the traditional three-minute pop format. Lyrics are typically split evenly between Cleaver and Walker.
Their work has met with critical praise from Rolling Stone and SPIN, both of which gave the band’s second and third albums four stars each, in addition to favorable reviews from Village Voice, NPR, Washington Post, Uncut, and many other press outlets. The “Dean of American Critics” Robert Christgau placed the band’s first two albums (Funeral Dress and Left for Dead) on his Best of the Decade list, and their third album (Wussy) ranked tenth in his best of 2009 Dean’s List.
Sun Giant Says Hey
Wussy Lyrics
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He lifts you up above the rain to where the sun is always out
He picks you like a flower under heaven from the ground
It's a lonely lonely lonely life
way holy rollers better call the Lord, you tell him all the giant sings you've stored
You tell him everything because you're bored, you holy rollers better call the Lord)
And the giant says hey, the Sun Giant says hey
Walking with a mountain up the stairway to the stars
They're sleeping on their fire escapes just to get a glimpse of God
It's a lonely lonely lonely life
wYa holy rollers better call the Lord, you don't have much to talk about no more
You cut up all your giant sins and stored them in the floorboards)
The lyrics to Wussy's song "Sun Giant Says Hey" seem to tell a story about someone walking through a town with a mountain who lifts them above the rain and into the sunshine. The person feels lonely despite the beauty around them, and the lyrics suggest that they are seeking solace in religion. The repetition of the phrase "holy rollers better call the Lord" implies that the singer is struggling with their faith and is looking for some kind of affirmation. The lyrics also mention "giant sins," suggesting that the singer has committed some kind of grave wrong that they need to confess.
The second verse continues the religious themes, with people "leaning out their windows" and sleeping on their fire escapes just to catch a glimpse of God. The singer is still seeking comfort in their beliefs, but the repetition of the phrase "lonely life" suggests that they still feel isolated and uncertain. The last bit of the verse, where the singer "cuts up all [their] giant sins and stores them in the floorboards," is particularly striking. It implies that the singer is struggling to let go of past transgressions and is trying to hide them away instead.
Overall, the song seems to grapple with themes of loneliness, redemption, and faith. The singer is seeking guidance and comfort in their beliefs, but they are struggling to find it. The repetition of phrases like "holy rollers better call the Lord" and "lonely life" emphasize the singer's desperation and isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking with a mountain through the streets of Tiny Town
Moving through life's ups and downs with a symbol of strength and stability
He lifts you up above the rain to where the sun is always out
This symbol can bring light to even the darkest moments and see the positive side of things
He picks you like a flower under heaven from the ground
This symbol has the power to raise one up and make them feel special, chosen and worthy
It's a lonely lonely lonely life
Despite these uplifting moments, life can still feel lonely and desolate
way holy rollers better call the Lord, you tell him all the giant sings you've stored
In times of desperation, those who believe should turn to religion and confess their sins
You tell him everything because you're bored, you holy rollers better call the Lord)
Religion can provide a sense of purpose and interruption in a monotonous existence
And the giant says hey, the Sun Giant says hey
Even when feeling alone, a higher power can reach out and say hello
Walking with a mountain up the stairway to the stars
Seeking further enlightenment and transcendence with this symbol's guidance
They're leaning out their windows and they're pointing from their cars
Others may take notice and be captivated by this symbol's influence
They're sleeping on their fire escapes just to get a glimpse of God
The power of this symbol can inspire people to want to seek out more spiritual experiences
It's a lonely lonely lonely life
Despite these experiences, loneliness and isolation may still persist
wYa holy rollers better call the Lord, you don't have much to talk about no more
When life seems to lose its meaning and purpose, religion can provide answers and topics for discussion
You cut up all your giant sins and stored them in the floorboards)
Confessing and atoning for one's transgressions can provide a sense of relief and weight lifted off of them
Contributed by Jasmine K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.