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.
Vivian Girls
Wussy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Footsteps behind when there's no one around
Black and white pearls, Vivian Girls
Saving the day when our hero left town
Heavenly hosts give up their ghosts
Sing you to sleep as you travel downstream
Your secret is out running aground
Taking the lead with the sneakers you found
Hiding inside when the man comes around
Heavenly hosts give up their ghosts
Sing you to sleep as you travel downstream
The lyrics to Wussy's song "Vivian Girls" paint a picture of a mysterious, unsettling atmosphere that the singer finds themselves in. The "mystery house" and footsteps that seem to follow even when there's no one around create a sense of paranoia and tension. However, the lyrics then shift to a more positive note with the introduction of the "Vivian Girls," who are described as "black and white pearls" and seem to be saving the day after the hero has left town. It's unclear who or what the Vivian Girls are, but they appear to be an important and powerful force in this world.
The reference to "heavenly hosts" giving up their ghosts and singing the singer to sleep creates an otherworldly, spiritual dimension to the lyrics. It's possible that the Vivian Girls are themselves some kind of supernatural beings or angels. The second verse continues the theme of secret knowledge and hidden strength, with the singer making a big leap that is claimed by the deep (perhaps representing some kind of danger or risk that they take). They hide away when the "man comes around," suggesting a fear of authority or punishment.
Line by Line Meaning
Your mystery house bringing me down
The unknown and enigmatic aspects of your life are weighing me down and making me feel helpless.
Footsteps behind when there's no one around
Despite the absence of any visible threat, I can still sense danger and feel constantly watched.
Black and white pearls, Vivian Girls
The dichotomy of light and dark, symbolized by the contrasting pearls, is embodied by the Vivian Girls - a symbol of hope and resilience in troubling times.
Saving the day when our hero left town
In the absence of a traditional hero-figure, the Vivian Girls step up to the plate and become the protectors and saviors of the community.
Heavenly hosts give up their ghosts
Even the celestial beings are relinquishing their hold on life and the living world, as if there is no hope left.
Sing you to sleep as you travel downstream
The comforting lullaby of the heavenly hosts serve as a guide, leading us towards an uncertain but peaceful fate.
Your secret is out running aground
The truth that you've been hiding for so long has finally been uncovered and may lead to disastrous consequences, leaving you stranded and hopeless.
Taking the lead with the sneakers you found
With no one to lead the way, you must fend off for yourself and rely only on your quick wit and the resources at your disposal, such as the sneakers you found.
Make your big leap claimed by the deep
Taking a huge risk in order to escape from the clutches of danger may lead to a descent into a dark, unfathomable abyss.
Hiding inside when the man comes around
The looming threat of authority figures and those in power can make us feel powerless and send us into hiding, hoping to avoid detection and persecution.
Heavenly hosts give up their ghosts
Even the celestial beings are relinquishing their hold on life and the living world, as if there is no hope left.
Sing you to sleep as you travel downstream
The comforting lullaby of the heavenly hosts serve as a guide, leading us towards an uncertain but peaceful fate.
Contributed by Isaiah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.