No, this song isn't about that.
March 11, 2024 | 1:33 PM ET
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When it comes to truly ahead-of-its-time jams, few can match the Violent Femmes' “Blister in the Sun.” Despite being frequently misunderstood, this alternative rock and folk-punk archetype still sounds so fresh today that it's hard to believe it's over 40 years old. About this episode the story behind songIn , vocalist Gordon Gano explores the origins of the classic cut and reveals how it wasn't a violent women's song at all.
“I went to a poetry reading and we exchanged phone numbers with a woman who was there. She called me and said she was going to form a band and wanted it to be like the Plasmatics. '' he recalls. “Then I thought, “I wish I could give her a song to sing…'' and that's when I came up with “Blister in the Sun.'' I received a call the next day to cancel, but I didn't hear back from her after that. [from] Or I met her again. ”
And so the song remained in the hearts of Gano and the Violent Femme – thank God for that. With its unmistakable acoustic riff and swagger, “Blister in the Sun” would go on to define the band's ethos, making it hard to believe it was written by anyone else. It's unimaginable. It's Gano and the band through and through – and at that point, he wants to clear the air on the matter. be Interpretation of song lyrics.
“One time I was talking to a guy I happened to meet who was also a musician, and they started talking about how much they loved 'Blister in the Sun,'” Gano says. “And he kept saying, 'And, You know What is it about? everyone I know what it is. And I'm like, “Tell me!” And he said “masturbation.” And it was the first time I heard it. Moreover, this song has been out for 15 years! ”
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Listen to the “Blister in the Sun” story and more from Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes in the player above or on your favorite podcast platform. You can also watch the interview clip above or on YouTube.Please be sure to follow The story behind the song Listen to all the new and archived episodes from Season 2, and show your support for the series by rating and reviewing on Apple Podcasts.
Be sure to check out our new releases as well. TSBTS Merchandise, including killer posters and jigsaw puzzles, is available in the Consequence Shop or via the Buy Now button below. You can also get a reissue of the 40th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set. violent womanwhich begins with “Blister in the Sun.”
You can also follow host Peter Csathy on the @pcsathy thread, Deep Cuts Media, and stay up to date on all his shows on the Consequence Podcast Network.
