Pennywise's monster success has an interesting background story. It was first released on their 1991 self-titled debut as a tribute to Tim Colvin, Carlos Canton and Tom Nichols, three friends of the band's bass player Jason Matthew Thirsk. It had immediate success due to its catchy nature. But in 1996, depressed and suffering from alcoholism, Thirsk took his own life and the following year, Pennywise released BRO HYMN TRIBUTE, which was slightly reworded and dedicated to him. It's quite the way to live up to its lyrics, because now every show they do, they end it up saying goodbye to Jason over and over again. Correct me if I'm wrong, but what a great, festive way to keep the memory alive, right?
Now, seeing how occidental civilization evolved since 1997, this song is in danger of being cannibalized. Three simple reasons. It's catchy, simple and it has the word "bro" in it. Any idiot DJ of the douchebag generation could sample this and have the popped collar, Axe-smelling motherfuckers singalong in the club, thinking they're tough. Since BRO HYMN TRIBUTE evokes very fond memories of BMXing, underage alcohol drinking, general rowdiness and youth taking over the city after 6 PM on week nights, I'm a little protective of it. I'd hate to see something written back when calling someone your "bro" meant the person was a brother to you, re-purposed for some vapid fucking slave lifestyle. If my endtime prediction happens to BRO HYMN, don't be surprised to see a DJ has been hanged from his booth on the news. You can't keep harvesting nostalgia without expecting some kind of reprisal.
Pennywise - BRO HYMN TRIBUTE
Pennywise - BRO HYMN TRIBUTE
To our best friend, present past and beyond
Though you weren't with us too long
Life is the most precious thing we could lose
While you were here the fun was never ending
Laugh a minute was only beginning
Jason Matthew Thirsk, this one's for you
Ever get the feeling you can't go on
Just remember whose side it is that you're on
You've got friends with you till the end
If you're ever in a tough situation
We'll be there with no hesitation
Brotherhood's our rule we cannot bend
When you're feeling too close to the bottom
You know who it is you can count on
Someone will pick you up again
We can conquer anything together
All of us are bonded forever
If you die I die that's the way it is
To our friends, present past and beyond
To all those who weren't with us too long
Life is the most precious thing you can lose
While you were here the fun was never ending
Laugh a minute was only beginning
Jason, my brother, this one's for you
Though you weren't with us too long
Life is the most precious thing we could lose
While you were here the fun was never ending
Laugh a minute was only beginning
Jason Matthew Thirsk, this one's for you
Ever get the feeling you can't go on
Just remember whose side it is that you're on
You've got friends with you till the end
If you're ever in a tough situation
We'll be there with no hesitation
Brotherhood's our rule we cannot bend
When you're feeling too close to the bottom
You know who it is you can count on
Someone will pick you up again
We can conquer anything together
All of us are bonded forever
If you die I die that's the way it is
To our friends, present past and beyond
To all those who weren't with us too long
Life is the most precious thing you can lose
While you were here the fun was never ending
Laugh a minute was only beginning
Jason, my brother, this one's for you
5 comments:
"Harvesting nostalgia". Now that is a winning quote!
Thanks, Tim. I get passionate about that stuff.
People are re-purposing this song as a douche song cos it has the word "bro" in it? Just...no.
We live in an era of loss of meaning. "bro" is sufficient enough now.
To anyone who has lost a close friend. Not a grandmother or second cousin but a real BRO that you shared a bond with,this songs for you.I lost my boy BobYoung and when that bass starts I immediately think of him and all the good times we shared. This is my version of "wind beneath my wings" fuck Bette Midler long live PW
Post a Comment