Pixies

Lyrics

17 ContributorsU-Mass LyricsIn the sleepy west
Of the woody east
Is a valley full
Full o' pioneer
We're not just kids
To say the least
We got ideas
To us that's dear
Like capitalist
Like communist
Like lots of things
You've heard about
And redneckers
They get us pissed
And stupid stuff
It makes us shout
Oh dance with me
Oh don't be shy
Oh kiss me cunt
Oh kiss me cock
Oh kiss the world
Oh kiss the sky
Oh kiss my ass
Oh let it rock
Of the April birds
And the May bee
Oh baby
[Hook]
It's educational
It's educational
It's educational
It's educational
It's educational
It's educational
It's educational
It's educational

University
Of Massachusetts, please
And here's the last five

It's educational
It's educational
It's educational
It's educational
It's
It's educational

If there's one song that made the Pixies even more legendary, it would be their tune, "U-Mass." Written by Black Francis while he was still a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, this song would later become an anthem for college students everywhere. With its catchy riff, sardonic lyrics, and sheer energy, it's no wonder "U-Mass" remains one of the Pixies' most popular works today.

About U-Mass

The story behind "U-Mass" is as interesting as the song itself. As mentioned, Black Francis wrote the song based on his experiences at U-Mass, where he met future bandmate Joey Santiago. The Pixies' frontman was studying anthropology at the time, and his observations of his fellow students would later form the basis for the song's scathing lyrics.

The song's riff, on the other hand, came to Santiago during one of the band's early rehearsals. According to the guitarist, the riff was somewhat inspired by The Yardbirds, one of the bands they admired at the time. Once the band had fleshed out the riff, it became the driving force behind "U-Mass," giving it a distinctive and memorable sound.

As for the lyrics, they express Francis's dissatisfaction with the university culture that he was part of. The song mocks his fellow students' ideas about politics, love, and activism, while also referring to the security measures that U-Mass had in place to counter student protests. For Francis, who allegedly dropped out of the university before completing his degree, the song was a reflection of his disillusionment with academia and his desire to break free from its constraints.

One interesting aspect of "U-Mass" is its use of irony. The song's lyrics describe students who are supposedly radical and rebellious, yet in reality, they conform to the status quo and don't really challenge authority. This irony is captured perfectly in the line, "Rally around the kid with a pocket full of shells." The line refers to the student protests that took place at U-Mass in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which were marked by clashes between demonstrators and police. But in the song, the "kid with a pocket full of shells" is portrayed as a leader who ultimately fails to effect any real change.

Despite its biting commentary, "U-Mass" is a fun song to listen to, thanks to its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus. The Pixies' trademark loud-soft dynamics are also on full display, with the verses being relatively subdued compared to the chorus and bridge sections. The song's production, handled by Gil Norton, is also worth noting, as it showcases the band's raw energy without sacrificing clarity or precision.

Ultimately, what makes "U-Mass" such an enduring track is its ability to capture the zeitgeist of its time while remaining relevant to subsequent generations. Although it was written almost thirty years ago, the song's themes of disillusionment, hypocrisy, and youthful rebellion are still as resonant as ever. It's no wonder that "U-Mass" has become a staple of the Pixies' live shows, with audiences singing along to its memorable chorus and fist-pumping to its infectious riff.

Wrapping Up

In the end, "U-Mass" is a standout track in the Pixies' already impressive repertoire. With its biting lyrics, catchy riff, and infectious energy, this song captures the spirit of college life while also skewering its excesses. Whether you're a college student yourself or just someone who appreciates great music, it's hard not to be won over by the sheer power of "U-Mass."

• Release Date: September 23, 1991
• Artist: Pixies