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The Hell Song

Sum 41: The Hell Song

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? by Andy (quirk) Thomas

Sum 41 aren't noted for their sensitive edge. 'The Hell Song' is apparently about finding out your close friend is HIV positive. The result is a somewhat unsure tale of confusion to the sound of thrashing guitars not a world away from any of their other singles. Chugga chugga BAM BAM widdle widdle chugga chugga repeat etc...

With subject matter this delicate it's just as well the lyrics are so non-specific it could be about any situation which involves helplessness. Stylistically its closest contempory is probably Offspring's 'The Kids Aren't Alright', another track typified by subject matter punching well above the weight of its disposable punkpop base.

Fans only.

  • Sum 41 5 / 10
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Sum 41 - The Hell Song

So do you think there is some kind of intrinsic link between music and lyrics? I kind of always thought the relationship was arbitrary. What you seem to be saying is that some styles of music are appropriate for certain subjects and not for others. It seems to be a dangerous view to take, because it could be construed as musical snobbery - paraphrasing you in the most negative way, you're saying that Sum 41 aren't "serious" enough to write about "serious" subjects. But isn't that just because their music doesn't move *you*? I don't really know what I'm saying, just that I'm surprised you've drawn such a strong correlation between music and lyrics.
Old_Anonymous_Comments | 13 Feb '03, 01:06 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Re: Sum 41 - The Hell Song

I've gotta say this, I've heard this song A LOT of times now and the first couple of lines of tune are straight out of that evil nickelback song, and the chorus reminds me a little of we will rock you.

I absolutely despise Sum 41. This is even worse then the rot they usually drawl out. But hey, that's just my opinion... my housemate loves 'em. why, i may never know.
Old_Anonymous_Comments | 14 Feb '03, 19:05 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Re: Sum 41 - The Hell Song

I don't particularly care for Sum 41 either... I was just intrigued about Andy's implication that there is a certain *style* of music appropriate for certain subject matters. I agree with you, though - Sum 41's music isn't appropriate for *any* subject matter. It offers nothing new whatsoever, so shouldn't really have been created in the first place.
Old_Anonymous_Comments | 15 Feb '03, 16:02 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Re: Sum 41 - The Hell Song

I think Sum41 are capable of writing about "serious" issues, however they've chosen to do it without modifying their standard punk pop template. The effect is that the message they are perhaps trying to put across is lost because without listening very hard you assume they're still singing about "skateboards and getting dumped".
Old_Anonymous_Comments | 16 Feb '03, 22:47 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Re: Sum 41 - The Hell Song

It's fair to say I've never paid attention to Sum 41's lyrics in my life, and i doubt their mini-avril fans have either.

Much as I hate to agree with you.
Old_Anonymous_Comments | 17 Feb '03, 00:43 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Re: Sum 41 - The Hell Song

That's a fair point... Do you think there are any bands that fit into this 'genre' which *have* successfully written about issues more seriously than "skateboards and getting dumped"? The only reason I ask is that I find most of the generic skatey punky bands incredibly samey and would love to find a band that fits the genre but is capable of writing with a bit more imagination.
Old_Anonymous_Comments | 17 Feb '03, 17:00 | Send note | Report this | Reply

Re: Sum 41 - The Hell Song

I can't stand avril lavigne, but I like sum 41. Don't judge people.
hyper-para-chondroid | 3 Jan '04, 12:14 | Send note | Report this | Reply

why not

i dont really understand the whole, this goes into this catogory thing, i cant do it. i dont hear a song made by a band and think right ? punk/rock/emo/grunger/pop whatever els ? i just dont think like that.
i like sum 41, i enjoy listening to their music. i enjoy listening to the hell song, and i do notice the lyrics and i dont see the problem. just me ?
its a song you can sing along to/ play along to and is enjoyable, obviously it will apeal to some people and not others but i dont get this whole they cant do this and they cant do that mojo.
if they want to sing about it why not. also 'the kids arnt alright' is a good song which i dont see a problem with either.
i think sometimes people over analyse things maybe?
xxx

Noted_Disaster | 8 Apr '07, 21:55 | Send note | Report this | Reply


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