The Replacements — The Ledge
Album: Pleased To Meet MeAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 938
Length: 3:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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All eyes look up to me
High above the filthy streets
Heed no bullhorn when it calls
Watch me fly and die, watch me fall
I'm the boy they can't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
All the love sent up high to pledge
Won't reach the ledge
Wind blows cold from the west
I smell coffee, I smell doughnuts for the press
A girl that I knew once years ago
Is tryin' to be reached on the phone
I'm the boy she can't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
All the love sent up high to pledge
I'm the boy she can't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
All the love sent up high to pledge
Priest kneels silent, all is still
Policeman reaches from the sill
Watch him try, watch him try his best
There'll be no medal pinned to his chest
I'm the boy they couldn't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
I'm the boy they couldn't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
I'm the boy for the last time in my life
All the love that they pledge
For the last time will not reach the ledge
High above the filthy streets
Heed no bullhorn when it calls
Watch me fly and die, watch me fall
I'm the boy they can't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
All the love sent up high to pledge
Won't reach the ledge
Wind blows cold from the west
I smell coffee, I smell doughnuts for the press
A girl that I knew once years ago
Is tryin' to be reached on the phone
I'm the boy she can't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
All the love sent up high to pledge
I'm the boy she can't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
All the love sent up high to pledge
Priest kneels silent, all is still
Policeman reaches from the sill
Watch him try, watch him try his best
There'll be no medal pinned to his chest
I'm the boy they couldn't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
I'm the boy they couldn't ignore
For the first time in my life, I'm sure
I'm the boy for the last time in my life
All the love that they pledge
For the last time will not reach the ledge
Comments (62)add comment
Nowadays, this would be written from the POV of school mass shooter.
wow Man
An underrated song from an underrated band. One of Minneapolis' best. Long live the 'mats!
LaurieinTucson wrote:
Really? Beginning sounds like Guadalcanal Diary to me.
Nirvana-esque
Really? Beginning sounds like Guadalcanal Diary to me.
papersitter wrote:
Agreed. But I would bring it partly for sentimental value.
That was an era of musical discovery that was rich and golden.
one of my desert island discs
Agreed. But I would bring it partly for sentimental value.
That was an era of musical discovery that was rich and golden.
SmackDaddy wrote:
The subject reminds me of Elton John's 'Ticking' on Caribou. Both are pretty brutal.
c.
Still one of the most powerful and profound songs ever written. The lyrics are astonishingly perceptive and poignant.
The subject reminds me of Elton John's 'Ticking' on Caribou. Both are pretty brutal.
c.
Still one of the most powerful and profound songs ever written. The lyrics are astonishingly perceptive and poignant.
YES!
LaurieinTucson wrote:
*cough*
Nirvana-esque
*cough*Rockin'
lazylemming wrote:
Because it's about suicide and expertly written too.
I recently finished Bob Mehr's book, "Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements." I hadn't realized the controversy over this track when released as a the first single from "Pleased to Meet Me" in '87. MTV refused to play the video due to the topic. Worthwhile read for a terrific/frustrating rock band that almost made it big.
Because it's about suicide and expertly written too.
lazylemming wrote:
Thanks - inspired me to take a look.
I recently finished Bob Mehr's book, "Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements." I hadn't realized the controversy over this track when released as a the first single from "Pleased to Meet Me" in '87. MTV refused to play the video due to the topic. Worthwhile read for a terrific/frustrating rock band that almost made it big.
Thanks - inspired me to take a look.
My own rating: only 5
Proclivities wrote:
Oddly, the only other tune from this album, on the RP playlist, is "Skyway". It's surprising that there aren't any others - especially "Alex Chilton".
Actually, there is another tune off this record that gets played here: "Can't Hardly Wait". It follows "Skyway". But RP plays it or attributes it to the greatest hits compiliation.
Oddly, the only other tune from this album, on the RP playlist, is "Skyway". It's surprising that there aren't any others - especially "Alex Chilton".
Actually, there is another tune off this record that gets played here: "Can't Hardly Wait". It follows "Skyway". But RP plays it or attributes it to the greatest hits compiliation.
One of the greatest bands of all time.
I recently finished Bob Mehr's book, "Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements." I hadn't realized the controversy over this track when released as a the first single from "Pleased to Meet Me" in '87. MTV refused to play the video due to the topic. Worthwhile read for a terrific/frustrating rock band that almost made it big.
Nirvana-esque
I do not think I have ever heard this song before, very nice.
revsully wrote:
I freakin' LOOOOVE these guys. Wish I could have seen them live back in the day.
By chance, I saw their last concert, a free one at Grant Park in Chicago. One by one they left the stage, handing their instruments to roadies, who finished the set. I thought it was just part of the show until I read later that they had called it quits.
from 2 to 1 (because now I checked guitar solo). Awful.
lemmoth wrote:
What? The Mats never made it to Amsterdam??
If they ever got played in the UK, i must've missed it! Never heard of 'em. Liking the sound though. Wonder if they ever sent John Peel a demo back in the day - i'm sure he'd've liked it & played it. Thanks RP for another 'new' old band i missed at the time.
What? The Mats never made it to Amsterdam??
If they ever got played in the UK, i must've missed it! Never heard of 'em. Liking the sound though. Wonder if they ever sent John Peel a demo back in the day - i'm sure he'd've liked it & played it. Thanks RP for another 'new' old band i missed at the time.
Oh my, how long has it been since I blasted this album (cassette) in my '86 Honda Prelude? Good for the ears, for sure!
one of my desert island discs
Rock and Roll animals.
yes!
Nice segue from Lone Justice!
Two bands which were really hyped in 1985, only Lone Justice had the seemingly bottomless pockets of David Geffen behind them, while The 'Mats had (in their own words) NO MONEY IN SIGHT!!
Two bands which were really hyped in 1985, only Lone Justice had the seemingly bottomless pockets of David Geffen behind them, while The 'Mats had (in their own words) NO MONEY IN SIGHT!!
...especially "Alex Chilton" !!!!!
Proclivities wrote:
Oddly, the only other tune from this album, on the RP playlist, is "Skyway". It's surprising that there aren't any others - especially "Alex Chilton".
Alex Chilton by The Replacements on Grooveshark','hspace':null,'vspace':null,'align':null,'bgcolor':null}">
Can't Hardly Wait is also on the playlist, but it's credited to the All For Nothing compilation.
Oddly, the only other tune from this album, on the RP playlist, is "Skyway". It's surprising that there aren't any others - especially "Alex Chilton".
Alex Chilton by The Replacements on Grooveshark','hspace':null,'vspace':null,'align':null,'bgcolor':null}">Can't Hardly Wait is also on the playlist, but it's credited to the All For Nothing compilation.
One of my all time favorite disc.
GOOD ROCK! BRAVO!
Just announced: Paul and Tommy (& who knows who else) will play as The Replacements for 3 dates at Riot Fest....
:+:_DL wrote:
You can add songs to RP by uploading them, check the LRC/Upload tab above, that's how this song came on the playlist.
Why not play ANY OTHER SONG off this great record!?!?
You can add songs to RP by uploading them, check the LRC/Upload tab above, that's how this song came on the playlist.
Proclivities wrote:
Oddly, the only other tune from this album, on the RP playlist, is "Skyway". It's surprising that there aren't any others - especially "Alex Chilton".
I saw Westie about 7 years ago playing a solo gig in Milwaukee billed as "Paul Westerberg and His Only Friends". The show was fairly ho-hum for the first hour, an early highlight being a cover of "Different Drum" by The Stone Poneys. But he closed with a flurry of 'Mats (almost) hits, including Alex Chilton.
There's something about standing 10 feet away from a performer blasting out one of your favorite songs that can never be dupilcated anywhere else.
Oddly, the only other tune from this album, on the RP playlist, is "Skyway". It's surprising that there aren't any others - especially "Alex Chilton".
I saw Westie about 7 years ago playing a solo gig in Milwaukee billed as "Paul Westerberg and His Only Friends". The show was fairly ho-hum for the first hour, an early highlight being a cover of "Different Drum" by The Stone Poneys. But he closed with a flurry of 'Mats (almost) hits, including Alex Chilton.
There's something about standing 10 feet away from a performer blasting out one of your favorite songs that can never be dupilcated anywhere else.
:+:_DL wrote:
Oddly, the only other tune from this album, on the RP playlist, is "Skyway". It's surprising that there aren't any others - especially "Alex Chilton".
Why not play ANY OTHER SONG off this great record!?!?
Oddly, the only other tune from this album, on the RP playlist, is "Skyway". It's surprising that there aren't any others - especially "Alex Chilton".
Why not play ANY OTHER SONG off this great record!?!?
Only gets a 9 from me, so not one of the ten best Replacement songs.
To add my two cents to earlier opinions on their albums: I think all of them are great, but certainly after this transitional one they change to a more refined or possibly mainstream style. Still work for me. ALL Replacement albums are great.
Paul Westerberg solo: VERY VERY MIXED BAG! Unfortunately hardly any of his albums are all good, eventhough I dislike best of albums, maybe in this case a 2 CD set with Westerberg solo would make a really nice collection.
To add my two cents to earlier opinions on their albums: I think all of them are great, but certainly after this transitional one they change to a more refined or possibly mainstream style. Still work for me. ALL Replacement albums are great.
Paul Westerberg solo: VERY VERY MIXED BAG! Unfortunately hardly any of his albums are all good, eventhough I dislike best of albums, maybe in this case a 2 CD set with Westerberg solo would make a really nice collection.
SmackDaddy wrote:
Icicle Work-ish??? Bite your tongue. The 'mats inspired a generation (or two or three by now). While there earlier stuff was grittier, I consider this their pinnacle. Not to say latter stuff was bad, just more refined, this album is the right mix between their rougher earlier years and latter refinement after they somewhat sobered up and kicked Tommy Stintson out of the band.
You mean Bob?
Icicle Work-ish??? Bite your tongue. The 'mats inspired a generation (or two or three by now). While there earlier stuff was grittier, I consider this their pinnacle. Not to say latter stuff was bad, just more refined, this album is the right mix between their rougher earlier years and latter refinement after they somewhat sobered up and kicked Tommy Stintson out of the band.
You mean Bob?
ROCK AND ROLL!
They did, but where to drunk to stand on two legs... But this is still a good song! and from a good album!!!!
Huey wrote:
What? The Mats never made it to Amsterdam??
Wow, that guitar made my head snap up and pay attention. This is good, never heard of them. 8.
What? The Mats never made it to Amsterdam??
Wow, that guitar made my head snap up and pay attention. This is good, never heard of them. 8.
I like it - feels like an old friend i never knew.
I freakin' LOOOOVE these guys. Wish I could have seen them live back in the day.
fredriley wrote:
Love that fredriley digs The Replacements! I don't always agree with your tastes fred, but your opinions are usually well conveyed. I've always wondered how this uniquely American band would go over in other places. I compare Westerberg to Ray Davies. Grungy poet of the common man. Enjoy yer pint(s)...Cheers!
Five 8-rated songs on the trot - have mercy!! I'm sitting here late in the office and you keep torturing me with fantastic music, such that I can't even move from my seat to have a pee. Please, I'm begging you, play a sucko-barfo so's I can go down the pub.
Ah, the sweet pain...
Ah, the sweet pain...
Love that fredriley digs The Replacements! I don't always agree with your tastes fred, but your opinions are usually well conveyed. I've always wondered how this uniquely American band would go over in other places. I compare Westerberg to Ray Davies. Grungy poet of the common man. Enjoy yer pint(s)...Cheers!
Anyone hear Arctic Monkeys?
Wow! Take me back to high school. This album really spoke to me as a male adolescent teen when it came out. Hell, it still does.
Five 8-rated songs on the trot - have mercy!! I'm sitting here late in the office and you keep torturing me with fantastic music, such that I can't even move from my seat to have a pee. Please, I'm begging you, play a sucko-barfo so's I can go down the pub.
Ah, the sweet pain...
Ah, the sweet pain...
ick wrote:
it just goes to show that a lot of music is derivative of something that came before, although I'm not sure exactly what the 'Mats were channeling when they started.
Kenny Loggins?
it just goes to show that a lot of music is derivative of something that came before, although I'm not sure exactly what the 'Mats were channeling when they started.
Kenny Loggins?
crockydile wrote:
Icicle Work-ish??? Bite your tongue. The 'mats inspired a generation (or two or three by now). While there earlier stuff was grittier, I consider this their pinnacle. Not to say latter stuff was bad, just more refined, this album is the right mix between their rougher earlier years and latter refinement after they somewhat sobered up and kicked Tommy Stintson out of the band.
New 2 Me. Sounds very late 80's, Icicle Works-ish...guitar work reminds me of an old joke.
How many guitarists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? 2: 1 to screw in the lightbulb and 1 to say "I could do that!"
How many guitarists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? 2: 1 to screw in the lightbulb and 1 to say "I could do that!"
Icicle Work-ish??? Bite your tongue. The 'mats inspired a generation (or two or three by now). While there earlier stuff was grittier, I consider this their pinnacle. Not to say latter stuff was bad, just more refined, this album is the right mix between their rougher earlier years and latter refinement after they somewhat sobered up and kicked Tommy Stintson out of the band.
New 2 Me. Sounds very late 80's, Icicle Works-ish...guitar work reminds me of an old joke.
How many guitarists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? 2: 1 to screw in the lightbulb and 1 to say "I could do that!"
How many guitarists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? 2: 1 to screw in the lightbulb and 1 to say "I could do that!"
I'm the boy they couldn't ignore, for the first time in my life, I'm sure
I'm the boy, for the last time in my life
All the love that they pledge
For the last time will not reach the ledge
I love this song. . .
lmic wrote:
Kurt was an admitted 'Mats (and Pixies) fan.
Wow - this is pre-Nirvana. More fuel for my realization that grunge was not quite as original as I'd originally thought...
Kurt was an admitted 'Mats (and Pixies) fan.
Yeah, this is the stuff right here. Takes me back!
lmic wrote:
it just goes to show that a lot of music is derivative of something that came before, although I'm not sure exactly what the 'Mats were channeling when they started. these guys were great!
Wow - this is pre-Nirvana. More fuel for my realization that grunge was not quite as original as I'd originally thought...
it just goes to show that a lot of music is derivative of something that came before, although I'm not sure exactly what the 'Mats were channeling when they started. these guys were great!
This is the BAND you can't ignore, for the first time in my life I'm sure!
Wow - this is pre-Nirvana. More fuel for my realization that grunge was not quite as original as I'd originally thought...
This was a big song, live. Like "Nightclub Jitters" or "Skyway" was. Man, I miss them boys. 
No need to go out on a ledge over this one - great song from a strong album!
Maybe this is soooo good, in part because it came after something really bad by Crash Test Dummies. Does anyone ever wonder if your ratings are affected by the song before?
Haven't heard this since I used to wear deeper grooves into the vinyl. Pure genius of a song. Bravo.
Now this is something I'd like to hear the American Idoliots try to pull off - something with real emotionality to it. They would all so fail horribly.
Now this is something I'd like to hear the American Idoliots try to pull off - something with real emotionality to it. They would all so fail horribly.
The way R&R should be. Awesome album from start to finish.
The Ledge took the Waitress in the Sky to a Hootenanny where they met Mr. Whirley.
OK, RP, this makes up for the Decemberists crap. TNX!
OK, RP, this makes up for the Decemberists crap. TNX!