Member-only story

Loud Fast Words: Soul Asylum's Collected Lyrics, an Anthology of Heartland Rock Poetry

Oscar Wilde

·5.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Loud Fast Words: Soul Asylum Collected Lyrics

5 min read

135 View Claps

32 Respond

Save

Listen

Loud Fast Words: Soul Asylum Collected Lyrics

by Dave Pirner

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18681 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

In the annals of American rock music, few bands have managed to capture the essence of the heartland experience quite like Soul Asylum. Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, the band emerged in the late 1980s with a sound that blended elements of alternative rock, folk, and punk. Fronted by the enigmatic Dave Pirner, Soul Asylum quickly gained a reputation for their heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies.

At the core of Soul Asylum's music has always been the songwriting of Pirner. A gifted wordsmith with a keen eye for detail, Pirner has penned some of the most memorable and evocative lyrics in rock history. His songs often explore themes of love, loss, redemption, and the search for meaning in a complex world.

In 2012, Pirner and Soul Asylum released Loud Fast Words: Soul Asylum's Collected Lyrics, an anthology of the band's lyrics spanning their entire career. The book is a treasure trove for fans of the band, offering a comprehensive look at the creative process behind some of their most iconic songs.

The lyrics in Loud Fast Words are arranged chronologically, allowing readers to trace the evolution of Pirner's songwriting over time. Early songs like "89" and "Somebody to Shove" showcase his youthful exuberance and raw energy. As the band matured, Pirner's lyrics became more introspective and nuanced, exploring the complexities of relationships and the human condition.

One of the most striking things about Pirner's lyrics is their honesty and vulnerability. He is not afraid to lay bare his own emotions, even at their most painful. In songs like "Runaway Train" and "Black Gold," he sings about his struggles with addiction and loss. But even in his darkest moments, Pirner never loses sight of hope. His songs are filled with a sense of resilience and optimism, a belief that even in the face of adversity, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

In addition to the lyrics themselves, Loud Fast Words also includes a number of essays and interviews with Pirner and other members of Soul Asylum. These pieces provide valuable insights into the band's creative process and the stories behind their songs.

For fans of Soul Asylum, Loud Fast Words is an essential addition to their collection. It is a book that offers a deep dive into the mind of one of America's most gifted songwriters. Pirner's lyrics are a powerful reminder of the enduring power of music to connect with our hearts and minds.

Here are a few of our favorite quotes from Loud Fast Words:

"I wanted to write songs that were honest and true to my own experiences," Pirner writes in the to the book. "I wanted to write songs that would connect with people on a deep level, songs that would make them feel something."

"I think the best songs come from a place of honesty and vulnerability," Pirner says in an interview. "You have to be willing to open yourself up and share your own experiences, even if they're painful."

"Music has the power to heal and to inspire," Pirner writes. "It can bring people together and make them feel less alone. I hope that my songs can do that for people."

If you're a fan of Soul Asylum, or if you're simply interested in great songwriting, we highly recommend Loud Fast Words. It's a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Loud Fast Words: Soul Asylum Collected Lyrics

by Dave Pirner

4.9 out of 5