Punchin' Bag

A Series of Tones: Song 72 
(Tryna Up That SEO)

Punchin' Bag by Cage the Elephant

Recommended by Kim

"I like a girl who stands up for herself, and this song narrates exactly that. She's done taking this guy's s**t. Down with the oppressive patriarchy who thinks it can get away with the mistreatment of women...I digress. Not sure that it really is the feminist song I want it to be, but it's still a cool jam about a badass girl."

According to an interview on Digital Trends, this song was first written because the guitarist Brad Shultz was being a little argumentative with singer Matthew Shultz. It wasn't until later that the protagonist was changed from being Cage the Elephant in the studio to "a battered woman" escaping a broken relationship. 

Good idea. New story is infinitely more compelling. Not sure whether that helps answer the question of whether or not it's a feminist anthem, but it's an interesting note. Songwriting is such a crazy journey.

The sound of this song is just about as badass as the girl it talks about. It's deep and heavy and full. It seems like it would be incredible to hear this song live. Somewhere kind of intimate but big enough to feel the energy surging through the crowd.

Like, I dunno, The Georgia Theatre. It gives me Athens vibes.

And this guy's voice is unique, and I like the way he sing-speaks the lyrics, especially the way he sing-yells I'm not your punchin' bag.

It's just...cool. You know? 

Chill. 

Cool.

Plus, as if we need another reason to add this song to all of our playlists, the lyrics include several instances of my favorite thing in the world - repetition:

Heaven help ya, I'm telling the truth.
Heaven help ya, she's coming for you.
Heaven help ya, the girl likes to fight.

Last time, last time you're ever gonna -
Last time, last time you're ever gonna - 

Last time, last time you're ever gonna -
Last time, last time you're ever gonna -
And, of course I'm not your punchin' bag.

Good stuff.

Overview:

Genre:
Punk Blues / Alt Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Heaven help ya, the girl likes to fight;
Afraid of nothing, and she carries a knife. 

Verdict:
Meet me at the next Cage the Elephant concert