Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)

Squeeze

About Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)

"Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)" is a song by the band Squeeze. First released on the 1980 album Argybargy, it received positive critical reviews, peaked at No. 44 on the UK Singles Chart, and became one of Squeeze's most popular songs. The song is about one of the band members' experiences at a holiday camp.


Year:
1998
3:58
112 
#1

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They do it down on Camber Sands
They do it at Waikiki
Lazing about the beach all day,
At night the crickets creepy

Squinting faces at the sky
A Harold Robbins paperback
Surfers drop their boards and dry
And everybody wants a hat

But behind the chalet
My holiday's complete
And I feel like William Tell
Maid Marian on her tiptoed feet
Pulling mussels from a shell
Pulling mussels from a shell

Shrinking in the sea so cold
Topless ladies look away
A he-man in a sudden shower
Shelters from the rain

You wish you had a motor boat
To pose around the harbor bar
And when the sun goes off to bed
You hook it up behind the car

But behind the chalet
My holiday's complete
And I feel like William Tell
Maid Marian on her tiptoed feet
Pulling mussels from a shell
Pulling mussels from a shell

Two fat ladies window shop
Something for the mantelpiece
In for bingo all the nines
A panda for sweet little niece

The coach drivers stand about
Looking at a local map
About the boy who's gone away
Down to next door's caravan

But behind the chalet
My holiday's complete
And I feel like William Tell
Maid Marian on her tiptoed feet
Pulling mussels from a shell
Pulling mussels from a shell

But behind the chalet
My holiday's complete
And I feel like William Tell
Maid Marian on her tiptoed feet
Pulling mussels from a shell
Pulling mussels from a shell

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Squeeze

Squeeze are a British band that came to prominence in the United Kingdom during the New Wave period of the late 1970s and continued recording successfully in the 1980s and 1990s. They are known in the UK for their hit songs "Cool for Cats", "Up the Junction", "Tempted", "Labelled With Love", "Black Coffee In Bed", "Another Nail in My Heart","Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)" and "Hourglass". Though not as commercially successful in the U.S., Squeeze had American chart hits with "Tempted", "Hourglass" and "853-5937", and they have a dedicated following there and continue to attract new fans. All of Squeeze's hits were written by band members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, with the former penning the lyrics and the latter handling the composition. The duo we… more »

2 fans

Written by: CHRISTOPHER HENRY DIFFORD, GLENN MARTIN TILBROOK

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album and Release Date (General Information
"Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)" is a song by the British new wave band Squeeze. It was featured on their third album, "Argybargy," which was released in February 1980.
Song Inspiration (Song Writing
The song was inspired by the childhood memories of the band's lyricist, Chris Difford. He wrote about British seaside vacations and making trips to the beach where people often cooked and ate mussels.
Contribution (Band Member Roles
While Chris Difford wrote the lyrics, the music for Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) was composed by Glenn Tilbrook. Both of them were the lead vocalists for the band.
Music Video (Visuals
There is no official music video for the song. However, the band's live performances of the song are widely available on various platforms online.
Chart Performance (Achievements
Despite its popularity, Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) was not a chart-topping hit in the UK or the US. However, many critics and fans consider it one of Squeeze's best songs.
Lyrics Interpretation (Song Meaning
The song's lyrics are seen as a playful take on British cultural habits and stereotypes, using a metaphor of pulling mussels from a shell to symbolize various aspects of life.
Cultural Impact (Legacy
The song is known for its quintessential British references. It has often been played on radio shows highlighting classic British rock and was named by BBC Radio 2 as one of the "100 Greatest Guitar Riffs” in 2014.
Cover Versions (Other Performances
Several artists have covered "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)", showcasing its enduring appeal. Among them is American alternative rock band, The Bongos, who included their version on the 1991 tribute album "If I Were A Carpenter."
Live performances (Concerts
"Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)" remains a popular choice in Squeeze's live performances and is often played as part of their encore.
Use in Other Media (Media Appearances
The song has appeared in various film and TV soundtracks, including the British comedy series "Spaced" and the critically acclaimed movie "Adventureland."

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