I Will Dare

The Replacements

About I Will Dare

"I Will Dare" is a song by American alternative rock band The Replacements, written by Paul Westerberg. The song was released as a single on independent record label Twin/Tone Records in July 1984, shortly before the release of the band's album Let It Be that October, on which the song served as the opening track. Allmusic writes that the song "stands as perhaps the band's most beloved song and is a touchstone for their mid-'80s heyday, not to mention its status in the jangle and college rock canons. " The song has been included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The song is based on a shuffle rhythm and features Paul Westerberg playing a mandolin. Peter Buck of R. E. M. plays guitar on the song. Westerberg himself noted that the song's title was an apt motto for the band, and said, "We'll dare to flop [. . .] We'll dare to do anything."For the single release, "I Will Dare" was backed by cover recordings of T. Rex's "20th Century Boy" and Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin'." The cover of "Hey Good Lookin'" was recorded at a club performance in Madison, Wisconsin. Although Replacements guitarist Bob Stinson claimed his guitar solo on the recording was deliberately off-key, Stinson tried to grab the tape of the recording from his bandmates as they replayed it endlessly and laughed at the solo after the show. A 1986 live recording of the song is found on the 2017 album For Sale: Live at Maxwell's 1986. 


Year:
1984
3:19
82 
#2

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How young are you?
How old am I?
Let's count the rings around my eyes

How smart are you?
How dumb am I?
Don't count any of my advice

Oh, meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytime
Now I don't care, meet me tonight
If you will dare, I might dare

Call me on Thursday, if you will
Or call me on Wednesday, better still
Ain't lost yet, so I gotta be a winner
Fingernails and a cigarette's a lousy dinner
Young, are you? Wo oo

C'mon meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytime
Now, I don't care, meet me tonight
If you will dare, I will dare
Meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytime
Now, I don't care, meet me tonight
If you will dare, I will dare

How young are you?
How old am I?
Let's count the rings around my eyes

How smart are you?
How smart are you?
How dumb am I?
Dumb am I

Meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytime
Now I don't care, meet me tonight
If you would dare, I would dare
Meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytime
Now I don't care, meet me tonight
If you will dare, I will dare

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The Replacements

The Replacements are an American punk rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1979, and are considered pioneers of alternative rock. The band was composed of guitarist and vocalist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bassist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars for most of their career. Following several critically acclaimed albums, including Let It Be and Tim, Bob Stinson left the band in 1986 and the band experienced several line-up changes; Slim Dunlap joined as lead guitarist and Steve Foley replaced Chris Mars in 1990. Towards the end of the band's career, Westerberg exerted more control over their creative output. The group disbanded in 1991, with the members ultimately pursuing various projects. However, a reunion was announced on October 3,… more »

2 fans

Written by: PAUL WESTERBERG

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Song Credits
"I Will Dare" is a song by American alternative rock band The Replacements, released in 1984. It was written by the band's frontman, Paul Westerberg.
Album Feature
This track is the opening song on The Replacements' album "Let It Be." This album is regularly listed as one of the greatest albums of the 1980s.
Special Guest Appearance
R.E.M.'s Peter Buck made a guest appearance in the song, playing the mandolin solo. The collaboration was uncredited due to contractual reasons.
Musical Elements
"I Will Dare" stands out from other Replacements' songs with its inclusion of mandolin - an instrument not commonly used by the band.
Song Reception
The song is often recognized as a landmark track for the band, representing their move from hardcore punk to a more melodic, college rock sound.
Videography
"I Will Dare" was one of the few Replacements songs to get a music video. However, the band was famous for hating to make music videos, and the video for "I Will Dare" is rarely shown.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by many bands and artists, including The Decemberists and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder.
Live Performances
Despite its popularity, "I Will Dare" was only sporadically performed live by The Replacements during their initial run. However, it became a setlist fixture in their reunion shows.
Lyrics Interpretation
The song's lyrics are often interpreted as a reflection of the band's rebellious spirit and their refusal to conform to mainstream music norms.

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