Snail Shell

They Might Be Giants

About Snail Shell

"Snail Shell" is a song by American alternative rock band They Might Be Giants. It was released on August 15, 1994 as the lead promotional single off of their fifth album, John Henry. It peaked at 19 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. This was a commercial disappointment for the band, as the song was perceived by the band as having the potential to be as successful as their breakthrough hit, Birdhouse in Your Soul. The day after the single's release, the group put out the E. P. Back to Skull, which features the song along with a version remixed by The Dust Brothers entitled "Snail Dust". The song, if taken literally, regards a snail who wishes to direct gratitude to an unknown person for, as he puts it, "putting me back in my snail shell". 


Year:
1994
3:20
93 

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Sir hand
Or is it ma'am
I fell out of my right place again
And you
Considered me
And now I'm where a snail has to be

I want to thank you for putting me back in my snail shell
I want to thank you for putting me back in my snail shell

Was it something you would do for anybody?
Was it what you'd only do for me?
I need to know because you see
I want to thank you for putting me back in my snail shell

Friend
Look what you gave
And how can you ever be repaid?
How may I give you a hand
From the position at your feet where I stand?

So let me thank you for putting me back in my snail shell
I'd like to thank you for putting me back in my snail shell

Was it something you would do for anybody?
Was it what you'd only do for me?
I need to know because you see
I want to thank you for putting me back in my snail shell

Snail Shell
Thank you
Snail Shell
Thank you

Ah
Ah
Ah

Was it something you would do for anybody?
Was it what you'd only do for me?
Or was it something where you acted when you saw the need
And knew that there would be a way the act could be repaid
And so it may, but for today
I want to thank you for putting me back in my snail shell

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They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants (sometimes abbreviated as TMBG) is an American alternative band formed in 1982 by John Flansburgh and John Linnell. During TMBG's early years Flansburgh and Linnell were frequently accompanied by a drum machine. In the early 1990s, TMBG became a full band. Currently, the members of TMBG are Flansburgh, Linnell, Marty Beller, Dan Miller, and Danny Weinkauf. They are best known for an unconventional and experimental style of alternative music. Over their career, the group has found success on the modern rock and CMJ charts. More recently they have found success in children's music, and in theme music for several television programs and films. more »

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Written by: JOHN FLANSBURGH, JOHN LINNELL, JOHN C. FLANSBURGH, JOHN S. LINNELL

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song's Genre
"Snail Shell" falls under the category of alternative/indie pop rock. It is characterized by its upbeat tempo and quirky lyrics, similar to most of They Might Be Giants' work.
Release Date
The song was released in 1994 as part of the band's fifth studio album, "John Henry."
Song's Theme
"Snail Shell" is a metaphor-laden song that has been interpretive in various ways by fans and critics. The symbolism of the snail shell often leads to interpretations about personal growth and moving past obstacles.
Album Significance
"John Henry", the album on which "Snail Shell" is featured, was the first album by They Might Be Giants to utilize a full band arrangement, instead of just a duo with a drum machine.
Music Video
The music video of "Snail Shell" is also an interesting part of the song. The video was directed by Adam Bernstein, who has worked with many famous musical acts like Beastie Boys and The B-52's.
Chart Positions
"Snail Shell" had moderate success on US charts. It peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks in 1994.
Band's Evolution
"Snail Shell" marked a departure from They Might Be Giants' usual sound, showing their evolution and willingness to experiment musically.
Live Performances
"Snail Shell" is often played at their live performances due to its energetic rhythm and catchy hook, demonstrating its popularity amongst the fans.
Pop-culture Reference
The line "Hello, my name is blue canary" in the song was later expanded into their 1998 song "Birdhouse in Your Soul," which become one of their mainstream hits.
Lyrics' Quirkiness
The song’s lyrics exhibiting the band's signature quirk and wit, features random observations and absurdities, a classic element of They Might Be Giants' tunes.

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