In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
There's a time for lies
And a time for truth
I say, eye for an eye
Eye for a tooth
When I roamed young
I'd scavenge around
Every nook and cranny
Of our little town
It's nice, so nice, to be
Pull out the cannon boys
Steal us some wine
Puff Tijuana Smalls
Shake hands with beef
She's so fine
She's so sweet
Mom and Pop they raised her
On huge slabs of meat
She's fine
A man of nine
Water derby day
Twenty six pumps
on a Crossman
And it's time to play
It's nice, so nice, to be
Pull out the cannon boys
Steal us some wine
Puff Tijuana Smalls
Shake hands with beef
And a time for truth
I say, eye for an eye
Eye for a tooth
When I roamed young
I'd scavenge around
Every nook and cranny
Of our little town
It's nice, so nice, to be
Pull out the cannon boys
Steal us some wine
Puff Tijuana Smalls
Shake hands with beef
She's so fine
She's so sweet
Mom and Pop they raised her
On huge slabs of meat
She's fine
A man of nine
Water derby day
Twenty six pumps
on a Crossman
And it's time to play
It's nice, so nice, to be
Pull out the cannon boys
Steal us some wine
Puff Tijuana Smalls
Shake hands with beef
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
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As it's been stated before, the song is about Vegetarians who eat meat once in a while, called "shaking hands with beef"
very cool song!! primus is by way one of the best bands!!Les's bass style can not be compaired with anyone else,he is the best!! Larry is great on the strings!! and Brian is a great drummer!!! Priums rocks!!
This song is about a friend of Les who's a vegetarian, but once in while goes to Taco Bell, and "Shakes Hands With Beef".
@Pedro Martins Then he isn't really a vegetarian, is he?
"Puff Tiajuanna Smalls" doesnt mean get high. "Tiajuanna Smalls" is a brand of cigar. Its used as a metaphor for relaxation.
I believe 26 pumps on a Crossman refers to 26 pumps on a pump action Crossman BB gun. Crossman is a realitively famous BB gun company. But usualy they only go up to 10 pumps. It makes you think..
Claypool's pointed out MANY a time that this track IS NOT about masturbation. The meaning of the song is about having a BBQ. :x
Whilst there might be a metaphor or entendre or whatever as with Wynona's Big Brown Beaver, I heard in a bootleg him saying that it's about his vegetarian friends who weren't always that way are sometimes tempted by the taste of meat.
Just because they're a rock band doesn't mean they on care about sex, drugs and rock n roll, and those certainly aren't their favourite lyrical topics as many people here seem to think!
@Bauds confirmed in an interview with Kerrang! that it was about Les\' vegetarian friend falling off the wagon occasionally and eating meat, or as les put it, he would sometimes "Shake hands with beef".
"Whilst there might be a metaphor or entendre or whatever as with Wynona's Big Brown Beaver, I heard in a bootleg him saying that it's about his vegetarian friends who weren't always that way are sometimes tempted by the taste of meat.
Just because they're a rock band doesn't mean they on care about sex, drugs and rock n roll, and those certainly aren't their favourite lyrical topics as many people here seem to think!"
Primus songs arent very straight forward...now OBVIOUSLY this song was made to catch people with the words "Shake Hands with Beef" and think masturbation. I know it isnt about masturbation, but im not sure...I cant say that anything said above (besides the masturbation) is wrong tho
Obvously this song is about confrontation. Its about "shaking hands with beef" as in confronting enimies. In the way this song is written it actually sounds like a pirate whos steeling from the other ships and taking there food and what not. Its NOT about wacking off, or being a vegan. Thats just fucking dumb because where does the part "Haul out the cannon boys, steel us some wine" come into play with being a veghead or beating off? seriously look at the words people! This song is about kicking ass and taking names! If you have a problem with my idea of the meaning, why dont you shake hands with your beef by telling me off? :)
I shall answer that. "Haul out the cannon" can reference the size most men seem to think they are (ego, you know:). ANd "steal us some wine" could just mean getting drunk while enjoying pleasure. Sorry, I can't "shake hands with my beef" because I thankfully don't have any (although I have a pot roast in my refrig). Telling you off is not necessary. I think this song must be about a man who is perhaps rugged??? Oh, forget it. I really have NO idea what this song means!
The video for this song is cool. Fuck knows what its about. Whats with Primus and wine?