The Meaning Behind The Song: Hanginaround by Counting Crows
Counting Crows is an American rock band formed in 1991, and one of their most iconic tracks is “Hanginaround.” The single was released in 1999 from their third album “This Desert Life” and quickly soared to popularity, reaching the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics and composition showcase the band’s unique alternative rock sound. In this article, we’ll examine the meaning behind “Hanginaround” and explore its significance in the context of the Counting Crows musical oeuvre.
The Story Behind “Hanginaround”
The song “Hanginaround” gets its inspiration from the everyday life of the band members, who were in their late 20s when it was written. The lead singer, Adam Duritz, wrote the lyrics, which describe a man who is not content with his current lot in life, constantly thinking that he is missing out on something better somewhere else. The song’s lyrics emphasize the narrator’s sense of restlessness, which is perhaps heightened by the idea that he has failed to achieve his dreams:
“I’ve been hangin’ around this town for way too long
But maybe tonight I’ll be gone”
Duritz has said that the song was inspired by his own experiences of feeling “stuck” in life and thinking that he wasted his youth, always waiting for things to get better without taking action. “Hanginaround” is Duritz’s attempt to reflect his feelings of avoiding significant moments in his life, hoping that things would magically get better, without realizing that he had to take the initiative himself.
Overall, the song encapsulates the feeling that many people have when they feel stuck in life, hoping that, somehow, they can “figure it out” without making significant changes to their life.
The Music of “Hanginaround”
Counting Crows is well-known for their combination of rock, folk, and country music, which is an apt description of the sound of “Hanginaround.” The song begins with an acoustic guitar and transitions into a full band sound with a catchy, upbeat melody and a toe-tapping beat. The instruments work well together to create a sound that seamlessly integrates with the lyrics, mirroring the confusion and anxiety the narrator feels.
The music of “Hanginaround” is a nod to the band’s musical influences. Counting Crows’ songwriting is heavily influenced by classic rock and folk music, which comes through in the music’s melody and cadence. It’s a classic rock track with a twist, featuring an alternative sound that was very much in the countercultural zeitgeist of the 90s.
The Success and Legacy of “Hanginaround”
The success of “Hanginaround” propelled Counting Crows to new heights, becoming one of their most recognizable tracks. It’s the perfect song for anyone who is feeling lost, unsure of what they want to do with their life, or just feeling like a change of direction. The song resonates with people in all walks of life, which is perhaps why it has become one of the band’s most significant hits.
“Hanginaround” is a quintessential Counting Crows song, encapsulating everything that makes the band great: poetic lyrics, great musicianship, and a catchy melody. It’s now considered an alternative rock classic, and it’s an excellent example of the lasting impact the band has had on the music industry.
FAQs
1. What was Adam Duritz of Counting Crows trying to convey with “Hanginaround?”
Adam Duritz was trying to convey his feelings of being lost and feeling that he was missing out on something better. The song is about a man who is not content with what he has, and constantly thinks that something better exists elsewhere.
2. What album is “Hanginaround” from?
“Hanginaround” is from Counting Crows’ third album, “This Desert Life,” which was released in 1999.
3. What genre is “Hanginaround?”
“Hanginaround” is considered an alternative rock song with strong folk and country music influences.
4. What is the meaning behind the song’s chorus?
The song’s chorus reflects the narrator’s restlessness and feeling of being trapped in life. The line “Hanginaround with nothing to do but frown” highlights the narrator’s dissatisfaction with his life and the feeling that he is missing out on something better.
5. Did “Hanginaround” win any awards?
While “Hanginaround” was not nominated for any major awards, the song’s commercial success helped elevate Counting Crows to new levels of success and popularity.
6. What was the reaction to “Hanginaround” when it was first released?
When “Hanginaround” was first released, it was an instant hit, quickly climbing the charts and becoming one of Counting Crows’ most recognizable songs. The song’s popularity helped solidify the band’s status as one of the top alternative rock bands of the late 90s.
7. Is there any significance to the song’s title?
The song’s title reflects the theme of the song, which is about the narrator’s desire to leave his current situation and “hang around” somewhere else.
8. What sets “Hanginaround” apart from other Counting Crows tracks?
“Hanginaround” is notable for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo. While many of Counting Crows’ songs are more introspective and downbeat, “Hanginaround” has a more lively feel, which sets it apart from other tracks.
9. How has “Hanginaround” influenced other music?
“Hanginaround” has had a lasting influence on alternative rock and is considered a classic track of the genre. The song’s combination of rock, folk, and country music influences has inspired many musicians over the years.
10. What is the significance of “Hanginaround” in the context of Counting Crows’ career?
“Hanginaround” helped elevate Counting Crows to new levels of success and popularity, becoming one of the band’s most recognizable songs. It solidified their status as one of the top alternative rock bands of the late 90s and early 2000s.
