Barenaked Ladies
One Week
"One Week" is arguably the most iconic song by Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies. Released as the lead single from their fourth studio album Stunt in 1998, the song catapulted the band to international fame, becoming their first and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Known for its rapid-fire lyrics and catchy chorus, "One Week" is a pop culture staple, often recognized for its quirky blend of humor and wordplay.
Cultural Relevance
The song's quirky, fast-paced lyrics and infectious rhythm made it a favorite not only on radio but also in various forms of media. "One Week" is often cited as a quintessential '90s hit, representing the era's blend of alternative rock with pop sensibilities. The song's success also marked a significant moment for Canadian bands in the U.S. market, helping to pave the way for other acts from north of the border.
TV Shows and Movies
- Digimon: The Movie (2000): The song was prominently featured in this animated film, which helped introduce the track to a younger audience.
- American Pie (1999): While not featured in the movie, its association with the late '90s and early 2000s teen culture often leads to its being associated with films like American Pie.
- How I Met Your Mother: The song was used in an episode, cementing its status as a nostalgic hit in the 2000s.
- Scrubs: Another popular show that featured "One Week" in its soundtrack, reflecting the song's continued relevance in pop culture.
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Song Meaning and Lyrics
The lyrics of "One Week" are famously rapid, with Ed Robertson, the band's co-lead singer and guitarist, delivering verses at breakneck speed. The song is a playful take on a fight between a couple, with the chorus counting down the days until they reconcile:
"It's been one week since you looked at me,
Cocked your head to the side and said, 'I'm angry.'"
The verses are a stream-of-consciousness mix of pop culture references, random thoughts, and humor. This mix makes the song both accessible and difficult to pin down in terms of a single meaning. However, the overarching theme is about the absurdity and inevitability of conflict and reconciliation in relationships.
Interpretation Based on Band Member Interviews
Ed Robertson has mentioned in interviews that the song was written in a very spontaneous manner. The rapid-fire verses were a product of him improvising lyrics during a recording session, and the band decided to keep them. Robertson has also explained that while the song appears to be about a couple's argument, it's more of a playful, tongue-in-cheek commentary on how trivial some conflicts can be.
Steven Page, who sings the chorus, described "One Week" as an "experiment" that turned into an unexpectedly massive hit. The band's intention was not to write a deep or meaningful song but rather to have fun with the structure and lyrics. This approach, paradoxically, gave the song a lasting appeal, as listeners could relate to its light-hearted treatment of everyday arguments.
Recording Facts and Interesting Tidbits
- Spontaneous Lyrics: The famous verses were not initially written down. Ed Robertson freestyled the rap-like verses while the band was working on another track, and the rest of the group encouraged him to develop it further.
- Multiple Takes: Because of the rapid pace of the verses, Robertson had to record several takes to get the timing just right. The final cut features his best take, with minimal editing.
- International Success: Despite the band's Canadian origins, "One Week" achieved massive success in the U.S. and even charted well internationally, which was unusual for Canadian bands at the time.
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Controversies
While "One Week" is generally a light-hearted and fun song, it did stir a minor controversy due to some of its rapid-fire, seemingly nonsensical lyrics. Some listeners felt that the song was too flippant and did not take music seriously. However, this criticism was largely overshadowed by the song's popularity and the band's humorous response to it.
Notable Cover Versions
"One Week" has been covered by various artists, though none have achieved the same success as the original. Notable covers include:
- "Weird Al" Yankovic: Known for his parody songs, Weird Al performed a live version of "One Week" with altered lyrics, further cementing its place in pop culture.
- Streetlight Manifesto: The ska-punk band covered the song during live performances, adding their own energetic twist to the original.
- Postmodern Jukebox: This group, known for reimagining modern songs in vintage styles, performed a jazz-inspired version of "One Week."
"One Week" by Barenaked Ladies remains a beloved song from the late '90s, celebrated for its catchy chorus, rapid-fire verses, and playful lyrics. Its success marked a high point in the band's career and left a lasting impact on pop culture. Despite its whimsical nature, the song has endured over the years, continuing to be a favorite in various media and among fans of all ages.