Stumpwork

Album: Stumpwork (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • I am not in charge of what I do
    The only thing I could think to ask was
    "Do you like stumpwork?"
    Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo


    "Stumpwork" refers to a type of embroidery that is done on fabric stiffened with glue or starch. This technique is often used to create three-dimensional effects and can be used to create realistic representations of objects or people. Singer Florence Shaw uses stumpwork as a metaphor for her sense of disconnection. She feels adrift in a world that is unfamiliar and hostile as she struggles to find her place.
  • The song contains an intriguingly petulant lyric:

    What I really love is to not use something to its full capacity

    That kind of anti-optimization feels "subversive," Shaw told Mojo magazine. "And it's counter to what my life is actually like, which is a lot of hard work. It's been on my mind a lot. It's meant to be a bit of a f--k you. I'm not sure who to. Maybe myself."
  • This is the title track of Dry Cleaning's second studio album. Shaw gleaned quite a lot of the record's cut-and-paste lyrics from an archive of newspaper clippings she went through in Woolwich Arsenal. They include these lines from "Stumpwork":

    A ceremonial crawl-through
    Designed to keep toads off the roads


    "It's millions and millions of newspaper clippings on different subjects," Shaw told Apple Music. "There's a bit about toads crossing roads from this little article I found about a special tunnel being built, so that toads could traverse the street without being run over."
  • Guitarist Tom Dowse told Mojo they named the album after this song for its "utilitarian poetry" and because it contains the word "work." They see Dry Cleaning as a band that is all about hard work, and they wanted the album title to reflect that. The band's success came later in life, which made them aware of how fleeting it can be. They had all spent their 20s in bands that never went far, so they were grateful when one of them finally clicked.
  • Stumpwork found favor with the critics. DIY, Mojo and Popmatters all ranked it among their Top 10 albums of 2022.
  • Dry Cleaning took home the award for Best Recording Package at the 2024 Grammys for the unconventional artwork used for their Stumpwork album. Created by Rottingdean Bazaar and Annie Collinge, the cover art shows an old bar of soap with the album title spelled out in pubic hair.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."