Dukes Up

Album: Sad Sappy Sucker (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Modest Mouse singer/songwriter Isaac Brock seems to hate this song. When asked to play it at an Ugly Casanova (another band he has a hand in) concert, he responded, "I wouldn't play that, even for the band it was written for."
  • The song is about fistfights. In the old days, you could challenge someone to a fight by telling them to "Put up your dukes." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Andrew - Abyss, PA, for above 2

Comments: 4

  • Mark from Tacoma, WaIsaac Brock has a lousy memory, "Dukes up" was recorded in 93 and more then likely has forgotten how to play it. When asked to play " Talking s--t About A Pretty Sunset" at a concert in Seattle, he replied he couldnt rememeber how to play it to save his life.
    Mr. Brock likes to drink and that does effect ones memory, I think, if I remember correctly.
  • Dani from Nyc, Nyi'm taking the next plane down to virginia, just so that i can slap you.
  • Katie from Washington, Vayou spelled ugly casanova wrong.
  • Jake from San Fran, CaThis songs off the album "Sad Sappy Sucker". Its I really like the songs intro, but the singing style is so differnt from what Brocks style had evoled into. Plus the "fan" who requested the songs was probably a *ick. Why would you request a Modest Mouse song during an Ugly Cassonova Concert?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Joe Ely

Joe ElySongwriter Interviews

The renown Texas songwriter has been at it for 40 years, with tales to tell about The Flatlanders and The Clash - that's Joe's Tex-Mex on "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.