If you fell asleep during US History class (I lowkey think less of you) a Flapper Girl was a term used for women of the 1920s during Prohibition. During WWI, American men went overseas, and thus women had to take on jobs outside of the home for the first time. When American men came back, women understandably enjoyed having a bit more freedom and independence. For women to have short hair at this time in history was considered rebellious. The lyrics here represent that the Flapper Girl got hair cut and the guy must not have noticed. @Fellas makes sure to always compliment when a lady gets a haircut or you’ll be in the dog house, real quick.
Sorry, I know the black and white photo put you to sleep, here is a modern look at the Flapper Girl haircut…
The idea that a fireman cutting down shoes from a power line and being the talk of town could represent a small-town setting. People have actually been throwing shoes on powerlines for well over a century. There is an urban myth that it was an old custom at Enligh weddings for men to toss shoes (sort of like how ladies catch bouquets today) as symbolism for the next to get married. (History Defined) People would also toss shoes in other celebratory fashion as well such as finishing military training. With this Flapper Girls setting likely being in the 1920s, it could have something to do with WWI, or maybe I’m totally off base and talking out of my arse.
Here the singer, or narrator, aspires for wealth and success upon his return from war. He wants a Cadillac and to be a big shot, but in his aspirations, he may have neglected the Flapper Girl’s haircut.
From the guy’s perspective, it seems like he thinks the Flapper Girl will come back to him if he can get her a Cadillac, or material wealth, but he’s probably missing the point in that she left him for independence. The I’ll never leave you again could mean he won’t go to another war overseas.
So after writing 9 other Pint&Pen&Papers from this album, most of the themes of the songs seem to come from the perspective of the Schultz family with Wesley Schultz as the lead singer and one of their songwriters. For instance, Charlie Boy was about his uncle in Vietnam. The song Submarines seems to be about his grandfather seeing an enemy submarine out east on Long Island. Big Parade’s setting was the 1960s. Could this be about his grandparents? My guess is that Flapper Girl is them going back in time to tell a story and Ho Hey is the song referenced in this chorus.
Everybody knows Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. One of the famous scenes is Juliet from her balcony. In the play, Juliet is depicted as perfection with her flaw being she is rebelling to be with Romeo. This verse seems to contrast that as the Flapper Girl is ripping a cig, rebelling in a different way, maybe dare I say drinking an illegally imported Guinness? The “Prohibition in curls” reference must mean that the guy now recognizes the haircut or the idea that times have changed. (Women’s right to vote, breaking societal norms, living more independent lifestyles, etc.)
This would usually be a song that I would skip over and now I won’t. Nice tune, always enjoy songs with a good bit of history!
On to the pints…
@Kids don’t try this at home. Not just because you’re underage and will have plenty of pints to drink if that ends up being your thing when you’re older but also because Guinness is actually best served in a pint glass from a tap. A pint of Guinness varies depending on the drinking establishment. If the keg it sits in is rarely poured, it can lead to some underwhelming taste. Rather than stealing gimmicks, I’d like to start taking Notes while drinking Guinness. My grandfather from Connemara, who I never got the chance to meet, Thomas Davis, used to drink pints and by all accounts was a self-taught thinker. The one rule I’ve imposed on myself is that I will only have 1 pint per sitting from each establishment I review, so @AnyoneWorrying, don’t worry about my drinking habits. The Guinness Challenge is to “cut the G” on your first sip (more like a gulp and a half). If this is your first time hearing about it, I didn’t come up with the fun challenge @YouTheReader can try the next time you have a Guinness. The 0.0 to 10.0 scale will be extraordinarily nuanced but as a reference point, the only perfect 10.0 I plan ever to give out is at the Guinness Factory in Dublin one day.
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Casey is the bartender. She’s worked here for 2 weeks and is from Queens. The wings are recommended. Wicked Willy’s is pirate ship-themed. They sell a shirt that says, “Time flies when you’re having rum.” Casey likes going to Citi Field but doesn’t care much about who wins- enjoys the communal aspect of sports. Vodka spurts are her favorite drink to make. They have a Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo behind the bar, they are indeed a Bucs bar. On Sundays and Wednesdays, they do karaoke. The fishnetting on the ceiling is a very nice touch. The owner lived in the Caribbean and was raised on boats. Wicked Willy was the captain of his favorite ship. They do a Happy Hour from 12 to 7 p.m. Casey said to leave some Week to Week Notes cards on the beer pong tables in the back - thanks!
Wicked Willy’s is also a Florida State bar so go check it out if you’re a fan of the ‘Noles. I thought for a second the name might’ve come from The Goonies but that was One-Eyed Willy. I always enjoy hearing the backstory of how each bar got its name. Wicked Willy’s is like escaping into a Caribbean oasis of pirates, palm trees, and a ton of fun while you’re in the middle of Manhattan. I look forward to grabbing another pint at Wicked Willy’s again soon!
Song On In The Background: Flow With It (You Got Me Feeling Like) by St. Paul & The Broken Bones
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Chris has bartending here since last October. Located on the corner, they have live music here after 7 once Happy Hour is over. Spring rolls and buttermilk tenders are recommended. Their head chef Julio also makes excellent wings. Chris enjoys making espresso martinis because it shows a bit of the bartender’s artistic side. French martinis are his favorite drink to have, but their mango martini is the top seller. He’s originally from Brooklyn but now lives in Newark. “It’s so far man.” Kyle Lacy Band is a popular live music act here, they play every Saturday they can. The Groove is a good music spot.
Greenwich Village has a ton of history as a music mecca. Artists from far and wide have performed at the tiny clubs which once dotted every single street, however now just a few vestiges of the Village’s past remain. The Groove is one that remains, honoring the rich musical tradition of Greenwich Village. Groove is a cross between and neighborhood bar, with regulars who know your name, and a live music venue. They open every day at 4 pm and most of their shows are free to get in. On the weekends they can get pretty busy, so be sure to make a reservation for parties of 6 or more. I look forward to hearing good music and grabbing another pint at Club Groove again soon!
Song On In The Background: The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: $5 Jello shots. Tequila Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to close. Bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. They have pong tables all setup and ready to be played on. Yanks just scored 3 runs, a miracle, as Billy McKinney just went yard. The bartender said “Our spicy margarita sells like crazy. I easily go through 2 bottles in a night.” Their wings have been a neighborhood favorite since 1991. “People out of state come here for our wings.” Basement bar with specials 7 days a week. Beer bong flamingos behind the bar, I remember those days. Down the Hatch was the very first of their sister bars like Stumble Inn and 3 Sheets.
Down The Hatch is a damn good time and a memorable basement bar. Their Atomic Wings are famous and for good reason - they are excellent. Not only do they do wings, but they have one of the best brunches in the city and also have all sorts of different daily specials that can switch things up for any day of your week. It’s everything you could look for in a sports bar and more. I look forward to grabbing another drink at Down The Hatch again soon!
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Nice evening, 10 out of 10 blue score!
YouTube Rabbithole
Prohibition Inspired a New Generation of Rebellious Women