Fever To Tell was nominated for a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album and was certified Gold in the UK. The video for "Maps" was nominated at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and the MTV2 Award. The New York Times chose Fever To Tell as the best album of the year. In June 2005, the album was ranked number 89 on Spin magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Albums, 1985–2005. It is also featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
According to The Guardian, the album has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.
Rich
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Lyrics
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Like a hot noise
Rich rich rich
I'll take you out, boy
So stuck up
I wish you'd stick in to me
Flesh ripped off
Raw
Hey!
Turnin' it
Beatin' no beat
The walls are always speakin'
No want no want no want no speakin' at all
She slipped
Down a rot drink
Unzipped
She doesn't exist
So unloved
I took 'em standin' up
So stuck up
Raw
I'm rich
Like a hot noise
Rich rich rich
I'll take you out, boy
I'll take you out, boy
Hey!
Turnin' it
Beatin' no beat
The walls are always speakin'
No want no want no want no speakin' at all
Turnin' it
Beatin' no beat
The walls are always speakin'
No want no want no want no speakin' at all
(Rich rich rich rich rich)
(Rich rich rich rich rich rich)
(Rich rich rich rich rich rich)
(Rich rich rich rich rich rich)
Rich rich rich rich rich rich
Rich rich rich rich rich rich
Rich rich rich rich rich rich
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' song "Rich" features Karen O's signature wailing singing style over a punk-inspired instrumental. The lyrics of the song are quite simple, with Karen O repeatedly asserting that she is rich "like a hot noise" and that she will "take you out, boy." These lyrics could be interpreted as Karen O reveling in her success as a musician and using it to attract men. However, the bridge of the song presents a darker tone, with Karen O singing about someone (presumably a woman) slipping down a rot drink and no longer existing, and how she (Karen O) took them standing up, suggesting she's unafraid and resilient.
The repetitive nature of the lyrics and the danceable beat may suggest that the song is simply a celebration of Karen O's success and a criticism of those who doubted her. The use of violent imagery in the bridge, however, points to a more complex interpretation. The line "I'm rich like a hot noise" could also indicate that Karen O is using her music to make a statement and make an impact, contrasting with the idea that she just wants to attract attention with her wealth.
Overall, "Rich" is a high-energy, catchy song with several possible interpretations. It celebrates Karen O's success as a musician while also suggesting that her wealth and power are a means to an end, rather than an end in themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm rich
I am wealthy
Like a hot noise
I am hot and trendy
Rich rich rich
I am very wealthy, repeating it to emphasize
I'll take you out, boy
I can afford to take you out because I am rich
So stuck up
You seem arrogant and full of yourself
I wish you'd stick in to me
I would like you to notice me and be interested in me
Flesh ripped off
I am revealing my vulnerable side
Raw
I am being honest and open
Hey!
An exclamation to get attention
Turnin' it
Changing something up
Beatin' no beat
Trying something new or different
The walls are always speakin'
There is always something going on or being talked about
No want no want no want no speakin' at all
I don't want to hear any gossip or rumors
She slipped
Someone made a mistake or did something wrong
Down a rot drink
Drinking something bad or toxic
Unzipped
Revealing something personal or private
She doesn't exist
Someone is gone or not present anymore
So unloved
Feeling neglected or unwanted
I took 'em standin' up
I handled the situation with confidence and strength
I'll take you out, boy
I can afford to take you out because I am rich
Rich rich rich rich rich
I am emphasizing my wealth
Rich rich rich rich rich rich
Continuing to emphasize my wealth
Rich rich rich rich rich rich
Repeating for effect
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRIAN CHASE, KAREN LEE ORZOLEK, NICHOLAS JOSEPH ZINNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nadia
on "date with the night"
I got a date with the night
Burnin' out my finger
Gonna catch the kids dry
Gonna walk on water
Buyin' out the fight
We're sweatin' in the winter
Both thighs squeeze tight
Choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke...
Don't tell me to fix her
Don't tell me to fix her
Just take a bite
No hangin' no picture
Flyin' out my sight
Droppin' brides at the altar
Both thighs squeeze tight
Choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke...
I'll set you I'll set it off
I'll set you I'll set it off
I'll set you I'll set it off off
I'll set you I'll set it off
I'll set you I'll set it off
I'll set you I'll set it off
I'll set you I'll set it off off off
Buyin' out the fight
Gonna walk on water
Gonna catch the kids dry
Gonna bend my finger
Flyin' out my sight
We're sweatin' in the winter
Both thighs squeeze tight
Both thighs squeeze tight