Under Your Thumb
The Vaccines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
European sun, hangin' out
Under your thumb, under it
Second to none
Ah
Well, I don't mind about takin' it slow
I'm perfectly aware of what I'm yet to know
Mutually assumed, utterly consumed
Totally adored, Eleanor, Eleanor
Eleanor
Eleanor
Oh, take it in your stride but don't string me along
I wouldn't tie you down but if you did do me wrong
Thoroughly unnerved, equally perturbed
Totally adored, Eleanor, Eleanor
Eleanor
Eleanor
Eleanor
Eleanor
Eleanor
Eleanor
The Vaccines's song Under Your Thumb is a love song about being under someone's control but still being okay with it. The first few lines describe hanging out under the European sun, which sets the scene for a carefree, summery atmosphere. The chorus, "Under your thumb, under it, second to none," suggests that the singer is under the control of his lover, but he does not mind it, showing how deeply he is in love with her. The singer, in fact, describes himself as being "totally adored" by his lover, Eleanor.
The second verse starts with the line, "Well, I don't mind about takin' it slow," indicating that the singer is willing to take things slow with Eleanor, suggesting he wants things to develop naturally. However, he is aware that he still has much to learn about his partner, showing that he is not taking her love for granted. The repeated use of "Eleanor" at the end of each verse demonstrates his affection for her, emphasizing that she is the one who has him under her thumb. He reiterates that he does not want to tie her down and trusts that she won't hurt him by saying, "I wouldn't tie you down, but if you did do me wrong, thoroughly unnerved, equally perturbed, totally adored, Eleanor, Eleanor."
Line by Line Meaning
Hangin' out some, underneath
Spending time together, enjoying our time under the sun.
European sun, hangin' out
The European sun is shining down on us while we spend time together.
Under your thumb, under it
I'm under your influence and control.
Second to none
My love and devotion for you is unmatched.
Ah
An expression of deep emotional feeling.
Well, I don't mind about takin' it slow
I'm okay with going at our own pace in this relationship.
I'm perfectly aware of what I'm yet to know
I understand that there are still things to be learned about our relationship and about you.
Mutually assumed, utterly consumed
We're both fully invested in this relationship.
Totally adored, Eleanor, Eleanor
I love and adore you deeply, Eleanor.
Oh, take it in your stride but don't string me along
I understand if you need to take things at your own pace, but please don't lead me on.
I wouldn't tie you down but if you did do me wrong
I don't want to restrict you, but I'd be hurt if you betrayed me.
Thoroughly unnerved, equally perturbed
I'm anxious and worried about what might happen in our relationship.
Totally adored, Eleanor, Eleanor
Despite my worries, I still deeply love and adore you, Eleanor.
Eleanor
Repeating your name to emphasize the importance of our relationship.
Eleanor
Continuing to emphasize the significance of our relationship.
Eleanor
Repeating again to show the depth of my feelings for you.
Eleanor
Closing with another repetition of your name to express my love and devotion.
Lyrics © Global Talent Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Arni Hjorvar Arnason, Freddie Clayton Cowan, Peter Gareth Christopher Robertson, Justin James Hayward-Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind