Through Clairecords (Sacramento), Airiel released a series of four-song EPs titled Winks & Kisses. The EPs were also sold as a limited edition boxed set, capturing the evolution of Airiel in its current form. Their CDs are consistently some of the top sellers of the label, and the Frosted EP has already sold out. The group has also been asked to contribute to several compilation CDs, including Never Lose That Feeling by Club AC30 (U.K.).
In addition to their recordings, Airiel has also gained a reputation for being a live band. In addition to playing such local Chicago landmarks as the Double Door, Subterranean, and the Bottom Lounge, they have performed in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Denver, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. They have toured the U.S. East Coast, performing in New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and points in between. Airiel has also opened for some high-profile acts, including The Dears and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
Flashlight Tag
Airiel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not safe to say I'm over you
It's always summertime
When it's me that ends up chasing you
You can't stay so steady
You're always in control
You can't stay so steady
You're always in control
Get with a guy
But it's me that's standing over you
Told you to run
Now the boys are gonna laugh at you
You know
You can't stay so steady
You're always in control
You can't stay so steady
Ready or not
3, 2, 1, go
Told you before
Still it's me that's chasing after you
It's you I adore
Like the fireflies surrounding you
You don't look so steady
Let's not go home tonight
You and me go steady
My summer valentine
Sun goes down
When your mother and father search for you
Leaving now
Would break my little heart in two
You don't look so steady
You're out of control
You and me go steady
Ready or not
3, 2, 1, go
Are you there
Calling out to you
Are you there
Trying to get to you
Can you see me this time?
Will you hear me this time?
The song Flashlight Tag by Airiel is a nostalgic and wistful song about unrequited love and chasing after someone who is always in control. The singer in the song reminisces about the past, saying that it has been a long time, yet they still cannot say that they are over the subject of the song. The lyrics suggest that the singer and the subject have a history and have grown up together, as the line "It's always summertime" implies that they played childhood games like flashlight tag.
The song talks about the singer's frustration with always chasing the subject, who is portrayed as very controlled and steady. The singer suggests that the subject is seeing other guys, yet it is the singer that always ends up standing over them. The repetition of "You can't stay so steady / You're always in control" emphasizes the subject's demeanor and the singer's frustration with it. Despite this, the singer remains infatuated with the subject, whom they adore like the fireflies surrounding them.
The song ends on a hopeful note. The singer asks if the subject is there and tries to get to them, hoping that they can see and hear them this time. The ending suggests that despite the challenges and the subject's controlled demeanor, the singer still hopes for a chance with them.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long time
It's been a while since we last spoke or spent time together.
It's not safe to say I'm over you
I'm not sure if I'm completely over you yet.
It's always summertime
My memories of you always bring me back to the summertime.
When it's me that ends up chasing you
Even after all this time, I'm still the one pursuing you.
You can't stay so steady
You can't remain calm or in control of your emotions around me.
You're always in control
Despite your emotions and feelings, you always maintain control and composure.
Get with a guy
You start seeing other people.
But it's me that's standing over you
I can't help but keep an eye on you and be close to you, even though you're with someone else.
Told you to run
I warned you that this wasn't a good idea.
Now the boys are gonna laugh at you
If you leave with me, others will make fun of you or judge you.
You know
You understand what I'm saying.
Ready or not
Let's play this game and see where it takes us.
3, 2, 1, go
I'm ready to run after you again, let's see if you'll come with me.
Told you before
I've already warned you about this.
Still it's me that's chasing after you
I can't help but continue to follow you.
It's you I adore
Despite everything, I still love you.
Like the fireflies surrounding you
Your beauty and presence bring light and magic to everything around you.
Let's not go home tonight
Let's stay out and have some fun instead of going back home.
My summer valentine
You're the person I love the most during the summer months.
Sun goes down
The day is coming to an end.
When your mother and father search for you
Your parents will be looking for you soon.
Leaving now
If you leave with me, it could upset your parents or cause problems.
Would break my little heart in two
If you don't come with me, it would really hurt me.
You're out of control
You're no longer in charge of your actions or emotions around me.
Are you there?
Are you listening or paying attention to me?
Calling out to you
I'm trying to reach you in some way.
Trying to get to you
I'm doing everything I can to be near you, despite any obstacles.
Can you see me this time?
Do you actually notice me or care about me?
Will you hear me this time?
Will you listen to what I have to say or accept my love for you?
Contributed by Blake F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
De19thKingJulion
Stella Tran's vocals are dope in this one.
I have the cassette!
Nevin Power
Any idea of those lyrics? Would love to know what she's singing?
De19thKingJulion
@Nevin PowerMy cassette's liner notes don't contain lyrics. Tran's lyrics, I believe, are as follows:
"(And?) Around here, it's always summer;
Intentiins made after nightfall;
Around here, it's always summer, it's always summer."
Nevin Power
@De19thKingJulion ah yes, I think you're right, I think I've read those before. Thanks very much!
F G
Demo version
Albon Forbes
Are you there...