Although much of DiFranco's material is autobiographical, it is often also strongly political. Many of her songs are concerned with contemporary social issues such as racism, sexism, sexual abuse, homophobia, reproductive rights, poverty, and war. DiFranco's guitar playing is often characterized by a signature staccato style, rapid finger picking and many alternate tunings. She delivers many of her lines in a speaking style notable for its rhythmic variation. Her lyrics, which often include alliteration, metaphor, word play and a more-or-less gentle irony, have also received praise for their sophistication. She has released 19 solo albums (not including collaborative albums or live albums), all of which were released on her own independent record label, Righteous Babe Records (which she formed in 1989 at the age of 19).
DiFranco has been a critical success for much of her career, though not a commercial one by major label standards, with a career album average of 72 on Metacritic. Living in Clip, DiFranco's 1998 double live album, is the only one to achieve gold record status to date. DiFranco has been praised by the Buffalo News as the "Buffalo's leading lady of rock music".
Back Back Back
Ani DiFranco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are you learning an angry language
Tell me boy boy boy are you tending to your joy
Or are you just letting it vanquish
Back back back in the dark of your mind
Where the eyes of your demons are gleaming
Are you mad mad mad
About the life you never had
Who are these old old old people
In these nursing homes
Scowling away at nothing
Like big rag dolls just cursing at the walls
And pulling out all of their stuffing
Ever day is a door leading back to the core
Yes, old age will distill you
And if you're this this this full of bitterness now
Some day it will just fill you
When you sit right down in the middle of yourself
You're gonna want to have a comfortable chair
So renovate your soul before you get too old
'cause you're gonna be housebound there
When you're old you fold up like an envelope
And you mail yourself right inside
And there's nowhere to go
Except out real slow
Are you ready, boy, for that ride?
Your arrogance is gaining on you
And so is eternity
You better practice happiness
You better practice humility
You took the air, you took the time
You were fed and you were free
Now you'd better put some beauty back
While you got the energy
You'd better put some beauty back, boy
While you got the energy
The song "Back Back Back" by Ani DiFranco is a reflection on life, aging, and the importance of finding joy and beauty in the world around us. Through the imagery of an angry language, dark demons, and bitter old people, DiFranco emphasizes the dangers of negative thoughts and feelings, and encourages listeners to focus on their own happiness and the beauty they can create in the world. The repeated use of "back back back" suggests a desire to go back in time and correct mistakes or missed opportunities, but ultimately the song is a call to action in the present moment, encouraging people to make the most of their lives and find joy in every experience.
The lyrics start with a question about the state of the listener's mind, whether they are learning to express their anger or tending to their own joy. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as DiFranco explores the different ways people can choose to approach life. The mention of the "dark of your mind" and "eyes of your demons" suggests the possibility of negative thoughts and emotions, which can ultimately lead to a life of bitterness and regret. The imagery of nursing homes and old people cursing at the walls is a stark reminder of the consequences of such negativity, and the importance of cultivating happiness and beauty in one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Back back back in the back of your mind
Deep in your subconscious, hidden away from your conscious thoughts
Are you learning an angry language
Are you becoming increasingly bitter and resentful?
Tell me boy boy boy are you tending to your joy
Are you actively taking care of your happiness?
Or are you just letting it vanquish
Or are you allowing your joy to fade away?
Back back back in the dark of your mind
Even deeper in your unconscious, where your demons reside
Where the eyes of your demons are gleaming
Where your fears and anxieties still hold power over you
Are you mad mad mad
Are you consumed by anger and frustration?
About the life you never had
Because you feel like you missed out on something?
Even when you are dreaming
Even in your subconscious state
Who are these old old old people
Who are these elderly individuals
In these nursing homes
Living in this type of care facility
Scowling away at nothing
Appearing to be angry or upset without any apparent reason
Like big rag dolls just cursing at the walls
Like lifeless objects, futilely expressing negative emotions
And pulling out all of their stuffing
And exposing their inner emptiness and sadness
Ever day is a door leading back to the core
Each day is an opportunity to reflect on your innermost self
Yes, old age will distill you
The aging process will refine and intensify your true character
And if you're this this this full of bitterness now
And if you are already consumed by bitterness and resentment
Some day it will just fill you
One day, it will completely consume you
When you sit right down in the middle of yourself
When you take the time to really reflect on your own thoughts and emotions
You're gonna want to have a comfortable chair
You will want to be at ease and relaxed during this introspection
So renovate your soul before you get too old
Take the time to work on your internal well-being before it's too late
'cause you're gonna be housebound there
Because eventually, you'll be trapped in your own mind and body
When you're old you fold up like an envelope
As you age, your body and mind begin to close in on themselves
And you mail yourself right inside
And you become more and more isolated and withdrawn
And there's nowhere to go
With physical limitations, there are fewer options for adventure or new experiences
Except out real slow
Except for taking things one small step at a time
Are you ready, boy, for that ride?
Are you prepared for the slow and inevitable march towards old age and death?
Your arrogance is gaining on you
Your ego and sense of self-importance may soon become a problem
And so is eternity
And so is the long-term impact of your actions and legacy
You better practice happiness
It is important to work on cultivating a positive outlook
You better practice humility
It is crucial to remain humble and grounded, despite accomplishments and successes
You took the air, you took the time
You have been given the gift of being alive, with opportunities to learn and grow
You were fed and you were free
You have had basic needs met and have been given a degree of independence
Now you'd better put some beauty back
Now it is time to give back, to contribute positively to the world
While you got the energy
While you still have the vitality and strength to make a difference
You'd better put some beauty back, boy
It is imperative to work towards creating a more beautiful and positive world
Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: ANI DIFRANCO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind