Arca embraces fluidity and changing between states, whether it be gender, genre, or personality. In a 2020 interview, they say "We all have multiple personalities. Rather than causing panic, I think maybe that could cause some relief". "There was a clear intention on her fourth album, Kick i to allow every self to express itself. Not to decide how much air time each self would get, but to allow for modulation between them in a spontaneous way. There is no such thing as normal". In Mutability and ambivalence guide the sound of her music — the atmospheres they create often contain abrasive percussive blasts, metal-shop whine, the screech of subway brakes, the whine of jet engines overheating. Anthropomorphic and animalistic sounds abound —mewling cats, mooing cows, anguished screams, the grunts and groans of orgasm, commingling pleasure and terror and beauty and ugliness in the most thrilling ways possible.
She has also been credited for her writing/producing efforts on Björk's Vulnicura and the entirety of Utopia. Alongside FKA twigs' EP2 as well as for their collaborations with Dean Blunt, Frank Ocean, Kelela, Kanye West, ROSALÍA and Lady Gaga, among others.
Rip the Slit
Arca Lyrics
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Lipstick, slit lip, rip slit, tit for tat
I'm lit up like a birthday candle, uh
I'll hit you with that limp wrist
Lipstick, slit lip, rip slit, tit for tat
I'm lit up like a birthday candle
I go ooh, and I blow, and I
I said I rip the slit, said I rip the slit
I said I rip the slit, said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit, girl I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit, I slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit, I slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit, I slit, I rip the slit
I said I rip the slit, girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I said I rip the slit, girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, rip the slit, rip the slit
Rip the slit, girl, I rip the slit
Said I rip the slit, rip the slit
Rip the slit, rip the slit, rip the slit
Rip the slit, rip the, rip the
Gotta rip the slit
I rip the slit, said I rip the slit
Said I rip the slit, I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit, girl I rip
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I said I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I said I rip the slit, I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, rip the slit
Rip the slit, rip the slit (girl, I rip the slit)
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I said I rip the slit, I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I said I rip the slit, I said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I said I rip the slit, I said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I rip the slit
I rip the slit, I said I rip the slit
Girl, I rip the slit
Arca's Rip the Slit is a song that is both provocative and mysterious in nature. The lyrics contain references to gender norms and sexuality while also being somewhat abstract. At the beginning of the song, Arca sings, "I'll hit you with that limp wrist/Lipstick, slit lip, rip slit, tit for tat/I'm lit up like a birthday candle, uh." These lines could be interpreted as a reference to the fluidity of sexuality and gender identity. The "limp wrist" and "lipstick" both reference femininity, while "slit lip" and "rip slit" are more ambiguous. The "tit for tat" could be a reference to the power dynamics inherent in relationships.
The refrain of the song repeats the phrase "I said I rip the slit" multiple times, which could be interpreted as further exploring the themes of gender and power dynamics. It's unclear exactly what "ripping the slit" means, but it could be interpreted as a metaphor for breaking down barriers, either in terms of gender norms or other societal constructs.
As the song progresses, it becomes more abstract, with Arca repeating the phrase "rip the slit" in various cadences and rhythms. The repeated use of this phrase could represent a type of mantra or cathartic release for Arca.
Overall, Rip the Slit is a complex and nuanced song that touches on themes of gender fluidity, power dynamics, and breaking down barriers.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll hit you with that limp wrist
I'll attack you with a feminine gesture, implying that I'm not limited by gender stereotypes.
Lipstick, slit lip, rip slit, tit for tat
I'll respond to your aggression with my own, using violent language and imagery.
I'm lit up like a birthday candle, uh
I'm feeling powerful and energized, like a candle burning brightly on a celebratory cake.
I said I rip the slit, said I rip the slit
I'm repeating my provocative statement and asserting my dominance.
Girl, I rip the slit, girl I rip the slit
I'm addressing a female opponent and emphasizing my ability to harm her physically.
I rip the slit, I rip the slit, I slit
I'm being intentionally vague and threatening, suggesting that I'm capable of causing harm in different ways.
I go ooh, and I blow, and I
I'm making a sexual reference and asserting my power over my opponent.
Said I rip the slit, rip the slit
I'm repeating my violent threat in a taunting manner.
Gotta rip the slit
I'm implying that violence is necessary and expected in a competitive or confrontational situation.
Girl, I rip the slit
I'm emphasizing my aggression towards my female opponent and asserting my dominance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alejandra Ghersi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind