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.
Self Defense
Arca Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Self defense, nothing but self defense
Dumb love, dumb fuck
Come out with your motherfuckin' hands up
Now answer, learn to step
Bounce up, [?] wind it
Twerk control, my booty vibing
Got my fellas mixed blood and we [?]
My fast trick, your limp dick
You resist, I insist
Admit defeat, it's my treat
Numb feet then rock to the beat
Lean meat while the angels weep
Just you and me for the time to be
It's a black hole with a white flame
And a tan purse til words of war brain
Lip lock, let 'em drop, [?] pop, it can't stop
Ri-ri-ri-ri-rinse repeat
Make it better then make it sweet
Roll it up, back it all up, [?]
Just don't be late, just don't hate, just don't hate
Just [?] never, just [?] never, just
Just [?]
Wind it, it's fine, you're fussy, [?]
Give it the bounce, bounce
Come up, bounce, bounce
Don't make it stop, the bounce, bounce
Give it the bounce, bounce
The bounce, bounce
Give it up, give it the bounce, bounce
The bounce, bounce
Give it the bounce, bounce
Never stop, just the bounce, bounce
The bounce, bounce
Give it
Some time to bounce
The bounce, bounce
Give it the, the bounce, bounce
The bounce, bounce
Give it the bounce
Arca's "Self Defense" is a song that can be best described as an anthem for self-preservation. The chorus repeatedly echoes "self-defense, self-defense, nothing but self-defense" as if to remind the listener to put themselves first, to protect themselves from harm. Arca criticizes the foolish and misguided love that makes people lose themselves in the process of pleasing their partners. The opening lines demand a surrender, a metaphorical hand up, for anyone who has been hurt or violated. The following lines depict a woman using her sexuality as a weapon against oppressive forces, embracing her strength, and reclaiming her power. The chorus serves as a reminder to remain vigilant, stay true to oneself, and fight for one's rights.
The lyrics of the song are a call to action, a battle cry for the oppressed and the marginalized. The song isn't just about sexuality; it's about self-love, asserting one's identity, and claiming one's place in the world. Arca uses electronic beats to emphasize the message, alternating between aggressive thumping and melodic interludes. The overarching message is to stand tall, defend oneself, and assert one's autonomy.
Line by Line Meaning
Self defense, self defense
The song is all about self defense.
Self defense, nothing but self defense
Self defense is the primary focus of Arca's song.
Dumb love, dumb fuck
The love and intimacy are senseless.
Come out with your motherfuckin' hands up
Arca asks the partner to surrender.
Now answer, learn to step
Arca wants the partner to reply and comply with her instructions.
Bounce up, [?] wind it
Arca instructs the partner to jump and execute a movement.
Twerk control, my booty vibing
Arca shows her control over twerking and how her behind is in motion as a result of the dance move.
Cause this no time to be trying to hide it
The moment and the dance is not to be concealed, but to be expressed openly.
Got my fellas mixed blood and we [?]
Arca is traveling with a diverse group of people with multicultural backgrounds.
My fast trick, your limp dick
Arca boasts about her abilities while taunting her partner for their inferior performance.
You resist, I insist
Arca expects submission from the partner.
Admit defeat, it's my treat
Arca enjoys overpowering her partner, and considers it as a reward.
Numb feet then rock to the beat
Arca intends to incapacitate her partner's legs and make them dance to the music.
Lean meat while the angels weep
Arca perceives herself as a thug, committing acts of violence while ignoring any divine presence.
Just you and me for the time to be
Arca's song is uniquely focused on her and her partner in the current moment.
It's a black hole with a white flame
There exist two contrasting forces or a paradoxical state of being where a black hole is equally controlled by a white flame's energy.
And a tan purse til words of war brain
Arca concentrates on the fight aspect, ready to attack.
Lip lock, let 'em drop, [?] pop, it can't stop
Arca is asking the partner to stop talking, and kissing them instead while popping them as well.
Ri-ri-ri-ri-rinse repeat
Repetitive actions are definite, providing consistency throughout the track.
Make it better then make it sweet
Arca aims to cause pleasure in the act of dominance.
Roll it up, back it all up, [?]
Arca is in control, calling the shots.
Just don't be late, just don't hate, just don't hate
Arca makes it clear that her partner should not protest, present themselves punctually too.
Just [?] never, just [?] never, just
Arca is imploring the partner, making it known that they should be worried when with her.
Just [?]
The details are intentionally absent in order to create mistrust and uncertainty.
Wind it, it's fine, you're fussy, [?]
Arca addresses the partner, who is anxious or nitpicking about something.
Give it the bounce, bounce
Arca encourages and guides the partner to dance with the right rhythm and groove.
Come up, bounce, bounce
Arca requests the partner to stand and jump.
Don't make it stop, the bounce, bounce
Arca's intention is to not let the music stop, nor the energy and positivity accompanying it
Give it the bounce, bounce
Arca emphasizes on following the beat and dancing non-stop.
The bounce, bounce
Arca repeats the phrase to achieve its reinforcement and relevance.
Give it up, give it the bounce, bounce
Arca motivates and encourages the partner to participate fully and perform the moves accurately.
Never stop, just the bounce, bounce
Arca stresses the importance of continuing the dancing activity.
Give it some time to bounce
Arca imparts patience and perseverance to the partner to learn and execute the dance moves.
The bounce, bounce
Reiterating the main focus of the song, which is the dance move.
Give it the, the bounce, bounce
Stress on the main rhythmic element of the dance, as the song comes to an end.
The bounce, bounce
Final emphasis on the dance move of the song.
Give it the bounce
An overall motivating message from Arca to the listener.
Contributed by Riley A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.