While occasionally collaborating with high-profile acts such as Nirvana and Joan Jett, Bikini Kill was well-known for shunning major labels and the mainstream rock press. After two full-length albums, several EPs and two compilations, the band disbanded in 1998.
The band reformed in 2019.
Main article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikini_kill
Jigsaw Youth
Bikini Kill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
God knows you already sold your mind
I may sell my body 4 $$$ sometimes
But you can't stop the fire
That burns inside of me
You think I don't know
I'm here to tell you I do
You think that I don't know
Jigsaw Jigsaw Youth
We go with the kids
Yeah yeah yeah
Jigsaw Jigsaw Youth
We know there's not one way
One light, one stupid truth
Don't fit your definitions
Won't meet yr demands
Not into win/lose reality
Won't fit in with your plans
The lyrics of Bikini Kill’s song “Jigsaw Youth” can be interpreted as an intense and confrontational call for individual empowerment and self-validation. The first few lines, “I can sell my body if I wanna / God knows you already sold your mind / I may sell my body 4 $$$ sometimes / But you can't stop the fire / That burns inside of me” suggest a potential reference to the use of prostitution or sex work to gain financial independence, but also subtly criticize those who disapprove of this method of survival or who engage in pernicious and soul-crushing careers.
Throughout the rest of the song, the confrontational nature of the lyrics continues as the singer refuses to be confined by limiting stereotypes and demands, asserting that “We know there's not one way / One light, one stupid truth / Don't fit your definitions / Won't meet yr demands / Not into win/lose reality / Won't fit in with your plans.” The song maintains its message of personal empowerment even while acknowledging the difficulties and challenges that come with nonconformity, concluding with the powerful statement “I'm not waiting for your saving hand / I'm gonna live / I'm gonna live my life.”
Overall, the lyrics of “Jigsaw Youth” can be seen as a bold and unapologetic challenge to established power structures and societal norms, calling upon individuals to cultivate their own agency and define themselves in their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
I can sell my body if I wanna
I have the freedom and autonomy to do what I want with my body, including using it for financial gain.
God knows you already sold your mind
You have already sacrificed your own intellectual and emotional freedom for the sake of conformity.
I may sell my body 4 $$$ sometimes
Occasionally, I may choose to use my body as a commodity for financial gain.
But you can't stop the fire that burns inside of me
You cannot extinguish the passion that drives me to speak out against injustice and oppression.
You think I don't know, I'm here to tell you I do
You might assume that I am naive or unaware of the power dynamics at play, but I am actually very much aware and capable of articulating my perspective.
You think that I don't know, I know the truth about you
You may believe that you can hide your true intentions or beliefs, but I can see through your facade and recognize your oppressive tendencies.
Jigsaw Jigsaw Youth, we go with the kids, yeah yeah yeah
As a part of the fragmented and diverse youth culture, we align ourselves with like-minded individuals who prioritize liberation and social change.
Jigsaw Jigsaw Youth, we know there's not one way, one light, one stupid truth
We reject the notion that there is only one path or truth that is universally applicable, realizing instead that personal experiences and perspectives shape one's comprehension of reality.
Don't fit your definitions, won't meet yr demands
We resist being confined by external expectations and refuse to conform to oppressive societal structures.
Not into win/lose reality, won't fit in with your plans
We reject the idea that life is a zero-sum game, and refuse to participate in systems that benefit some at the expense of others.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ladyxluckxrulesxok
Calling Avril Lavigne a bitch is going against everything that Bikini Kill stands for. Bikini Kill promotes grrrl love not grrrl hate.
Sugarwatermixlegit
FYI theres a new Riot Grrrl band called Jigsaw Youth that is really good.
Matilda Harding
Sugarwatermixlegit yES
Silvie Ray
LOVE this song!! love bikini kill and i love tobi. <3
Carissa Marie
gawd i luv listening to them again!
Cait M
Someone needs to make a Bikini Kill-inspired band.
Matilda Harding
Cait M check out the band jigsaw youth. they're pretty good.
ely
ur "fuck everyone. do whatever the fuck you want" mentality makes me feel so alive and empowered and less doubting of myself. I fucking love Bikini Kill! REVOLUTION GIRL STYLE NOOOOOOOOOOW.
Akasha Versy
4ever live Olympe de Gouge, through the revolution of the riot grrrls :)
tyla140
Count this woman in...