Bikini Kill is an American punk rock band formed in Olympia, Washington, in… Read Full Bio ↴Bikini Kill is an American punk rock band formed in Olympia, Washington, in October 1990. The group consisted of vocalist and songwriter Kathleen Hanna, guitarist Billy Karren, bassist Kathi Wilcox, and drummer Tobi Vail. The band is widely considered to be the pioneer of the riot grrrl movement, and was notorious for its radical feminist lyrics and fiery performances. Their music was characteristically abrasive and hardcore-influenced.

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

Lil’ Red
Bikini Kill Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

These are me t***, yeah
And this is my a**
And these are my legs
Watch them walk fuckin away
These are long nails to scratch out yr eyes
You are not the victim
Tho' you'd like to make it that way
Pretty girls all gather round

To hear yr side of things
Yeah, yr side of things
Your sh-sh-sh-sh-shining path
These are my Ruby red lips
The better to suck you dry
These are my long red nails
The better to scratch out yr eyes
I am sorry I am so nice to you
Handknifehandknifehandknife
Blah.. Blah.. Blah
All you do is destroy
All you do is f**k up

All you ever do is Take take
Taketake taketaketaketaketaketaketaketaketake

Overall Meaning

The Bikini Kill song "Lil’ Red," from their debut album "Pussy Whipped," is a commentary on toxic masculinity and male aggression towards women. The lyrics are confrontational, challenging an abusive partner or male figure. The first verse sets the tone: "These are me t***, yeah / And this is my a** / And these are my legs / Watch them walk f**kin away." The singer takes control of her own body and shows she is not afraid to leave an abusive situation. The reference to "long nails to scratch out yr eyes" and "better to suck you dry" suggests that this woman will fight back against a man who tries to control her.

The second verse is directed towards the male character, his ego, and the way women are portrayed in relationships. The lyrics "Pretty girls all gather round / To hear yr side of things / Yr sh-sh-sh-sh-shining path" shows how the male character believes his own lies and tries to manipulate those around him. The repeated use of "taketake taketaketaketaketaketaketaketaketake" demonstrates how the male character only takes and does not give anything in return, leaving the woman feeling drained and used.

Overall, "Lil’ Red" is a song about female empowerment in the face of abuse and toxic masculinity. The lyrics show that women have the power to take control of their own bodies and lives, and that they do not need to be controlled by a man or be afraid to fight back.

Line by Line Meaning

These are me t***, yeah
These are my breasts, yeah

And this is my a**
And this is my butt

And these are my legs
And these are my legs

Watch them walk fuckin away
Watch them walk away, leaving you behind

These are long nails to scratch out yr eyes
My long nails are ready to retaliate and hurt you

You are not the victim
You can't play the victim in this situation

Tho' you'd like to make it that way
Even though you want to make it seem like you're the victim

Pretty girls all gather round
Other attractive girls come around

To hear yr side of things
To listen to your perspective

Yeah, yr side of things
Yes, your version of events

Your sh-sh-sh-sh-shining path
Your supposed path of greatness