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
Tell Me So
Bikini Kill Lyrics
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Put your name up in the corner
Take out a piece of paper
Write everything down
Then you can read it back to me
And maybe you can hurt me
You can read it back to me
Maybe you could know something
About me
If you are gonna look at me
I am gonna get a prize
If you are gonna look at me
I am gonna get a prize
If you are gonna look at me
I am gonna get a prize
Oh tell me so
I want to know
Oh tell me so
I want to know
And don't stall
Tell me now
Oh shower stall
And I fell down, down
Down down down
If you are gonna look at me
I am gonna get a prize
If you are gonna look at me
I am gonna get a prize
If you are gonna look at me
I am gonna get a prize
Oh tell me so
The lyrics to Bikini Kill's song Tell Me So speak to the desire for recognition and validation from others, particularly from a romantic partner. The repeated lines "if you are gonna look at me, I am gonna get a prize" suggest a craving for attention and approval, perhaps stemming from a lack of self-esteem or self-worth. The command to "take out a piece of paper" and write everything down, followed by the invitation to "read it back to me," implies a desire for communication and connection. However, the line "maybe you can hurt me" suggests a fear of vulnerability and the possibility of being disappointed or hurt by the other person.
The chorus, with the repeated phrase "oh tell me so, I want to know," further emphasizes the need for honesty and open communication. The line "don't stall, tell me now" suggests a sense of urgency and impatience, as if the singer is tired of waiting and wants immediate answers. The final lines, "oh shower stall and I fell down, down, down," are ambiguous but could suggest a sense of embarrassment or shame, perhaps related to a sexual encounter or emotional vulnerability.
Overall, the song conveys a complex mixture of desire, fear, and need for emotional connection and recognition. It speaks to the universal human desire for validation and understanding, particularly in relation to romantic relationships, and suggests the difficulties and complexities inherent in trying to communicate and connect with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Take out a piece of paper
Get ready to write down and express your thoughts.
Put your name up in the corner
Begin by claiming ownership of your thoughts and words.
Take out a piece of paper
Reiterate the importance of writing down one's thoughts and feelings.
Write everything down
Encourage the listener to express themselves freely and without hesitation.
Then you can read it back to me
Once your thoughts have been written down, you can read them back and share them with others.
And maybe you can hurt me
One's words and thoughts can be powerful and have an emotional impact on others.
You can read it back to me
Continue to encourage self-expression and sharing with others.
Maybe you could know something
Sharing one's thoughts with others can help foster understanding and empathy.
About me
By sharing one's thoughts and feelings, others can gain insight into who you are as a person.
About me
Reinforce the idea that self-expression can lead to greater understanding and connection with others.
If you are gonna look at me
If others are going to pay attention to you and your words.
I am gonna get a prize
Your thoughts and words are valuable and worth attention and recognition.
If you are gonna look at me
Reiterate that attention and recognition are important and desired.
I am gonna get a prize
Continue to reinforce the value and importance of self-expression and recognition.
If you are gonna look at me
Repeat the idea that attention and recognition are important.
Oh tell me so
Encourage others to share their thoughts and feelings with you.
I want to know
Reinforce the importance of gaining understanding and connection with others through sharing and communication.
Oh tell me so
Repeat the invitation for others to share their thoughts and feelings with you.
I want to know
Emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding through communication and sharing with others.
And don't stall
Encourage others to speak and share freely without hesitation or delay.
Tell me now
Reinforce the urgency to communicate and share openly and honestly in the present moment.
Oh shower stall
Use creative and unexpected language to emphasize the importance of clearing away barriers and obstacles to communication.
And I fell down, down
Acknowledge that honest and open communication can be emotionally challenging and difficult at times.
Down down down
Emphasize the depth and intensity of emotions that can be experienced through open and honest communication.
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
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