Blonde Redhead is an alternative rock band originating from New York City i… Read Full Bio ↴Blonde Redhead is an alternative rock band originating from New York City in the early 1990s. It was formed by Kazu Makino, Maki Takahashi and Milan-born Italian twin brothers Simone Pace and Amedeo Pace. They take their name from a song by DNA, a 70's and 80's no wave band from New York. Blonde Redhead caught the attention of Sonic Youth's drummer, Steve Shelley, who produced their first self titled album in 1993. Shortly afterwards Maki Takahashi left the band and the remaining band members continued as a trio. On their third album, Fake Can Be Just As Good, they were joined by Vern Rumsey of Unwound as a guest bassist. After this they continued without a bass player for the release of the remainder of their albums. On their fourth album, In an Expression of the Inexpressible, Guy Picciotto of Fugazi was hired as producer, as well as contributing to singing on the song "Futurism vs. Passeism Part 2". Guy Picciotto has produced their latest two records as well, Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery is a Butterfly.

Blonde Redhead has gradually increased in popularity in the underground music scene. Their early music has been described as emulative of Sonic Youth, but their more recent releases have begun to stray from this generalization. Kazu Makino is noted for her high, eerie voice, which hovers over melodic guitar riffs and rhythmic drum beats.

The large span of time between Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery is a Butterfly is attributed to Makino's recovery time after being trampled by a horse. Much of Misery Is A Butterfly's imagery and illustration is equestrian or reflective of the accident. In the liner notes, Makino thanks her doctors "and her friends who fed her and cheered her up when she couldn't do much on her own."

The band's 7th album is called "23" and was released in April 2007.

Their 8th album, "Penny Sparkle" was released in September 14, 2010.

Website links:

Band Website: http://blonde-redhead.com
Promotional site for the album '23': http://www.blonderedhead23.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/blonderedhead

Girl Boy
Blonde Redhead Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Girl, Skin
Breath, Sweat
I like blue
I like red
I do like pink

Boy, teeth
Arm, sky

I kiss you loud
I kiss you soft
My kisses will
Surround you baby
Joy, no one,
Can take away

Girl, Skin
Black, Sweat
I like blue
I like red
I do like pink

Boy, teeth
Arm, sky
I kiss you loud
I kiss you soft
My kisses will
Surround you baby

Joy, no one
Can take away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Blonde Redhead's song Girl Boy are simple yet evocative. They seem to describe the physical sensations and emotions that come with being close to someone you care about. The first verse describes the girl's physical attributes - her skin, breath, and sweat - and her preference for certain colors. The second verse describes the boy's teeth and arm, but also the expansive sky. The repeated lines about kissing and surrounding the baby with joy suggest a sense of intimacy and protection. The final lines proclaim the joy as something that no one can take away.

The repetition of certain phrases in the song contributes to its dreamy, otherworldly quality. The use of colors (blue, red, pink) evokes different moods and emotions. The contrast between the girl's black skin and sweat and the other colors mentioned suggests a complexity to her identity. The mention of the sky in the boy's verse hints at a vastness beyond the physical realm.

Line by Line Meaning

Girl, Skin
Despite gender, the physical covering of our bodies is insignificant

Breath, Sweat
Physical exertion and passion can be seen as beautiful

I like blue
Preference for a specific color is not indicative of personality traits or gender

I like red
Preference for a specific color is not indicative of personality traits or gender

I do like pink
Preference for a traditionally feminine color does not dictate one's femininity

Boy, teeth
Regardless of gender, teeth are a symbol of strength and resiliency

Arm, sky
The limitless expanse of the sky reflects the endless potential of human capabilities

I kiss you loud
Expressing a strong and vibrant love for another person

I kiss you soft
Showing tenderness and sensitivity in romantic interactions

My kisses will
Promising to give oneself fully and selflessly in a romantic relationship

Surround you baby
To encircle and protect a loved one from the surrounding world