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

Pier Paolo
Blonde Redhead Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I turn to you
Young man poet insane
For you I find myself alone too soon

Today you are in my way
18 a promising age
The sweetest act of life repeated till I bled

A place in the world
An expression
No salt no fear
Caoutiously with you
On detention
I submit and you smile

Unknown and uninvited
As for me my life today
Young man insane you are I pray
I pray to you...I pray
I am here alone with you
And one plus one the sun

A place in the world
An expression
No salt no fear
Caoutiously with you

On detention
I submit and you smile

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Blonde Redhead's song "Pier Paolo" are complex and open to interpretation, but at their core they seem to describe a relationship between the singer and a young, possibly troubled poet. The singer turns to this person as a kind of confidante, someone who understands and can relate to their feelings of loneliness and isolation. The person in question is described as "insane," "promising," and "unknown and uninvited," suggesting that they are an unconventional figure who may not fit into traditional societal roles. Nonetheless, the singer seems drawn to them and finds solace in their company.

The lyrics are framed by a repeated refrain that speaks to the idea of finding "a place in the world," or an expression of oneself that feels authentic and true. The singer describes being "cautious" with the young man, perhaps because they are aware of the potential risks involved in forming a bond with someone who is perceived as unstable. However, despite their reservations, they seem to submit to the other person's charisma and are drawn in by their smile.

Line by Line Meaning

I turn to you
I seek refuge in you.

Young man poet insane
You are a youthful, creative and somewhat reckless individual.

For you I find myself alone too soon
I feel isolated from the world when I'm not around you.

Today you are in my way
You have interrupted my day and my thoughts.

18 a promising age
At 18, there's a lot of potential for what's to come in life.

The sweetest act of life repeated till I bled
I have been hurt repeatedly by something or someone that was supposed to bring me happiness.

A place in the world
I'm searching for a sense of belonging in this world.

An expression
I need a way to communicate my innermost thoughts and feelings.

No salt no fear
I am not scared, nor am I holding myself back.

Caoutiously with you
I approach this situation with care because of my feelings for you.

On detention
I'm being held captive by my emotions or my circumstances.