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
Publisher
Blonde Redhead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's just take a walk in the afternoon ... look at me
Mother don't you know
You can only see me through a clouded sphere ... look at me
Walk out on a limb leaning on a cloud that isn't still reveals
Looking down a cliff it isn't fun it's communicating fear
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
Father don't you know
You have made me into a quiet man ... look at me
Mother don't you go
You are a long way away from me ... look at me
I see you as you see me ... look at me
Change your heart cause I am already spoken for
Change your heart cause I am already spoken for
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
The lyrics to "Publisher" by Blonde Redhead are a haunting and introspective exploration of family dynamics and the burden of inherited traits. The singer addresses their father and mother directly, imploring them to take a look at them now and consider the tumultuous relationships they share. The metaphor of a "clouded sphere" is used to describe the way in which the parents view their child, emphasizing the barriers to understanding that exist within the family. The imagery of walking out on a limb and looking down a cliff symbolize the precariousness of the familial relationship, with one side always on the brink of collapse.
The chorus of the song, with its repetition of the phrase "Say what you say, say it like a cat," serves to emphasize the theme of communication breakdown. The singer wants their parents to speak honestly and directly to them, without the subterfuge and obfuscation that often marks family relationships.
The final lines of the song, "Change your heart cause I am already spoken for," suggest a sense of resignation on the singer's part. They have been shaped by their family and their experiences, and yet they are moving on to a new phase of their life. The song is a powerful portrait of family dynamics and the complex emotions that inform these relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Father don't you go
Stay with me, let's have a conversation.
Let's just take a walk in the afternoon ... look at me
Let's spend some time together and connect.
Mother don't you know
You only have a limited perspective of me.
You can only see me through a clouded sphere ... look at me
Your perception of me is obscured and I want you to see me clearly.
Walk out on a limb leaning on a cloud that isn't still reveals
Taking a risk can lead to new insights or revelations.
Looking down a cliff it isn't fun it's communicating fear
It's scary to confront our fears and limitations.
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Be honest but also graceful and tactful.
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
Don't talk behind my back, tell me the truth directly.
Father don't you know
You've shaped my personality and behavior.
You have made me into a quiet man ... look at me
Your influence has resulted in my reserved nature.
Mother don't you go
Don't leave me emotionally disconnected from you.
You are a long way away from me ... look at me
We need to bridge the emotional gap between us.
I see you as you see me ... look at me
Let's see each other clearly and without judgment.
Change your heart cause I am already spoken for
I'm committed to someone else, so reconsider your feelings towards me.
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Repeat of earlier line, emphasizing grace in communication.
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
Repeat of earlier line, emphasizing honesty and directness in communication.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@roiybenkel682
Father don't you go
Let's just take a walk in the afternoon ... look at me
Mother don't you know
You can only see me through a clouded sphere ... look at me
Walk out on a limb leaning on a cloud that isn't still reveals
Looking down a cliff it isn't fun it's communicating fear
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
Father don't you know
You have made me into a quiet man ... look at me
Mother don't you go
You are a long way away from me ... look at me
I see you as you see me ... look at me
Change your heart cause I am already spoken for
Change your heart cause I am already spoken for
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
Say what you say, say it like a cat
Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
@mrsjules15
I love the melancholy on his voice, this is one of my favourite Blonde Redhead songs.
@avedic
This whole album is littered with gems of songs.
I definitely prefer Kazu's voice....she's just something else.
But the guy who sings(shit...forget his name) is not bad at all. He definitely has his own thing going on. And it's cool.
Unlike when I listen to The Sugarcubes and constantly think to myself, "Fucking hell....shut up and let Bjork sing. You can't compete."
@victordls
ditto <3
@TheBamdad
Father don't you go Let's just take a walk in the afternoon ... look at me Mother don't you know You can only see me through a clouded sphere ... look at me Walk out on a limb leaning on a cloud that isn't still reveals Looking down a cliff it isn't fun it's communicating fear Say what you say, say it like a cat Say it to my face and say what you know every one says Say what you say, say it like a cat Say it to my face and say what you know every one says
@hanicegutierrez2071
Fuck me, this song hurts so good
@frankiesaenz7265
there was such a melancholy throughout this album and especially with this song. even the the saccharine sweet songs had a bit of a bittersweet feel to them.
@cermetdelrey9560
Change your heart cause I'm already spoken for
@summerofgeorge1327
what do you associate with that line?
@ninamotamedi6452
Wow. This song is really good.
@supplechap5429
I love this album cover.