The band formed in Boulder, Colorado in early 2006 to make live music for haunted houses. Frequenting the Broker Inn on the edge of town for empty late-night jazz shows, Polachek, Pfenning and Wimberly were mystified by the 1980's faux-gothic architecture, oak-cabinet aquariums, vacant dancefloors, fake trees, crystal chandeliers and dark velveteen booths. Relocating to Brooklyn in the summer of 2006, the trio continued on to develop a hypnotic yet tongue-in-cheek style, playing shows around Brooklyn and the Lower East Side.
'Evident Utensil', released on 7" vinyl featuring a remix by MGMT, marked Chairlift's first release on Kanine. Chairlift unleashed their first full-length album, "Does You Inspire You", on Kanine Records on September 30th, 2008. The duo completed their sophomore album, "Something" in 2011 for release in January 2012. Recorded between New York and London, they recruited producers Alan Moulder (Depeche Mode, My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails) and Dan Carey (MIA, Franz Ferdinand, Lily Allen) and Carey also mixed the majority of the record. Three singles, 'Amanaemonesia', 'Sidewalk Safari' and 'Met Before' preceded the album's release. "Moth", the third and final album was released January 22, 2016, preceded by the single 'Ch-Ching'.
Take It Out on Me
Chairlift Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Early but here
On a morning so clear and blue
Is fate up for debate?
And does my love only count if its proved?
Forget forgiveness, forget all the rules
Just please don't do it here
And Sophie's got somewhere to be
I'm not afraid
So take me outside
I know what you're here to do
Shotgun got familiar sleeves
Undercover but nobody's fooled, no
Got no time, no time for goodbyes
Oh god, just let my love survive
Forget forgiveness, forget all the rules
Just please don't do it here
Bring on the fire 'cause business is cruel
And Sophie's got somewhere to be
Take it out on me
Take it out on me
Forget forgiveness, forget all the rules
Just please don't do it here
Bring on the fire 'cause business is cruel
Just please don't do it here
Take it out on me
Take it out on me
Bring on the fire 'cause business is cruel
And Sophie's got somewhere to be
Take it out on me
Take it out on me
The song "Take It Out on Me" by Chairlift presents a complex narrative about a woman named Sophie who is caught up in a difficult situation. The opening lines introduce Sophie's company, who has arrived early on a beautiful morning - this could suggest that beneath the surface, things may not be as ideal as they appear. Sophie is then questioned - is her fate predetermined, and does her love count for anything if it's not proven? The theme of uncertainty reoccurs throughout the song, suggesting that Sophie may feel trapped or unsure in her current situation.
The chorus "Forget forgiveness, forget all the rules" presents a sense of desperation - Sophie may be past the point of being able to reconcile or make amends, and so she's asking to be dealt with harshly. She doesn't want to be hurt in public, thus indicating that whatever Sophie's involved in is secretive or potentially shameful. She's willing to take a beating or be the scapegoat so that others won't suffer, which could also suggest feelings of isolation or loneliness.
The song concludes with a repeated plea from Sophie to "take it out on me", once again highlighting her willingness to bear the brunt of whatever it is that's going wrong. The line "and Sophie's got somewhere to be" suggests that she's in a hurry or has deadlines to meet, which could also be reflective of her desire to escape or move on.
Line by Line Meaning
You're here
Addressing the person present and acknowledging their presence
Early but here
Mentioning that the person is present before expected
On a morning so clear and blue
Describing the weather and the environment
Is fate up for debate?
Questioning the role of fate in one's life
And does my love only count if its proved?
Wondering if love only matters if it can be demonstrated
Forget forgiveness, forget all the rules
Negating the importance of forgiveness and rules
Just please don't do it here
Asking someone not to cause trouble in the present environment
Bring on the fire 'cause business is cruel
Suggesting that harsh measures may be necessary in a competitive environment
And Sophie's got somewhere to be
Mentioning someone else's schedule or plans
I'm not afraid
Asserting of one's lack of fear
So take me outside
Inviting someone to take the argument outside
I know what you're here to do
Aware of the other person's intentions
Shotgun got familiar sleeves
A metaphor for concealed weapons or plans
Undercover but nobody's fooled, no
Not really hidden despite the attempt to appear so
Got no time, no time for goodbyes
No time to waste or delay
Oh god, just let my love survive
An appeal to a higher power for something to endure
Take it out on me
Offering oneself as a punching bag or a target
Bring on the fire 'cause business is cruel
Repeat of an earlier line, further emphasizing the need for harsh action
Just please don't do it here
Repeat of an earlier line, asking not to cause trouble in the present environment
Take it out on me
Repeat of an earlier line, offering oneself as a target
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Caroline Elizabeth Polachek, Jonathan Patrick Wimberly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Augusto Caie Siqueira Silveira Reis
You're here
Early but here
On a morning so clear and blue is fate up for debate?
And does my love only count if it's proved?
Forget forgiveness
Forget all the rules
Just please don't do it here
Bring on the fire
Because business is cruel
And sophie's got somewhere to be
I'm not afraid so take me outside
I know what you're here to do
Shotguns up familiar sleeves
Undercover but nobody's fooled
Got no time
No time for goodbyes
Oh god just let my love survive
Forget forgiveness
Forget all the rules
Just please don't do it here
Bring on the fire
Because business is cruel
And sophie's got somewhere to be
Take it out on me
Take it out on me
Forget forgiveness
Forget all the rules
Just please don't do it here
Bring on the fire
Because business is cruel
Just please don't do it here
Take it out on me
Take it out on me
Bring on the fire
Because business is cruel
And sophie's got somewhere to be
Take it out on me
Take it out on me
Mr. Fujigen
This tune was featured on MTV's Awkward. Which is cool because great bands deserve the exposure.
marsaudiacquintet
Qué buen tema, hermosa voz
Sally Imber
10 years loving this song 💖
Merteuil81
Makes me think of the good music from the 80's.
Jrvs
Caroline's voice is awesome. Can't stop listening to it...
mattomoros
This sounds very 80's and very cool
Matt B
Simply amazing.
stillhotterthanyours
awkward brings us sooo amazing music <3
ViridianLoom
I've never really been a huge fan of Emilie Autumn's voice, but at 1:57 Caroline sounds a lot like her and I love it in this context.
7025 alien
It took me 10 years to find this song I was 12 now I’m 21 when I first heard it on that awkward show and it stayed stuck in my head and I’ve been trying to find ever since I’m glad I’ve finally found it definitely was worth it great song