Chikinki are an Electro-pop band from Bristol, United Kingdom. The band for… Read Full Bio ↴Chikinki are an Electro-pop band from Bristol, United Kingdom. The band formed at Hiatt Baker Hall at the University of Bristol in 1996/7. Originally there were six members: Rupert (vocals), Ed (rhythm guitar), Steve (drums), Boris (keyboards), Luke (lead guitar) and Trevor (saxophone). They were briefly joined by a 7th member, a bass player, but the experiment did not last. After gigging regulary around many of Bristols pubs and clubs the band turned professional after the members had completed their degrees, however, Luke decided to leave and the band was reduced to a five piece.

They were signed by local label sink and stove records though this was short-lived and the band joined Island Records though ultimately they were dropped and are currently with Kitty-Yo records. This European label has helped them break further into Europe where they were already popular and much of their earlier catalogue has now been re-released on this label.

The band are now set to release new material on their own Urban Cow label, home of their first EP Telephone Heroes.

Contrary to their current style, the band played more funk than anything else early on though gradually moved towards a more popular style and eventually went over to a more electronic / pop sound that they maintain today. After the loss of Luke, Trevor ultimately became a second keyboard/ sequencer player and this leads to the band's unique sound. Since they have no bass player, and Ed has taken over as the lead guitarist, the two keyboards provide a combination of melody and rhythm sections. Furthermore, the band has a strong sense of musical structure (both Trevor and Boris obtained their degrees in Music) and all five members are song writers.

On stage they are dramatic, Rupert especially is prone to leaving the stage and performing from amongst the audience, and all are at their peak when launching into something akin to a group 'solo'.

'You Said' will be released on Urban Cow on May 8th 2006,. This will be backed with 'Nasty Side' and will be limited edition only. The band will be touring around the UK to support this. Check their site for details.

Like It Or Leave It
Chikinki Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I let her on the inside and oh, I can't leave her alone
I caught a glimpse of her rose, no I can't leave her alone
My bids for freedom went wrong cause I can't leave her alone
I see my enemies go strong, but I can't leave her alone
No I can't leave her alone

And she said
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it

Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Just say no, oh just say no

I make it seem like life is a river streaming from my heart
I stretched my car's by the road before I even start
I let you get inside and oh I can't leave her alone
I bleed her every moan, I can't leave her alone
No I can't leave her alone

And she said
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
Just say no, oh just say no
Just say no, no, just say no

Like it or leave it, just say no
Hey hey hey

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Chikinki's song "Like It Or Leave It" can be interpreted as the internal battle the singer faces in his relationship. He admits to letting his partner "on the inside" and being unable to leave her alone, even though he knows his "bids for freedom went wrong." The singer sees his enemies go strong, symbolizing the challenges and obstacles in the relationship, yet he still can't walk away from his partner.

The repeated plea of "Baby baby baby please like it or leave it" highlights the singer's struggle to either make the relationship work or end it altogether. He asks for his partner's acceptance and understanding by saying "just say no," implying that he may understand and accept if she chooses to leave him despite his inability to let go.

The song's chorus also touches on the themes of control and power dynamics, as the singer compares his life to a river he controls but also acknowledges his willingness to bleed his partner "every moan." This could suggest a manipulative and potentially destructive relationship dynamic where the singer holds onto his partner despite her own desires.

Line by Line Meaning

I let her on the inside and oh, I can't leave her alone
I allowed her to enter my life and emotions, and now I cannot imagine living without her

I caught a glimpse of her rose, no I can't leave her alone
I saw the beauty in her and now I cannot let her go

My bids for freedom went wrong cause I can't leave her alone
I attempted to distance myself from her, but it only made me realize I cannot live without her

I see my enemies go strong, but I can't leave her alone
While external pressures and threats arise, my love for her remains unwavering

No I can't leave her alone
Simply put, I cannot leave her alone

Baby baby baby please like it or leave it
My love for you is strong, but I need to know if you reciprocate those feelings

Just say no, oh just say no
If you do not love me, please have the courage to say so

I make it seem like life is a river streaming from my heart
I express my emotions and feelings as if they flow effortlessly from within me

I stretched my car's by the road before I even start
I put in effort to prepare for the relationship before it even began

I let you get inside and oh I can't leave her alone
I allowed you to enter my life and now I cannot imagine living without you

I bleed her every moan, I can't leave her alone
Her every sound and word affects me deeply, and I cannot let her go

Just say no, no, just say no
If you do not love me, please say so clearly and without hesitation

Like it or leave it, just say no
Please make a firm decision whether you will accept my feelings or not, and do not string me along

Hey hey hey
A simple repeated phrase used to add emphasis to the overall message of the song

Contributed by Isabelle F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.