The line between inspiration and imitation blurred when Hazard's song "Ponytail Girl" spread like wildfire on Napster, mislabeled as a Depeche Mode b-side. Despite both parties' efforts to set the record straight (depechemode.com went so far as to address the mix-up in their FAQ), bootleg versions of Depeche Mode's Exciter album were sold around the world with "Ponytail Girl" included as a so-called bonus track. Hazard used the incident as the basis for a tribute album to the band, Color Theory presents Depeche Mode.
Since then, Hazard has emerged from the shadow of his childhood heroes to become an artist in his own right. The Orange County Register acclaimed, "Hazard writes songs that are intensely personal and uses technology to enhance material that is as emotive as the best folk." Highlights include winning the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, two songs in the hit video game Rock Band, and several song placements on MTV's The Real World.
The offical website is at www.colortheory.com.
Cheerleader
Color Theory Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why do you need to be admired?
With every eye in your direction
What is it we're supposed to see?
What are you saving for the star of the big game?
Why won't you spend an hour with me?
But all you say is "go go go!"
No one loves a cheerleader
It's really all about
The trophy and the defeat
"Go go go!"
Don't you want someone to perceive you
Through the sweater and the skirt?
Don't you want someone to respect you
For the beauty underneath?
Don't you want someone new to turn this game around?
Will you just please go out with me?
I could use you in my life
But I serve no point in yours
A beauty queen of diplomacy
It's not just me who's keeping score
You've got me right under your thumb
Another fan to be ignored
Wide-eyed stupefied by every wild gyration
Because you live to be adored
But all you say is "go go go!"
All you say is "go go go!"
We all need a cheerleader
To figure out that love
Is not just winning a prize
"Go go go!"
In Color Theory’s song Cheerleader, the lyrics delve into the idea of needing attention and admiration from others. The singer questions why someone needs every eye on them, and what they are saving for the star of the big game. They also plead for the cheerleader to spend some time with them, but all they say in response is “go go go!” The chorus repeats the idea that no one loves a cheerleader, and how it’s all about the trophy and defeat.
The second verse continues to question why the cheerleader needs others to perceive them through their clothing, and why they don’t want to be respected for the beauty underneath. The singer tries to persuade the cheerleader to go out with them, offering to add value to their life. However, they acknowledge that they serve no point in the cheerleader’s life, who is like a beauty queen of diplomacy. The cheerleader has the singer right under their thumb, along with other fans who are ignored. The song ends with the idea that everyone needs a cheerleader, but love is not just about winning a prize.
Overall, Cheerleader seems to criticize the shallow nature of needing attention from others and valuing appearances over substance. The repetition of “go go go!” emphasizes the cheerleader's single-minded goal and lack of attention to others around her. The singer's desire for the cheerleader to spend time with them and to be respected for who they are showcases the importance of genuine connections and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do you need so much attention?
What is the reason behind you seeking attention from everyone?
Why do you need to be admired?
What makes you crave admiration from others?
With every eye in your direction, What is it we’re supposed to see?
What are you trying to show us by making everyone focus on you?
What are you saving for the star of the big game?
Why are you conserving your energy and enthusiasm for someone else who already has the spotlight?
Why won’t you spend an hour with me?
Why can’t you take some time off to spend it with me?
But all you say is “go go go!”
Your only focus seems to be on winning and achieving your goals quickly.
No one loves a cheerleader
People don’t usually like individuals who only cheer on others and don’t do much themselves.
It’s really all about The trophy and the defeat
Ultimately, in this competitive world, only winning matters and everything else is secondary.
Don’t you want someone to perceive you Through the sweater and the skirt?
Wouldn’t you rather someone appreciate your true self and not just your outer appearance?
Don’t you want someone to respect you For the beauty underneath?
Why don’t you seek respect for your inner qualities like your thoughts, beliefs and values?
Don’t you want someone new to turn this game around?
Wouldn’t you like a new perspective on the game and turn things around?
Will you just please go out with me?
Can we meet up and get to know each other better?
I could use you in my life But I serve no point in yours
You could be a valuable addition to my life, but I don’t think I have any meaning in yours.
A beauty queen of diplomacy
You are beautiful and tactful in your interactions with others.
It’s not just me who’s keeping score
Everyone around you is keeping track of your actions and expecting results from you.
You’ve got me right under your thumb
You have control over me and I’m at your mercy.
Another fan to be ignored
You don’t acknowledge my feelings or existence, treating me as just another admirer in the crowd.
Wide-eyed stupefied by every wild gyration
I am mesmerized by every move you make, no matter how extreme or energetic it is.
Because you live to be adored
You want to receive everyone’s love and admiration and it’s what keeps you going.
We all need a cheerleader
We all need someone to motivate and encourage us in life.
To figure out that love Is not just winning a prize
A cheerleader can show us that love is not just about competing and winning, but about the journey and experience itself.
“Go go go!”
The singular focus on winning and victory in any task or competition.
Lyrics © ST MUSIC LLC.
Written by: BRIAN K. HAZARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind