The band formed in 2002. Their rhythmic post-punk style has been compared by critics to Joy Division, The Slits and Public Image Ltd.
Their debut Ep, History, was released on Paper Bag Records in 2004. The follow-up album, X-Amounts, was released October 11, 2005.
Singer Nirmala Basnayake left the band in late 2006.
Poison/Safe
Controller.Controller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So you can spit them out when you cry
You should swallow every word that I say
And spit them out when you cry
Look into your mirror
It's me
Look down at your mirror
In the air that you breathe
In the salt you eat
On your answering machine
And in your sheets
And in your sheets
And in your sheets
And in your .....
I must be your mother if your life is my fault
I must be your mother so go on
I must be your mother if your life is my entire fault
I must be your mother so go on go on
Tell all your friends it was me
And tell all your friends
You told me
You told me
You told me
You told me
You told me
You told me
Watch out now ill chew you up
Watch out now ill chew you up
Watch out now I'm in your sheets
Watch out now I'm in I'm in your
Ill be out of our heads when he's not around
Ill be out of our heads when he's not around
Ill be out of our heads when he's not around
I'm in your sheets
I'm in your sheets
I'm in your sheets
You had his body now you want his soul
The lyrics of Controller.Controller's song Poison/Safe express a relationship that has become toxic and controlling. The lyrics repeat the phrase "you should swallow every word that I say" which is a clear indication of one person trying to impose their will onto the other. The singer asserts their presence in every aspect of the other person's life, from the air they breathe to the sheets they sleep on. The singer claims responsibility for the other person's life, suggesting that they must be their mother, as their life is supposedly entirely the singer's fault. The repeated phrases "you told me" and "watch out now I'll chew you up" emphasize the power dynamic at play in the relationship.
The lyrics also touch on themes of possessiveness and jealousy. The line "you had his body now you want his soul" suggests that the singer is jealous of the other person's relationship with someone else. The lyrics create a feeling of unease and discomfort, as they portray a situation where one person is dominating and controlling the other.
Overall, the song's lyrics explore the dynamics of a toxic, controlling relationship where one person is trying to dominate and control the other.
Line by Line Meaning
You should swallow every word I say
So you can spit them out when you cry
Listen to everything I say and remember it so you can use it against me later when you're upset
Look into your mirror
It's me
I am always there, even when you look in the mirror
Look down at your mirror
Do you see me...you see me
In the air that you breathe
In the salt you eat
On your answering machine
And in your sheets
My influence is everywhere: in the air you breathe, the food you eat, and even in your bedsheets
I must be your mother if your life is my fault
I must be your mother so go on
I must be your mother if your life is my entire fault
I must be your mother so go on go on
Tell all your friends it was me
And tell all your friends
I take responsibility for your life, so tell everyone it's my fault
Watch out now ill chew you up
Watch out now ill chew you up
Watch out now I'm in your sheets
Watch out now I'm in I'm in your
Be careful, I can manipulate and control you, and I am always around
Ill be out of our heads when he's not around
Ill be out of our heads when he's not around
Ill be out of our heads when he's not around
I may have control over you, but I'm only in your head when he's not around
I'm in your sheets
I'm in your sheets
I'm in your sheets
I have infiltrated every aspect of your life, including your bed
You had his body now you want his soul
You may have had a physical relationship with him, but now you want to control him emotionally and mentally
Contributed by Julia V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Badunkawank13
Ronnie Morris (the bassist) and Jeff Scheven (drummer) are in a new band called Lioness. Ronnie is also doing his Masters Degree in History at York University. He was my TA for my tutorial group :P
@matinee3
Love this song! It reminds me of the good times. Enjoy partying ppl!!!!
@grimtrix420
wickedsick vid
@P_L_N_S
I loove your music...please come to Calgary! :)
@gabguillemette9089
tres bon band
quelle energie explosive wow dommage il sont disparue
@GREG62944
Pretty creative.... greg boardman band...
@SweaterMittens
@Leaman001 fuck yeah, halifax was sweet
@luvstrukkandbroken
My cousin is Scott :) the one with the glasses :D
@bombadier203
@Leaman001 DFA 1979 played bisco this year ...it was pretty cool..... gaylord.
@Irie2286
i saw them at the Murder City Music Festival in Brantford and was so sad to hear that they had disbanded. anyone know what they are each up to now?