Tear Off Your Own Head
Costello (Elvis) Lyrics
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Who knows or cares what an imitation is?
Only you do
You can paint his nails
Make him wear high heels
Why waste time altering the hemline?
Or do you?
Tear off your own head
It's a doll revolution
You can bat your lashes
You can cut your strings
You can pull his hair with your movable fingers
It looks so real
If one won't do it, so collect the set
Dress him in pink ribbons
Put him in a kitchenette
How does this feel?
Tear off your own head
Tear off your own head
It's a doll revolution
What's that sound?
It'll tear you around
It's a doll revolution
They're taking over
And they're tearing it down
It's a doll revolution
You can pull and pinch him
'Till he cries and squeals
You can twist his body 'til it faces backwards
Those plastic features
You could make somebody a pretty little wife
But don't let anybody tell you how to live your life
Broken pieces
Tear off your own head
Tear off your own head
It's a doll revolution
Tear off your own head
Tear off your own head
It's a doll revolution
Tear off your own head
Revolution
Tear off your own head
Revolution
The lyrics of Elvis Costello's song, Tear Off Your Own Head, address the theme of nonconformity and rebelling against societal expectations, particularly in relation to gender roles. The song questions who can truly understand the struggles and emotions of an individual, while also touching upon the idea of individuality and personal expression. Costello highlights the pressure to conform and imitate the expectations of others, but also praises the power of individual agency to reject societal norms and dictate personal expression. The chorus, “Tear off your own head, tear off your own head, it's a doll revolution,” emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's own identity and the potential for individual change to inspire others to also break free from societal constraints.
The song itself is characterized by a driving rhythm section, punchy guitar riffs, and Costello's vocals, which range from a almost spoken-word style to full-throated belting. The use of doll imagery and metaphors throughout the lyrics add a playfulness to the song while also giving it a slightly ominous edge.
Line by Line Meaning
Who dries your eyes as you cry real tears?
Who supports you when you truly express yourself and cry?
Who knows or cares what an imitation is?
Who truly understands the difference between the real and the fake, and why does it matter?
Only you do
You are the only one who truly knows the answer to the above question.
You can paint his nails
You have the power to manipulate those around you as if they were your own dolls to play with.
Make him wear high heels
You can control their behavior and appearance to make them fit into your idea of perfection.
Why waste time altering the hemline?
Why bother making small changes when you could completely transform your reality?
Or do you?
Is this something that you truly want to do or are you just following the crowd?
Tear off your own head
Break free from the societal norms and expectations that are holding you back.
It's a doll revolution
This revolution is about taking back control and empowering yourself to be your own doll master.
You can bat your lashes
You have the ability to flirt and charm with your feminine wiles.
You can cut your strings
You can sever the ties that bind you to society's expectations and limitations.
You can pull his hair with your movable fingers
You can manipulate those around you like puppets, using your own power and control.
It looks so real
This freedom and control feels authentic and true to your own identity.
If one won't do it, so collect the set
Don't settle for a mediocre existence when you can continue to push boundaries and challenge yourself.
Dress him in pink ribbons
Make your dolls look however you choose, without fear of judgement or repercussion.
Put him in a kitchenette
Challenge gender norms and expectations by placing men in typically feminine roles.
How does this feel?
Check in with yourself about how this freedom and control feels in your own life.
What's that sound?
Listen for the rumbling of a revolution, as people take back control of their own lives.
It'll tear you around
This revolution will shake things up and disrupt the status quo.
They're taking over
People are starting to realize their own power and control over their own lives.
And they're tearing it down
This powerful revolution is breaking down the barriers that once held people back.
You can pull and pinch him
You have the power to manipulate those around you to fit into your own ideal reality.
'Till he cries and squeals
They may resist at first, but eventually all will succumb to your control.
You can twist his body 'til it faces backwards
Your power and control will eventually turn their entire existence upside down.
Those plastic features
Despite appearances, these people are just as complex and unique as you are.
You could make somebody a pretty little wife
You have the power to shape someone else's life and future, but why settle for just being a wife?
But don't let anybody tell you how to live your life
Don't let society's expectations or limitations hold you back from achieving everything you want in life.
Broken pieces
This revolution is about breaking free from the broken system that has held people back for too long.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind