Discography :
- East River Park (1989)
- Point of Memory (1990)
- I Used to Be Kid Colgate (1991)
- Shining Hours in a Can (1994)
- Poor Fricky (1995)
- Mel (1996)
- The Gasoline Age (1999)
- Garbageheads on Endless Stun (2003)
- What Are You On? (2006)
- We Live In Rented Rooms (2011)
Axl or Iggy
East River Pipe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you were nothing like that
But you looked good with a bottle
And you smiled like a little brat
And I don't wanna go back
To your town
But then the dream came alive
Then we went out and they bought it all
And then I ran home again
And I don't wanna go back
To your town
You're caving in, you'll save yourself
You want it bad like no one else
You won't get in, you won't get through
And everyone keeps telling you
You're fine, you're fine, you're fine
You say it when you drink
How that shrink was on fire
When you kicked him in the nuts
And tied him up with wire
You're fine, you're fine, you're fine
The lyrics to East River Pipe's song "Axl or Iggy" appear to be directed towards someone who believes they are like the legendary rockstars Axl Rose or Iggy Pop, but in reality, they are nothing like them. The person is described as looking good with a bottle and smiling like a brat, implying that they are trying too hard to fit the rockstar image.
The singer then reminisces about how they went out and the person in question bought into the rockstar persona, but then the singer ran home again, hinting that they did not enjoy the experience. The chorus "And I don't wanna go back to your town" could be interpreted to mean that the singer does not want to be around the person anymore, or that they do not want to engage in their rockstar fantasies anymore.
In the second verse, the person is described as "caving in" and wanting it bad like no one else, suggesting that they are desperate to live the rockstar lifestyle. However, the singer warns that they won't get in or get through, possibly indicating that the person is not talented or skilled enough to make it in the music industry. The repeated phrase "You're fine, you're fine, you're fine" could be interpreted as a sarcastic remark or an attempt to convince the person that they are not actually like Axl or Iggy.
Overall, the lyrics appear to be a commentary on the glamorization and desire for fame that comes with the rockstar image, and how some people may try too hard to fit that image, even if they do not have the talent or skill to back it up.
Line by Line Meaning
You thought you were Axl or Iggy
You believed you possessed the same qualities as Axl Rose or Iggy Pop
But you were nothing like that
However, you lacked the same talent and charisma as they did
But you looked good with a bottle
You appeared attractive holding a bottle
And you smiled like a little brat
Your smile conveyed a childish, entitled attitude
And I don't wanna go back to your town
I do not wish to ever return to your place of residence
But then the dream came alive
Yet, your fantasy became reality
Then we went out and they bought it all
Then, we ventured out and people bought into your act
And then I ran home again
And then, I quickly returned back to my abode
You're caving in, you'll save yourself
You are collapsing under pressure and must salvage the situation
You want it bad like no one else
You have a great desire for success or fame like no other
You won't get in, you won't get through
However, you will not be able to succeed in that field
And everyone keeps telling you
Sadly, many individuals have informed you
You're fine, you're fine, you're fine
That everything is alright, but it actually isn't
You say it when you drink
You tend to utter this sentiment after you have consumed alcohol
How that shrink was on fire
The therapist was extremely frustrated
When you kicked him in the nuts
When you assaulted him
And tied him up with wire
You restrained him using wire
You're fine, you're fine, you're fine
Despite your violent outburst, you claim to be alright
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frederick M Cornog
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind