Electrelane are a band from Brighton, England. They were formed in 1998 by … Read Full Bio ↴Electrelane are a band from Brighton, England. They were formed in 1998 by Verity Susman (aka Vera November also making music under her own name Verity Susman) (keyboards, farfisa organ, lead vocals, guitar, saxophone, clarinet) and Emma Gaze (drums). In its last incarnation, the band was composed of these two plus Mia Clarke (guitar, backing vocals) and Ros Murray (bass) (aka Ray Rumours). Their music draws from a wide range of influences including Neu!, Sonic Youth, and The Velvet Underground. Their mostly instrumental debut album, Rock It To The Moon was released in April 2001. A second album, The Power Out, which was recorded by Steve Albini, added more vocals and structure to the songs. It was released on Too Pure in February 2004. A third album, Axes, which was also recorded by Steve Albini, was released on 9 May 2005.

The band's fourth album, No Shout, No Calls, was written in Berlin during the 2006 World Cup, recorded in Benton Harbor, Michigan in late 2006, and released in May 2007 worldwide.

In November 2007, the band went on "indefinite hiatus," but announced in February 2011 that they would play several dates in England.

“This summer we’re going to play some festivals, including Field Day in London, and a few gigs. We’re still confirming everything, so will be announcing dates soon. It’s very exciting for us to be playing together again after more than three years, and we’re just sorry that we won’t be able to make it to the US this time. At the moment our plan is just to play live this summer, so we hope to see you!" (Source: Electrelane website)

The band announced in November of 2021 that they are working together on their first new music since No Shouts, No Calls in 2007 and that "playing together again feels really, really good.

Take the Bit Between Your Teeth
Electrelane Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I know you had it hard
I know you had it hard
I know you had it hard and you wanted to tell me

I know you had it hard
I know you had it hard
I know you had it hard and you wanted to tell me
Oh I don't want to hear it

Turn it up, yeah yeah

I know you had it hard
I know you had it hard
I know you had it hard and you wanted to tell me

That you're the man
That you're the man
That you're the man, you've got all of the answers
Oh I don't think you do

Turn it up, yeah yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Electrelane's "Take the Bit Between Your Teeth" delve into the theme of communication breakdown. The singer acknowledges that someone they care about has been through difficult experiences and is trying to reach out to them. However, the singer is resistant to hearing what the other person has to say, indicating a lack of trust or desire to avoid confrontation. This is evident in the repetition of "I know you had it hard" before the refrain of "Oh I don't want to hear it". The second verse adds another layer of complexity to the situation, with the suggestion that the person trying to communicate is claiming to have all the answers. By saying "Oh I don't think you do" in response, the singer is questioning the authenticity of the other person's claims.

The repeated phrase "turn it up" creates an interesting contrast to the reluctance of the singer to engage with the person trying to communicate with them. It suggests a desire for a louder, more vibrant interaction instead of a muted, one-sided conversation. The phrase can also be interpreted as a symbolic call to action - for both parties to take more control over their own lives and to make the most of the opportunities they have.

Overall, the lyrics highlight how difficult it can be to truly understand and connect with others, even those we care about deeply. It showcases the importance of active listening and effective communication, and the dangers of shutting people out or making assumptions about their experiences.

Line by Line Meaning

I know you had it hard
Acknowledging that someone has faced hardships.

I know you had it hard and you wanted to tell me
Recognizing someone's desire to talk about their struggles.

Oh I don't want to hear it
Expressing a lack of interest or willingness to listen.

Turn it up, yeah yeah
Advocating for amplifying one's voice or message.

That you're the man
Acknowledging someone's self-confidence or sense of authority.

That you're the man, you've got all of the answers
Highlighting someone's belief that they know everything.

Oh I don't think you do
Challenging someone's perception of their own knowledge or authority.

Turn it up, yeah yeah
Reiterating the call to amplify one's voice or message.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: EMMA GAZE, MIA CLARK, RACHEL DALLY, VERITY SUSMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS