FM 102.1 made a rare exception, however, for Fever Marlene, the first Milwaukee group they've given regular rotation to since re-branding themselves as an "independent alternative" station a year ago. To the station's credit, they play Fever Marlene's "Red Fire" without aggrandizing their efforts to support a Milwaukee band. They just slip the track into the playlist between, say, a classic Nine Inch Nails cut and the new Fall Out Boy single. Striking a stylish balance between the cool composure of '80s British groups like the Stone Roses and the Jesus and Mary Chain and the visceral immediacy of the White Stripes, "Red Fire" could easily fool listeners into assuming Fever Marlene are the latest Spin-approved big thing out of New York, not a local duo still courting record labels.
Two noncommercial stations, 88.9 and 91.7, have also rallied for the group, and all the airtime has helped them amass an impressive following for a relatively green local band. While other local acts host their CD release parties in small clubs, supported by other acts, Fever Marlene will headline their own CD release party at the spacious Turner Hall on Friday, June 8, sans openers (although guest musicians, including members of The Gufs and Northern Room, will join them on stage). Doors open at 9 p.m. The group's debut album, Civil War—a record filled with affable, Big Star-esque power-pop, often with a tender, electronic ambiance that "Red Fire" doesn't hint at—will also be available at Atomic Records, Exclusive Records and www.fevermarlene.com.
Mad Woman
Fever Marlene Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be on my way if she's in love with somebody elses smile.
Mad woman.
Mad woman can't get me down.
Mad woman can't get me down
Mad woman can't keep me round.
Mad woman can't keep me.
If you don't want.
If you don't want me baby I'm gonna.
Hoo hoo hoo
Mad woman.
Mad woman can't get me down.
Mad woman can't get me down
Mad woman can't keep me round.
Mad woman can't keep me
The lyrics of Fever Marlene's song Mad Woman are straightforward on its surface, but the meaning behind them is quite profound. The song seems to be about a woman who is considered to be mad or insane, and the singer is declaring that this woman cannot have control over him. The first verse is particularly compelling, as the singer states that he is willing to leave if the woman is in love with someone else's smile. This could be interpreted as the singer's acknowledgement that he can't compete with others for the woman's attention, or that he doesn't want to be with someone who is more interested in appearances than substance.
The chorus repeats the line "Mad woman can't get me down" several times, almost as if the singer is trying to convince himself of this fact. The repetition seems to reinforce the idea that the singer is trying to distance himself from this woman who is causing him distress. The final lines of the chorus, "Mad woman can't keep me round", suggest that the singer is determined to move on from this relationship and not be controlled by this woman's unpredictable behavior.
Overall, the lyrics of Mad Woman are empowering in their refusal to be held back by someone else's instability. The repetition of the chorus indicates that the singer is trying to convince himself of this fact, which makes the lyrics feel even more relatable.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be on my way.
I will leave if the person I love is happy with someone else.
Mad woman.
A crazed female cannot bring me down.
Mad woman can't get me down.
I won't let a mad woman affect my mood or well-being.
Mad woman can't keep me round.
I won't stay close to a mad woman.
Mad woman can't keep me.
I won't let a mad woman control or manipulate me.
If you don't want.
If you don't want me, then...
If you don't want me baby I'm gonna.
If you don't want me, I'll move on.
Hoo hoo hoo
Indicates a vocal musical embellishment or emphasis.
Contributed by Caden E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.