St… Read Full Bio ↴Frankie Cosmos is an American indie rock band headed by Greta Kline.
Starting in 2009 under various pseudonyms (Ingrid Superstar, Zebu Fur, Franz Charcoal), Kline is well known for having an extremely lengthy back catalogue of self released albums and projects. In 2014, she released her first studio album, Zentropy. After exclusively performing live as a duo with Aaron Maine of Porches for several years, Frankie Cosmos began to take on a more traditional band form, inducting David Maine (Bass) and Gabrielle Smith (Keyboards, Vocals) by 2016. The same year, they released their sophomore album, Next Thing. Following Kline's breakup with Aaron Maine and the formation of Lexie (a collaboration with Alex Bailey and Doug Bleichner of Warehouse), Frankie Cosmos returned with a new lineup and 2018's Vessel. In 2019, the group released their fourth album, Close It Quietly, cementing Alex Bailey as the group's bassist and second guitarist. Their most recent album, Inner World Peace, was released on October 21st, 2022.
Current Lineup:
Greta Kline (Vocals, Guitar)
Alex Bailey (Bass, Guitar)
Lauren Martin (Keyboards, Vocals)
Luke Pyenson (Drums)
on the lips
Frankie Cosmos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Find myself believing
In many things
In many things
I watch David Blaine
Find myself believing
In many things
Where would I kiss ya
If I could kiss ya
Where would I kiss ya
If could kiss ya
Sometimes I cry 'cause I know
I'll never have all the answers
Separated by subway transfers
I watch you disappear
As my chain rolls away
I know you could've kissed me
But I'll have to wait
Where would I kiss ya
If I could kiss ya
Where would I kiss ya
If I could kiss ya
The lyrics of "On the Lips" by Frankie Cosmos reflect on longing and unanswered questions when it comes to a romantic relationship. The opening line "I watch David Blaine, find myself believing in many things" sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the magician's illusions and spectacles reflect the elusive nature of love and relationships. The repetition of "in many things" emphasizes this notion of uncertainty and the human desire to believe in something, even if it's not entirely clear what.
The chorus of "Where would I kiss ya, if I could kiss ya" acts as a speculation on the potential of this unknown relationship. The use of "if" emphasizes the longing and distance present between the two people. The following verse reflects on the feeling of having to let go and the unknowns that come with it. The singer cries due to the inevitability of not having all the answers; even the distance of subway transfers becomes a symbol of the separation that exists.
The final lines of the song, "I know you could've kissed me, but I'll have to wait", encapsulate the bittersweetness present in the entire song. The singer may not have all the answers, but there is still hope for the future even if it's not entirely clear.
Line by Line Meaning
I watch David Blaine
The singer is watching David Blaine perform and is finding themselves believing in many things.
Find myself believing
The singer is becoming convinced or accepting of certain beliefs or ideas.
In many things
The singer is open to multiple beliefs or ideas, perhaps feeling unsure or curious.
Where would I kiss ya
The artist is wondering where they would choose to kiss someone, likely out of romantic desire.
If I could kiss ya
The artist is unable to kiss the person currently, but is imagining what it would be like if they could.
Sometimes I cry 'cause I know
The singer is admitting to occasionally crying because they acknowledge they do not have all the answers.
I'll never have all the answers
The singer realizes they will never have a full understanding of everything and will continue to have questions.
Separated by subway transfers
The artist and another person are kept apart by physical distance and time spent on a subway.
I watch you disappear
The artist sees the other person they desire vanish from their sight, possibly referring to a missed opportunity to kiss.
As my chain rolls away
The artist is watching a chain they are holding roll away, possibly symbolizing the loss of something important.
I know you could've kissed me
The singer believes that the person they desire had the opportunity to kiss them in the moment, but did not.
But I'll have to wait
The artist acknowledges that they will have to be patient and wait for another chance to kiss the person they desire.
Contributed by Aria K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@charmaignecalinao5658
2020 anyone? I love listening to Frankie Cosmos songs!
@dids3384
2021
@ononomous6515
@dids 2022
@ridiculousq2
2023
@8thyoutube486
Her best song.
@natanalves2035
i love this song :')
@gwendolyndokbua4265
this will forever b my fav song of yrs
@sethm2394
+Samantha Wells Yesss!
@pleiades250
It's very good I agree
@saffronw.e3177
+Samantha Wells HI <3