While Gang Gang Dance is generally associated with fellow space cases (Animal Collective, Black Dice), their sound is wholly unique. While their earlier sound was much more chaotic and sprawling, the latest material is a combination of skewed pop music with the unpredictability of experimental/noise performances. The eerie female vocals are reminiscent at times of an airy Kate Bush, trapped in a deep well with no one to sing to. The band belts out Arabian synth lines mixed with delayed out shimmer guitar, over dark poly-rhythms. Their beat heavy weird tribal-noise appeals to fans of all flavors of marginal and/or left centered pop music. And yes, you can dance to it.
Adult Goth
Gang Gang Dance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, it's a message in crumbles, oh, it's surrender, oh, it numbers our fear
Are we too croon to swallow hurt or choose, please say no
Are we to croon to swallow hurt or choose?
Oohh-oooh-aaa-uh, can you stay, ooh, it's lucky I know
Auh, see the deity in me, auh, you serve by a plate
You like gold and tumbleweeds
You like gold with (?) your (?)
Without you I'm undone, without you they have me, without you
Oh, it's a message in crumbles, oh, it's surrender, oh, it numbers our fear
Oh, it's a message in crumbles, oh, it's surrender, oh, it numbers our fear
Are we too croon to swallow hurt or choose, please say no
Are we to croon to swallow hurt or choose?
Oohh-oooh-aaa-uh, can you stay, ooh, it's lucky I know
Anytime you walk away, hell it's the price I pay
Only to love you all the way
Anytime you walk away, it was the price we paid
Anytime you walk away
Only can you stay, it's lucky I know
The opening lyrics of Gang Gang Dance’s “Adult Goth” suggest a sense of chaos and confusion, with a message that is fragmented and hard to decipher. The repetition of the phrase “oh, it’s a message in crumbles” adds to this feeling of disorientation. The subsequent lines suggest that the message is related to surrendering and experiencing fear, which could be interpreted as letting go of control over a situation and feeling helpless in the face of uncertainty. The question posed in the chorus, “Are we too croon to swallow hurt or choose, please say no”, implies a struggle between accepting pain or actively making a choice to change one’s circumstances. The word “croon” here could be interpreted as meaning “to sing softly and sadly”, adding an element of emotional vulnerability to the song.
The second verse adds to the sense of confusion by juxtaposing contradictory images; while the singer is described as a deity, they are also serving food on a plate. The reference to “chasing heartburns away” could be interpreted as a desire to escape from emotional pain or discomfort. The line “you like gold and tumbleweeds” could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer’s desires; both gold and tumbleweeds are valuable in their own way, but they are also unstable and unpredictable. The repetition of the phrase “without you” at the end suggests that the singer feels lost or incomplete without someone else.
Overall, “Adult Goth” is a song that explores themes of confusion, surrender, and vulnerability. The fragmented imagery and repetitive phrases create a sense of chaos, while the questions posed in the chorus suggest a struggle between acceptance and action.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, it's a message in crumbles, oh, it's surrender, oh, it numbers our fear
Our fear is so intense that it can make our communication and willpower crumble. Surrender becomes an easier option as we succumb to our fears.
Are we to croon to swallow hurt or choose?
Do we have to sing sad tunes and endure pain without a choice for a peaceful end?
Auh, see the deity in me, auh, you serve by a plate
Recognize the godly qualities in me and serve me like food on a plate.
At the same time chase your heartburns away
In serving me, let go of your emotional distress and pursue happiness.
You like gold and tumbleweeds, you like gold with (?) your (?)
You appreciate opulence and natural, untamed beauty.
Without you I'm undone, without you they have me, without you
I am incomplete without you, and you have power over me that others do not.
Oohh-oooh-aaa-uh, can you stay, ooh, it's lucky I know
I implore you to stay with me, as I know how fortunate I am to have you.
Anytime you walk away, hell it's the price I pay
It costs me dearly every time you leave, feeling like hell in your absence.
Only to love you all the way
Despite the pain of your absence, I will continue to love you passionately.
Only can you stay, it's lucky I know
Your presence is all I crave, and I appreciate the good fortune of having you with me.
Contributed by Jonathan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.