Although originally consisting of a total of 3 cassettes, the most common version of the Girly Sound tapes that circulated among Phair's fans was an incomplete 2 disc compilation of songs from all 3 tapes released on the "Bliss and Phetish" bootleg label. An earlier bootleg compilation of Girly Sound material, "Secretly Timid", was also released. Early in 2006, mp3s of first generation copies of the first 2 tapes were introduced via Phair's online community, bringing to light the original track listing, correct song names, and album titles and more importantly introducing a number of songs that did not appear on the previous Girly Sound bootlegs. The third Girly Sound tape and information of its complete contents remains elusive.
Speed Racer
Girlysound Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your love life ain't that hurting
And you always seemed to get what you wanted without flirting
You're not the only one who's used to playing dirty
And all I ever wanted from you is to leave me alone
So don't give me that sucker fish shit
'Cause I'm not that strong a swimmer
But I'm not afraid to be moving in a slower river
The very first car in a race around the world
Is somewhere in the middle of a race around the circle
And the very first car in a race around the world
Has got to wipe out somewhere
Well, that somewhere isn't me
So don't give me that sucker fish shit
'Cause I'm not getting younger
And I'm not a floatable to keep you from going under
And you're not the only one who used to watch Speed Racer
The very first car in a race around the world
Is somewhere in the middle of a race around the circle
And the very first car in a race around the world
Has got to wipe out somewhere
Well, that somewhere isn't me
The lyrics of Girlysound's song "Speed Racer" seems to be directed towards someone who is trying to make excuses for their behavior, possibly related to a romantic relationship. The singer dismisses these excuses by calling them "sucker fish shit", and implies that the person's love life is not as complicated as they claim it to be. The singer also suggests that the person is used to playing dirty and getting what they want without resorting to flirting. She states that all she ever wanted from this person was for them to leave her alone.
The singer seems to be trying to assert her independence and strength in the face of this person's behavior. She claims that she is not a strong swimmer but is also not afraid of moving in a slower river, possibly meaning that she is willing to take her time in life and not give in to the pressures of others. She also mentions that she is not getting younger and cannot be a "floatable" to keep the person from going under.
The song also makes reference to Speed Racer, a popular anime series about a race car driver who competes in dangerous races around the world. The singer implies that just like in the series, the very first car in a race around the world is bound to wipe out somewhere, and that it will not be her.
Overall, the lyrics of "Speed Racer" seem to be about asserting one's strength and independence in the face of someone's manipulative behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't give me that sucker fish shit
Don't try to fool me with your false words
Your love life ain't that hurting
Your romantic life is not as bad as you pretend it to be
And you always seemed to get what you wanted without flirting
You achieved what you wanted without resorting to seduction
You're not the only one who's used to playing dirty
You are not the only person who is familiar with deceptive tactics
And all I ever wanted from you is to leave me alone
I desire nothing from you but to be left in peace
So don't give me that sucker fish shit
Stop trying to deceive me
'Cause I'm not that strong a swimmer
I am not capable of withstanding manipulation
But I'm not afraid to be moving in a slower river
I am willing to take my time to achieve my goals
You're not the only one who used to watch Speed Racer
You are not unique in your admiration for Speed Racer
The very first car in a race around the world
The original competitor in a global race
Is somewhere in the middle of a race around the circle
Currently, they are in the middle of their journey
And the very first car in a race around the world
The original competitor in a global race
Has got to wipe out somewhere
They will inevitably fail at some point
Well, that somewhere isn't me
I will not be the one who fails
So don't give me that sucker fish shit
Stop trying to deceive me
'Cause I'm not getting younger
I am getting older and wiser
And I'm not a floatable to keep you from going under
I cannot shield you from your own mistakes
And you're not the only one who used to watch Speed Racer
You are not unique in your admiration for Speed Racer
The very first car in a race around the world
The original competitor in a global race
Is somewhere in the middle of a race around the circle
Currently, they are in the middle of their journey
And the very first car in a race around the world
The original competitor in a global race
Has got to wipe out somewhere
They will inevitably fail at some point
Well, that somewhere isn't me
I will not be the one who fails
Contributed by Tristan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bryansmith9431
Absolutley terrible. This is not the correct version, unless you like Liz Phair after she inhaled helium and does an Alvin and the Chipmunks impression.