After extensive touring and a bit of schooling, the band got back together with Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, The Walkmen, Passion Pit, White Rabbits) to record their first full-length album, TECHNICOLOR HEALTH, which arrives March 24 from Gigantic Music. The members of Harlem Shakes have been obsessed with pop music their whole lives, and they have great faith in its power to make people feel a little better about things, and to say something vital and, inshallah, maybe even enduring.
- Band's Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/harlemshakes)
2009
TFO
Harlem Shakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My gamesomeness a loaded gun
You guard your nerves, like they're your sons
Say that you've been burned before
Well you and me can burn some more
We'll fight fire with fire but without a fight
We can swim in this coney island ocean
All gray and thick tonight
Reel in
Your feelins
We got time to waste some time
We got time to waste some time now
Burn through
Your virtue
We got time to waste some time
We got time to waste some time now
Oh why oh why oh why all the bloodlet
Our bodies blush pink like new jersey sunsets tonight
Oh what oh what oh what will the flood get
Our bodies can't think
Let's rush to the sunset toniight
Reel in
Your feelins
We got time to waste some time
We got time to waste some time now
Burn through
Your virtue
We got time to waste some time
We got time to waste some time now
The song "TFO" by Harlem Shakes seems to be exploring the theme of recklessness and living in the moment, without worrying about the consequences. The lyrics touch on the idea of burning through one's virtues and fighting fire with fire, all while being fully immersed in the present moment. The opening lines suggest that the subject of the song is being characterized as being blind and deaf, and perhaps even reckless. The reference to "loaded gun" could suggest a sense of danger or excitement.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the lyrics are urging the listener to let go of their inhibitions and give in to a more carefree attitude. The lines, "Reel in your feelings / We got time to waste some time" suggest that it's okay to let go of one's emotions and just enjoy the present. The idea of wasting time is repeated throughout the song, which could be interpreted as a message to not worry about the future and just focus on the moment.
The final lines of the song reference the physical sensations of being alive and present in the moment, with the mention of bloodletting and bodies blushing pink. The idea of rushing towards the sunset implies a sense of urgency and a desire to fully experience life while there is still time.
Line by Line Meaning
You say I'm blind and deaf and fun
You accuse me of being unaware and naive, but also entertaining.
My gamesomeness a loaded gun
My playfulness could potentially be dangerous.
You guard your nerves, like they're your sons
You are protective of your emotions.
Say that you've been burned before
You claim to have experienced hurt in the past.
Well you and me can burn some more
Despite past pain, we can still engage in recklessness.
We'll fight fire with fire but without a fight
We can counter intensity with more intensity, but without actual conflict.
We can swim in this coney island ocean
We can explore and embrace the gritty nature of our surroundings.
All gray and thick tonight
The atmosphere is heavy and oppressive.
Oh why oh why oh why all the bloodlet
Questioning the reasons for emotional turmoil.
Our bodies blush pink like new jersey sunsets tonight
Our physical responses are intense and noticeable.
Oh what oh what oh what will the flood get
Anticipation of more emotional upheaval.
Our bodies can't think
Our physiological responses overwhelm our rational thoughts.
Let's rush to the sunset toniight
Let's embrace the intensity and dive into the moment.
Reel in
Control your emotions and impulses.
Your feelins
Your emotional responses.
We got time to waste some time
We can afford to indulge in momentary pleasure.
Burn through
Experience intensely and quickly.
Your virtue
Your morality and ethics.
We got time to waste some time now
Let's take advantage of our current freedom and impulsively act.
Contributed by Madison Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
TheGameOverGuys
Deserves a bigger audience
KBGA Mentions
This was played on 89.9fm KBGA Missoula College radio on 11/16/2015 @ 1:58PM MST