In 2012 De Heidjeroosjes played their Farewell Tour. After the last show in De Melkweg the band stopped playing after 23 years
TATTOO
Heideroosjes Lyrics
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A time more civilized
Nations decorate the skin
To express what's within
As a part of their culture
Like wisdom in a book
It wasn't just a fashion
Today still people say
Tattoos are for scum
But why be so affraid?
For so much beauty made
My skin is my canvas
My body, here it is
It's an open field for joy
See this needle, it's my toy
It's my body, it's my life, it's my own choice
Tattoos as expression, it's just a different voice
It's my body, it's my life, it's part of me
Tattoos as expression, which means I'm free
The ink which makes a tattoo
Doesn't infect common sense
It's a dignified creation
Why call that mutilation?
My skin is just a cover
The real me, it's inside
So if you wanna judge me
Look beyond and you'll see
It's my body, it's my life, it's my own choice
Tattoos as expression, it's just a different voice
It's my body, it's my life, it's part of me
Tattoos as expression, which means I'm free
From way back in time, till the day of today
Decoration of skin, the voice from within
It's my body, it's my life, it's my own choice
Tattoos as expression, it's just a different voice
It's my body, it's my life, it's part of me
Tattoos as expression, which means I'm free
I am free!
Heideroosjes's song "Tattoo" speaks to the history and cultural significance of tattoos while challenging the negative stereotypes that still persist today. The song starts with a reflection on the fact that tattoos have been a part of many cultures throughout history and were once considered an art form. The lyrics suggest that tattoos are a way for people to express their true selves and it is not fair to judge someone solely based on their choice to have a tattoo.
The song's chorus emphasizes the idea that the body and the tattoos on it belong to the individual and should not be subject to societal norms or expectations. The lyrics assert that tattoos are a valid form of self-expression, and they shouldn't be judged or stigmatized. The song's last line, "I am free!", speaks to the idea that tattoos can represent a sense of liberation and self-determination.
Overall, "Tattoo" is a powerful statement about the value of self-expression and personal choice. Tattooing has been around for thousands of years and has existed in many cultures, yet it still carries a degree of stigma in certain circles. Heideroosjes's song challenges the negative perception of tattoos and calls for a more accepting and open-minded view of this ancient art form.
Line by Line Meaning
From way back in time
Throughout history
A time more civilized
When societies were more aesthetically refined
Nations decorate the skin
People adorned their skin with art
To express what's within
As a means of self-expression
As a part of their culture
A cultural tradition
Like wisdom in a book
As valuable as knowledge held in literature
It wasn't just a fashion
Not merely a trend
It was art made with passion
A form of expression created with ardor
Today still people say
Even in modern times, some people believe
Tattoos are for scum
That tattoos are only for unsavory people
But why be so affraid?
What is there to fear?
For so much beauty made
Tattoos can be a beautiful form of expression
My skin is my canvas
Their body is a surface for self-expression
My body, here it is
This is their physical form
It's an open field for joy
Their body is a site of pleasure
See this needle, it's my toy
The tattoo artist's tool is their plaything
It's my body, it's my life, it's my own choice
Choosing to get a tattoo is a personal decision
Tattoos as expression, it's just a different voice
Tattoos are just another form of self-expression
It's my body, it's my life, it's part of me
Their body and tattoo are integral components of their being
Tattoos as expression, which means I'm free
Tattoos represent freedom of expression
The ink which makes a tattoo
The substance used to create a tattoo
Doesn't infect common sense
Getting a tattoo does not impair one's mental faculties
It's a dignified creation
A tattoo is a respectable form of art
Why call that mutilation?
Why refer to it as disfigurement?
My skin is just a cover
Their flesh is simply a protective layer
The real me, it's inside
One's true self is within
So if you wanna judge me
If someone wishes to criticize
Look beyond and you'll see
They should look past the external and see the internal
From way back in time, till the day of today
Throughout history, up to the present day
Decoration of skin, the voice from within
Adornment of the skin can be a means of self-expression
It's my body, it's my life, it's my own choice
The decision to get a tattoo is personal
Tattoos as expression, it's just a different voice
Tattoos are another way of expressing oneself
It's my body, it's my life, it's part of me
Their physical form and tattoos are integral parts of their identity
Tattoos as expression, which means I'm free
Tattoos represent personal freedom of expression
I am free!
They have the freedom to express themselves through tattoos
Contributed by Bella T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.