Inspired by influential bands such as The Cure, The Strokes, and The Killers, HUNNY's music can be described as well-crafted "post-punk tinged pop". Combining elements of new-wave sheen, shoegaze gloom, and angular guitar rock, the band's sound carries a distinct California cool sensibility. Jason Yarger, the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, coined the term "sadwave" to characterize HUNNY's genre, with lyrics revolving around their personal experiences growing up and encounters with love and heartbreak.
HUNNY gained early recognition with the release of their self-titled EP, "Pain/ Ache/ Loving," in 2015. This EP garnered millions of streams, thanks to tracks like the hit single "Cry For Me." Throughout their journey, HUNNY has shared close ties with long-time friends The Neighbourhood and Bad Suns. In 2015, they accompanied these bands on a tour across the United States called "#THEFLOOD2015," which coincided with the release of The Neighbourhood's second album.
In 2019, HUNNY signed a record deal with Epitaph Records and released their debut full-length album, "Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes." Produced by GRAMMY-winner Carlos de la Garza (known for his work with Paramore and Best Coast), the album showcased a polished production sheen that received acclaim from music outlets like Alternative Press. The album's blend of perfunctory electronic and new-wave pop, infused with themes of love, heartbreak, and neuroses, further solidified HUNNY's unique sound. As a result, the band embarked on global tours, sharing stages with notable acts such as State Champs, Citizen, and The Story So Far.
Shy
Hunny Lyrics
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No eyes above could see enough to be surprised
Blue the sky, and miles wide
Weighs a ton, cracked by the sun
Oh what a lie our strings have spun
And it's too hard to find
An empty space for two to hide
Girl, I wanna take your hand
Rebel, red curls
Do I surrender weeks to young hearts running free?
Well, don't be shy, look alive
Lamented love
Works hand in glove with wondering eyes
Well, I can't take you on the plane
And I can't call you home again
It's well after dark
The night was doomed from the start
But maybe it's not hard to find
The empty space for two to hide
Girl, I wanna take your hand
I wanna show you the world
Rebel, red curls
Do I surrender weeks to young hearts running free?
In dreams
I stay to see both dirty and clean
Only in dreams
Is there a place for me
Girl, I wanna take your hand
I wanna show you the world
Rebel, red curls
Do I surrender weeks to young hearts running free?
The lyrics to HUNNY's song "Shy" are about a hesitant love, where the singer is encouraging his lover to let go of their shyness and embrace the experience of being together. The opening lines of "Don't be shy, look alive / No eyes above could see enough to be surprised" suggest that the couple is alone and can be themselves without fear of judgment. The singer goes on to describe the vastness of the sky and emphasizes the weight of their love - "weighs a ton, cracked by the sun / Oh what a lie our strings have spun" - further emphasizing the gravity of their connection. However, despite the intensity of their love, finding alone time seems to be a challenge for the two lovers as the lyric, "And it's too hard to find / An empty space for two to hide."
The chorus "Girl, I wanna take your hand / I wanna show you the world / Rebel, red curls / Do I surrender weeks to young hearts running free?" expresses a longing to explore the world with this person, to go on adventures together, and to fully surrender themselves to each other. The verse "Lamented love / Works hand in glove with wondering eyes / Well, I can't take you on the plane / And I can't call you home again / It's well after dark / The night was doomed from the start" suggests that despite the couple's strong connection, they may not be able to overcome the distance between them.
The bridge "In dreams / I stay to see both dirty and clean / Only in dreams / Is there a place for me" speaks to the idea of escapism through dreams, where the singer can be with their lover without any limitations or barriers. The final chorus repeats the earlier sentiments of wanting to be with this person and surrendering to their love.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't be shy, look alive
Encouraging someone to be more confident and present in the moment
No eyes above could see enough to be surprised
The sky is vast and expansive, there is no need to feel like you're being watched or judged
Blue the sky, and miles wide
The sky is a beautiful and endless expanse
Weighs a ton, cracked by the sun
The atmosphere can feel heavy and oppressive, and the sun can be harsh and damaging
Oh what a lie our strings have spun
There are often illusions and deceptions in relationships
And it's too hard to find
An empty space for two to hide
It can be difficult to find a private and intimate place for two people to be together
Girl, I wanna take your hand
I wanna show you the world
Rebel, red curls
Do I surrender weeks to young hearts running free?
The singer wants to share exciting experiences with their lover, but wonders if they are sacrificing too much of their own freedom and independence in the process
Lamented love
Works hand in glove with wondering eyes
Love that is tinged with sadness and longing is often accompanied by uncertainty and doubt
Well, I can't take you on the plane
And I can't call you home again
It's well after dark
The night was doomed from the start
There are logistical or practical obstacles that prevent the artist from being with their lover, and the timing of their separation was always going to have negative consequences
But maybe it's not hard to find
The empty space for two to hide
Despite the difficulties, it may still be possible for the two lovers to find a private and intimate space to be together
In dreams
I stay to see both dirty and clean
Only in dreams
Is there a place for me
The singer feels more free and liberated in their dreams, where they can explore both the positive and negative aspects of their life
Girl, I wanna take your hand
I wanna show you the world
Rebel, red curls
Do I surrender weeks to young hearts running free?
The artist repeats their desire to share exciting experiences with their lover, but the question of whether they are sacrificing too much of themselves remains
Contributed by Adeline P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.