Although known primarily as a singer, May also plays the bodhrán, guitar and tambourine. Described as "a unique vocal talent," May is known for her musical style of rockabilly revival and has also been compared to female jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday.
Born in Dublin, the youngest of five children, she fell in love with rockabilly at the age of nine, though was also exposed to a range of musical styles, from Irish traditional music to Elvis Presley. She now specialises in rockabilly, singing her own material and covers. Her debut album with Blue Harlem was No Turning Back, which was followed by Swing Street, and Talk to Me. Her first solo release was Love Tattoo.
May has shared the stage with Alison Moyet, Dionne Warwick, Bryan Ferry, Anastasia, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, Scissor Sisters, Matt Bianco, Elvis Costello, Jools Holland, Elton John, and Jeff Beck.
Psycho
Imelda May Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lock that temper behind those pills
Your brain is fryin' insanely flyin'
Just remember it's bad to kill
I go with a psycho, I go with a psycho
Stop your growlin', no more prowlin'
You're an animal, a human cannibal
Snarlin' and a snappin' like a dog on a bone
I go with a psycho, I go with a psycho
You terrify the neighbors when you scream and shout
You look like it's contagious, you're foaming at the mouth
You're a freakin' nightmare when you're lying in my bed
You sleep with eyes wide open, like the livin' dead
I go with a psycho, I go with a psycho
The song "Psycho" by Imelda May is a powerful, upbeat rock song that explores the destructive nature of mental illness. The verses are addressed to someone who is dealing with mental health issues and encourages them to take their medication and control their temper. The chorus, on the other hand, shows the singer's willingness to be with this person despite their struggles.
The opening lines, "Keep on takin' your medication, lock that temper behind those pills," suggest that the person has a prescription for some form of mental health medication, but they still struggle to control their emotions. The lyrics describe the person's mind as "fryin' insanely flyin'" suggesting that their thoughts and emotions are overwhelming, and perhaps even causing hallucinations. However, the singer reminds them to remember that it's "bad to kill," alluding to the risk of violent behavior that can be associated with mental illness.
The chorus of the song, "I go with a psycho, I go with a psycho," is repeated twice after each verse, suggesting that the singer is either supporting this person through their difficulties or that they are living with them through the ups and downs of mental illness. The song's message is one of hope and support, recognizing that mental illness is a difficult battle and that it's important to reach out for the help needed to manage it.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep on takin' your medication,
Continue taking your prescribed medicine,
Lock that temper behind those pills
Use your medication to control your anger and aggression
Your brain is fryin' insanely flyin'
Your erratic behavior suggests that your mental state may be deteriorating
Just remember it's bad to kill
Murder is not acceptable behavior
Stop your growlin', no more prowlin'
Stop being aggressive and stop seeking out trouble
Leave those cars and people alone
Do not engage with or harm innocent people or property
You're an animal, a human cannibal
Your violent and menacing behavior makes you appear inhuman
Snarlin' and a snappin' like a dog on a bone
Your aggressive behavior is reminiscent of a wild animal attacking prey
You terrify the neighbors when you scream and shout
Your loud and threatening behavior is scaring the people who live near you
You look like it's contagious, you're foaming at the mouth
Your behavior and appearance are so unsettling that it seems like you might have a contagious disease
You're a freakin' nightmare when you're lying in my bed
Your behavior is horrific and terrifying, even when you are supposed to be calm and intimate
You sleep with eyes wide open, like the livin' dead
Your inability to rest properly and your spooky appearance are reminiscent of a horror movie character
I go with a psycho, I go with a psycho
The singer is reflecting on their choice to remain in a relationship with someone who has such disturbing behavior
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IMELDA MARY HIGHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dalegillingham100
Keep on takin' your medication,
Lock that temper behind those pills
Your brain is fryin' insanely flyin'
Just remember it's bad to kill
I go with a psycho, I go with a psycho
Stop your growlin', no more prowlin'
Leave those cars and people alone
You're an animal, a human cannibal
Snarlin' and a snappin' like a dog on a bone
I go with a psycho, I go with a psycho
You terrify the neighbors when you scream and shout
You look like it's contagious, you're foaming at the mouth
You're a freakin' nightmare when you're lying in my bed
You sleep with eyes wide open, like the livin' dead
I go with a psycho, I go with a psycho
@guilders69
Amelda May a rockabilly goddess 🥰Belter of a voice, stunning looks & a great band to boot. only wish I had discovered her amazing music years ago. Definitely a regular on my favourite's playlist
@aitannaa
she's got this amazingly unique blend of music......so many influences its original on its own and SO catchy..... I find myself humming the tune under my breath while doing EVERYTHING!
@pakowoodpecker
amo a esta mujer!!! la mejor voz rockabilly en activo!!!
@pandunga
Love it !
@showaddywaddylady
they are excellent, went to see Meatloaf and they were his supporting band, but in my opinion they are worth seeing as a headliner! good night was had by all!!
@avagomes4634
QUE VOZ INCRIVEL MEODEOS
@4eversaturdaycustoms
totally cool great sound, look, and lyrics
@paulkeyton2870
I love this girl !!!
@marko6849
What a talent Smooth.
@luisarturosantanasanchez2436
GREAT SINGER