Inara George (born July 4, 1974) is a Los Angeles, California-based singer-… Read Full Bio ↴Inara George (born July 4, 1974) is a Los Angeles, California-based singer-songwriter, one half of The Bird and the Bee and a member of the band Merrick, with Bryony Atkinson. Her 2006 solo album All Rise was a KCRW hit. George is the daughter of Lowell George, the late founder of the rock and roll group Little Feat. She was five years old when he passed away. Inara is married to director Jake Kasdan.

George has appeared on two of Idlewild's studio albums, providing backing vocals, and has recorded with the jazz/rock group Kneebody (formerly known as Wendel), on their first release; she sang the introduction to the song "I'll Watch Your Life to See".

In 2006, George recorded an album with Idlewild guitarist, Rod Jones, entitled George is Jones. The album remains unreleased, however, four songs can be heard on the duo's MySpace.

In August 2008 second studio album An Invitation was released.

Turn On/Off
Inara George Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here's another Sunday
Here's another Sunday and Sunday
I can't keep the distance
I can't feel any of the difference

Turn around now and see the sun
It's going down, it's turning on
Punch me hard now and turn me on

You are too soft, you turn me off

I want something brighter
I want something brighter and brighter
I'll stand around the witches
Light them up, they'll turn on like switches

I don't want to be one more paper doll
That's blown all through the town like this
Unhappy that I am
Unhappy that I am unhappy

I was good with chemistry
Now all I want is everyone to pinch me

Overall Meaning

Inara George's song Turn On/Off is about the struggle to find a connection with someone or something in life, despite feeling unsatisfied and unhappy. The song opens with the repetition of "Here's another Sunday," emphasizing the monotony of everyday life and the frustration that comes with it. The lyrics "I can't keep the distance, I can't feel any of the difference" suggest that the singer is trying to connect with something, but is struggling to find meaning in their actions or surroundings.

The chorus of the song is where the meaning of "Turn On/Off" becomes more clear. The singer wants to be "turned on" by something brighter, something that will bring them joy and fulfillment. They suggest that perhaps the answer is to "light up the witches," which suggests a desire to explore something more unconventional or mystical. On the other hand, they also acknowledge that their current state is lacking, singing "you are too soft, you turn me off." This could refer to a person, a situation, or an emotion that is not strong enough to ignite passion or interest in the singer.

The line "I don't want to be one more paper doll" further emphasizes the singer's desire to break free from the mundane and be seen as a unique individual. They were "good with chemistry," perhaps suggesting they were once interested in science and the way things work, but now they just want to feel something - even if that means being pinched by everyone around them.

Overall, Turn On/Off is a reflection on the struggle to find connection, passion, and meaning in everyday life. The singer is seeking something brighter and more exciting, but is also frustrated by the lack of fulfillment in their current state.

Line by Line Meaning

Here's another Sunday
The singer is acknowledging that it is another Sunday.

Here's another Sunday and Sunday
The singer is emphasizing that it is yet another Sunday.

I can't keep the distance
The singer is unable to maintain the emotional distance they desire.

I can't feel any of the difference
The artist is unable to discern any differences between their emotional states, possibly due to feeling numb.

Turn around now and see the sun
The artist is encouraging someone to turn around and observe the sun that is setting.

It's going down, it's turning on
The singer is describing the sun as it sets and becomes brighter.

Punch me hard now and turn me on
The singer is using a metaphor to describe their desire for someone to excite them.

You are too soft, you turn me off
The artist is saying that someone is too gentle and therefore not exciting them.

I want something brighter
The artist desires something more exciting or stimulating.

I want something brighter and brighter
The artist desires something increasingly more exciting or stimulating.

I'll stand around the witches
The singer is metaphorically implying that they will seek out people or things that are considered unconventional or taboo.

Light them up, they'll turn on like switches
The artist is saying that these unconventional people or things will become more exciting and lively when they are given attention and stimulation.

I don't want to be one more paper doll
The singer wants to avoid being just another person who is emotionally or mentally “fragile” like a paper doll.

That's blown all through the town like this
The singer is saying that being “blown through the town” means being emotionally or mentally unstable and thus not having any control over oneself.

Unhappy that I am
The singer is unhappy and acknowledging it.

Unhappy that I am unhappy
The artist is emphasizing their unhappiness.

I was good with chemistry
The artist is saying that they were able to maintain emotional balance in the past.

Now all I want is everyone to pinch me
The singer is saying that they want to wake themselves up from their current emotional state by experiencing something extreme or painful like being pinched.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: INARA GEORGE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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