Jagwar Ma is an Australian psychedelic/dance band formed in Sydney in 2011,… Read Full Bio ↴Jagwar Ma is an Australian psychedelic/dance band formed in Sydney in 2011, consisting of members Gabriel Winterfield (lead vocalist/guitarist), Jono Ma (synths, production, guitar), and bass guitarist/vocalist Jack Freeman (joined 2012). The band name is derived from a satirical compound of the word "jaguar" and Jono’s surname.

In 2013 Jagwar Ma signed with record labels Mom+Pop (US) Marathon Artists (EU) and Future Classic (Australia) and released their debut album "Howlin". Howlin’ received high acclaim from music press like The NME, Pitchfork and the London Times as well as praise from several iconic figures and more contemporary artists Foals and The XX, who they went on to join on tour. Now based in the UK, Jagwar Ma are currently touring "Howlin" and have begun preparation for their Sophomore album.

Jagwar Ma are the producers of some quality electronic vibes that swim through the rough terrain of yesteryear, but warps them for modern senses. ”Come Save Me” is 60s bubblegum pop crystalized into tribal neon (much like TV Girl does) and features the vocals of Gabriel Winterfield (Ghostwood), additional production from Ewan Pearson and additional percussion from Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint). ”What Love” is a slow building trance that picks up substance along the way, but still continuing the hypnotic thump. Keep an eye/ear out for these dudes.

Man I Need
Jagwar Ma Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Is there another being before this?
Is there another life?
Is there another sad to full? Are you willing to die?

'Cause I'm about to submerge the ocean
And resurrect the sky
And I'm about to recognize all of your body

But all you say to me is what you wanna see
You're not the man I need, that's what you said to me
You're not the man I need, you're not the man I need
Well, let me show you baby just all the man I can be

Was there another being before this?
Was there another life?
Life, we would go by, you're Mr. Blindfold

'Cause I'm about to submerge the ocean
And resurrect the sky
And I'm about to recognize all of your body

But all you say to me is what you wanna see
You're not the man I need, that's what you said to me
You're not the man I need, you're not the man I need
Well, let me show you baby just all the man I can be

Understand your options, baby
I can't believe
Taking it all the love to keep
I can't believe
You cannot take a promise, baby
Throw it in the sea
'Cause all the waves that come this way
Wash you path to me

But all you say to me is what you wanna see
You're not the man I need, that's what you said to me
You're not the man I need, you're not the man I need
Well, let me show you baby just all the man I can be

I believe
I believe

I believe
(Exercise your chemistry)

Overall Meaning

In "Man I Need", Jagwar Ma expresses the yearning to find someone who is the missing piece in their life. The opening lines of the song ask if there is another being or life before this one and if there is someone else who understands the feeling of going from sad to happy. The singer of the song is willing to do anything to bring that person into their life, even resurrect the sky and submerge the ocean. They want to recognize all of the other person's body and be the man the other person needs. However, despite their efforts, the other person only sees what they want to see and constantly reminds the singer that they are not the man they need. The singer believes that the other person is blindfolded and unable to see what is in front of them. They plead for the other person to understand their options and see that the singer is the right person for them.

Overall, the lyrics in "Man I Need" convey the frustration that comes with trying to make someone see your worth and desire for a deeper connection. The singer of the song is willing to put in the effort to bring someone into their life and be the person they need, but they are met with resistance and rejection. The chorus repeats the phrase "You're not the man I need" in a way that feels almost like a mantra to the other person, as if the singer is trying to convince them that they are wrong and that the singer is exactly what they need.

Line by Line Meaning

Is there another being before this?
Are there any other entities or creatures that existed before us?

Is there another life?
Is there another form of existence apart from this?

Is there another sad to full? Are you willing to die?
Is there another spectrum of emotions apart from sadness and joy? Are you ready to die?

'Cause I'm about to submerge the ocean
I'm about to dive deep into the ocean.

And resurrect the sky
And make air or atmosphere livelier than ever before.

And I'm about to recognize all of your body
And I'm about to explore every part of your body.

But all you say to me is what you wanna see
But all you express is related to your desires and aspirations.

You're not the man I need, that's what you said to me
You're not the man I'm looking for, that's what you told me.

You're not the man I need, you're not the man I need
You're not the person who fits my requirements and expectations.

Well, let me show you baby just all the man I can be
Well, give me a chance to show you my true self.

Understand your options, baby
Comprehend and weigh all of the available choices, my dear.