Here's a few descriptions from independent CD and live festival reviewers:
"Jigzag were a revelation! This three-piece high energy band from Sydney combine Celtic snap, heartfelt ballads and punchy folk with energetic, joyful stage presentation. See them if you ever can. Buy their CD. It's on the web." Steve Baker Tablelands Folk Festival Yungaburra, Qld
"As a unit Jigzag are as tight as a jigsaw, though there's always space for spontaneity. It's a perfect blend of instrumental skills and voices. Greg Bryce (guitar), Elisabeth Frencham (upright bass) and Caroline Trengove (violin/viola) fit together like interlocking pieces. They read each other's moves like reef fish. All innovative players and singers, lead and harmony, they also have a flair for writing catchy yet thought-provoking songs. Their folky pop contains bright splashes of jazz, blues, classical and Celtic." "Live performance is Jigzag's lifeblood so it's nigh tantamount to stating the bleeding obvious to say that the new album shows off their best qualities. Recorded before a studio audience in Melbourne and at festivals in Victoria and Queensland, Live! stands as eloquent testimony to the Sydney trio's stage artistry....Sheer vivacity, musicality and inherent ability to entertain" (Tony Hillier-Rhythms Magazine)
"The coalescence of voices sends shivers down the spine, and there's no greater tribute to musicians than that they can make ring, like a spoon on a glass, a resonant chord within." "The trio, of guitar, violin and double bass, blend acoustic folk, pop, Celtic, jazz and even country swing; these streams flow into a river that glistens on the surface with sunlight, yet has a musical and emotional depth to it." (Warwick Mc Fadyen, The Sunday Age, Melbourne)
Jigzag is often misheard as "Zigzag" but they have never played under this name.
Official website: www.jigzag.com.
Give It to You
Jigzag Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dropped me off in Amsterdam
Told me I was obsolete
Said you didn't really give a damn
Your true colours are showing now
And you'd just love to think they're black
But I think they're more a washed out grey
And you need some colour back
That junkie stole your cash
Left you crying on the subway train
You love to play the Euro trash
But reality's not quite the same
Your true colours are showing now
And it seems you're in the red
Let me give it to
Let me give it to you
Lovin' and respect
Let me give my best
Let me give it to you
Your true colours are showing now
And it seems you're in the red
I wish the corners of your downturned lips
Could be turning up instead
If we could only see
Beyond the good and bad
Respect can set us free
It's the best thing that we have
It doesn't matter what you do
I can love you just the same
You stand there in your Gothic black
Your make-up running in the rain
Your true colours are showing now
And they're brighter than you think
I can lead you to the water, girl
It's up to you to take a drink
In Jigzag's song Give it to You, the singer reflects on a relationship that has gone sour. The partner in question had taken the singer on a trip to Amsterdam and then quickly disrespected them, claiming that they were "obsolete" and that they "didn't really give a damn." The partner's true colors are now showing, and while they think they are black, the singer sees them as washed out grey--in need of some color back. They reference a situation where a junkie had stolen the partner's cash and left them crying, drawing a parallel to how they also seem to be in a bad place currently. The singer offers to give their love and respect to the partner, suggesting that respect can set them both free. They reassure the partner that their true colors are even brighter than they know, and that they can lead them to the water, but it's up to the partner to take a drink.
The lyrics of Give it to You are a plea for someone to come to terms with the state of their relationship and to put in the effort to improve it. The partner in question seems to be going through a difficult time, and while the singer acknowledges this, they also make it clear that they themselves won't put up with being treated poorly. The lyrics explore themes of respect, acceptance, and the importance of seeing people's true colors. They encourage both partners to make an effort to put their best foot forward and to work towards a stronger relationship. Overall, Give it to You is a contemplative and insightful look at the complicated nature of interpersonal relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Took me on a trip
Took me on a journey, figuratively.
Dropped me off in Amsterdam
Left me far away from my home and comfort zone.
Told me I was obsolete
Said that I am out of date and not needed anymore.
Said you didn't really give a damn
Said that you didn't care about me or what happens to me.
Your true colours are showing now
You are revealing your true character and intentions.
And you'd just love to think they're black
You want people to see you as a bad person.
But I think they're more a washed out grey
But I think you are not entirely bad, just faded and unclear.
And you need some colour back
And you need to bring back some vibrancy and life to your character.
That junkie stole your cash
That drug addict took your money from you.
Left you crying on the subway train
Made you upset and emotional in public transport.
You love to play the Euro trash
You enjoy acting or pretending like a cheap or low-class European.
But reality's not quite the same
But the real world is not like your fantasy or act.
Let me give it to
Let me give you something, figuratively.
Let me give it to you
Let me give you something, figuratively.
Lovin' and respect
Affection and admiration for you.
Let me give my best
Let me do my utmost to help you or make you happy.
Your true colours are showing now
You are revealing your true character and intentions.
And it seems you're in the red
And it seems you are losing money or owe money to someone.
I wish the corners of your downturned lips
I hope you find some joy or happiness and smile genuinely.
Could be turning up instead
Could be upturned, happier and less sad.
If we could only see
If only we can perceive or understand.
Beyond the good and bad
Beyond right and wrong or moral judgments.
Respect can set us free
Mutual respect and admiration can make us feel liberated and at ease.
It's the best thing that we have
It's the most valuable emotion or attitude that we possess.
It doesn't matter what you do
It's not important what actions or deeds you perform.
I can love you just the same
I can care and cherish you equally regardless of what you do.
You stand there in your Gothic black
You are present in your dark, melancholy clothing style.
Your make-up running in the rain
Your facial makeup is smudged or blurred due to the rainfall.
And they're brighter than you think
And they're more positive and powerful than you imagine.
I can lead you to the water, girl
I can guide you or point you in the right direction, figuratively.
It's up to you to take a drink
It's your responsibility or choice to use that guidance or advice.
Contributed by Victoria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.