D… Read Full Bio ↴Laura Fygi (born August 27, 1955, in Amsterdam) is a Dutch singer.
Daughter to a Dutch father, a manager at Philips, and an Egyptian mother, a belly dancer by profession, Fygi lived with her parents in South America for the first eight years of her life.
Between 1987 and 1991, she was a member of popular Dutch girl-band, Centerfold. During performances, the trio dressed themselves in sexy lingerie. They had hits in the Netherlands and all over Europe, and were equally famous in Japan.
In 1991, the ladies of Centerfold stopped performing and Fygi (together with Rowan Moore) started a band called The Backlot. After one performance in Dutch theatre Paradiso, an album was expected, but Mercury Records had already asked Fygi to make a solo album. This first album, Introducing Laura Fygi, comprised mostly jazz numbers, and was produced by Ruud Jacobs. In the album, Fygi was accompanied by celebrated Belgian musician Toots Thielemans.
Ask Yourself Why
Laura Fygi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Little signs that say, 'Keep off the grass'
Did you ever stop and ask yourself, why?
Pretty playgrounds children used to know
Little squares where lovers love to go disappear
So parking lots can grow, why?
What's disturbed when you disturb the peace
Pets and children are prohibited, why?
Ask yourself, why?
And when you think about it
Bullets fly like popcorn on the screen
Recommended, wholesome, nice and clean
Making love's the thing that can't be seen, why?
Let your hair down just an inch or two
Let your skin be red or green or blue
They invent a special name for you, why?
On a clear day, oh say, can you see?
What remains of mountain greenery
Have your glimpse of all the scenery, sky
Beautiful sky, as shiny as a penny
So when you're out walking and you pass
Near a sign that says, 'Keep off the grass'
Put a sign right next to it that says, 'Why?'
The lyrics of Laura Fygi's "Ask Yourself Why" encourage listeners to question their surroundings and societal norms. The song begins with a simple example of seeing a sign telling them to keep off the grass and urges them to question why this is the case. The lyrics then delve into more complex issues such as the disappearance of playgrounds for children and public spaces for lovers, the prohibition of pets and children in certain areas, and the censorship of sex in media.
The overarching message of the song is that we shouldn't blindly accept the rules and limitations imposed on us by society. By asking questions and challenging these norms, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The song encourages listeners to think critically and stand up for what they believe in.
Overall, "Ask Yourself Why" is a thought-provoking ballad that encourages listeners to look beyond the surface level of their surroundings and consider why things are the way they are. It encourages critical thinking and standing up for what one believes in.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're just out walking and you pass
Have you ever paid attention to the signs that display 'Keep Off The Grass' while you're taking a walk?
Little signs that say, 'Keep off the grass'
Have you noticed the small signs that prohibit you from walking on the grass?
Did you ever stop and ask yourself, why?
Have you ever questioned the purpose of these signs and why people are not allowed to walk on the grass?
Pretty playgrounds children used to know
Playgrounds that were once beautiful and lively for children to play on.
Little squares where lovers love to go disappear
Romantic spots where couples spend time together are disappearing.
So parking lots can grow, why?
Why are these beautiful places disappearing to make way for parking lots?
Once you start the questions never cease
Once you begin questioning things, it's difficult to stop asking questions.
What's disturbed when you disturb the peace
When you disrupt the peace, what is it that you are disturbing?
Pets and children are prohibited, why?
Why are children and pets not allowed in certain areas?
Ask yourself, why?
Keep questioning the 'why' behind these limitations and regulations.
And when you think about it
When you really contemplate the situation.
Bullets fly like popcorn on the screen
Violence is often portrayed in movies like it's a casual occurrence.
Recommended, wholesome, nice and clean
Media is presented as being appropriate and harmless.
Making love's the thing that can't be seen, why?
Why is the expression of love often hidden or not at all depicted in movies and media?
Let your hair down just an inch or two
Express yourself freely and be yourself.
Let your skin be red or green or blue
Be comfortable in your own skin, regardless of the color.
They invent a special name for you, why?
Why do people feel the need to put labels on those who are different from themselves?
On a clear day, oh say, can you see?
On a beautiful day, can you appreciate and fully see the beauty around you?
What remains of mountain greenery
What is left of the natural beauty and greenery in our world?
Have your glimpse of all the scenery, sky
Take a moment to take in all of the beauty around you, including the vast sky.
Beautiful sky, as shiny as a penny
The sky is stunning and bright, like a shiny penny.
So when you're out walking and you pass
Next time you're out for a walk and encounter a 'Keep Off The Grass' sign,
Near a sign that says, 'Keep off the grass'
When you are near a sign forbidding grass-walking,
Put a sign right next to it that says, 'Why?'
Place a sign next to it asking for an explanation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALAN BERGMAN, MARILYN BERGMAN, MICHEL LEGRAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind