Le Tigre was known for its left-wing politics and feminist lyrics, as well as adding multimedia and performance art to their live shows. As of 2010, Kathleen Hanna now plays in The Julie Ruin.
Fake French
Le Tigre Lyrics
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I've got a secret vocabulary
I've got midi in, out, through
I've got dialectical sprecstimme
I've got herm choreography
I've got a conceptual stunt double
I've got a deviant scene, I mean
I've got multiple alliances
I've got to move
Wha uh oh
I've got to move
Wha uh oh
I've got to move
Wha uh oh
I've got to move
Wha uh oh
I've got the gift of fear
I've got the courage to heal
I've got site specificity
I've got plan b ability
I've got to move
Wha uh oh
I've got to move
Wha uh oh
I've got to move
Wha uh oh
I've got to move
Wha uh oh
I've got
I've got
I've got
I've got
I've got
I've got
I've got
I've got
I've got
I've got extensive bibliographies
I've got flow disruption
I've got wildlife metaphors
I've got post-binary gender chores
My fake french is hot
You can't make me stop
Got nowhere to run to baby
Come on turn it up
My fake french is hot
You can't make me stop
Got nowhere to run to baby
Come on turn it up
The lyrics of Le Tigre's "Fake French" describe an artist in possession of a varied and unique set of skills, tools, and perspectives. The singer has a "new sincerity," perhaps suggesting that they are rejecting the irony and detachment that characterized the art world of the time. Instead, they have a "secret vocabulary" and a grasp on both MIDI technology and "dialectical sprecstimme," a theatrical technique that emphasizes vocal fluctuations. They also reference "herm choreography," possibly a play on the concept of hermeneutics, or interpretation.
The singer claims to have a "conceptual stunt double" and a "deviant scene," indicating a willingness to take creative and personal risks. They also mention "multiple alliances," suggesting a diversity of social and artistic connections. The second half of the song emphasizes movement and action, with the singer claiming both "the gift of fear" and "the courage to heal." They reference "site specificity" and "plan b ability," potentially referring to site-specific art and contingency planning. The song ends with a repetition of the titular phrase "my fake French is hot," implying the singer's comfort with their hybrid identity and creative choices.
Overall, "Fake French" seems to celebrate a kind of multidisciplinary, postmodern art-making that combines academic and popular influences, embraces experimentation, and values sincerity and personal expression.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got the new sincerity
I possess the latest trend in being genuine and honest
I've got a secret vocabulary
I have an extensive set of words and phrases understood by a select few
I've got midi in, out, through
I have the ability to connect various digital music devices and systems
I've got dialectical sprecstimme
I possess the ability to alter my voice and manner of speaking depending on the situation
I've got herm choreography
I have choreography that deconstructs gender norms
I've got a conceptual stunt double
I have an alternate persona for performance purposes
I've got a deviant scene, I mean
I have an unconventional group, specifically with regard to sexuality
I've got multiple alliances
I have connections with various groups or individuals
I've got to move Wha uh oh
I need to act or make a change, indicating urgency
I've got the gift of fear
I have an innate sense of apprehension that aids in decision-making
I've got the courage to heal
I possess the bravery to address and overcome emotional pain
I've got site specificity
I have the ability to create art that's uniquely suited to its environment
I've got plan b ability
I have the capacity to think on the fly and come up with alternative solutions
I've got extensive bibliographies
I have vast knowledge and understanding on various subjects
I've got flow disruption
I have the capacity to challenge and subvert traditional rhythms or patterns
I've got wildlife metaphors
I use imagery of animals to describe aspects of life and society
I've got post-binary gender chores
I assign and perform household tasks based on individual preferences rather than traditional gender roles
My fake french is hot
I am skilled at mimicking French speech and mannerisms
You can't make me stop
My behavior will not change despite any attempts to stop it
Got nowhere to run to baby
There is no escape from the situation or lifestyle in question
Come on turn it up
Encouragement to increase the volume or intensity of the music or performance
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Johanna Fateman, Kathleen Hanna
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind