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.
This Island
Le Tigre Lyrics
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you must not take the bait
and learn to hit delete
you'd say the same thing to me
rent's high
and the war's on
and it's last call
even your friends lok worried
we think you're super-fine
but it's high time
i mean it's high tide
aka a fine line, inside
stop smoking those cigarettes, baby
next time it's your turn to save me
splash some water on your little face 'cause
you're a mess, you're a mess, you're a mess!
you must not roll your eyes
you should not often lie
how could you ever say
that your friends won't be there
it's a long walk on a cold night
when you want to fight
over some day-old drama
you used to make us laugh
we want the old you back
'cause it's high time
i mean it's high tide
aka a fine line, inside
stop smoking those cigarettes, baby
next time it's your turn to save me
splash some water on your little face 'cause
you're a mess, you're a mess, you're a mess!
this island where we live without a/c
is the city where we learn about painting
it was the title of the mix-tape you gave me
not where we're from but the topic of daydreams
let's take a tour of the bathrooms you cried in
for break-ups, bad lucks, shock of the lost twins
the horizon's like a ship in flames tonight
you say you just don't know
if you can take this city
'cause the rent's high
and the war's on
and it's last call
even your friends look worried
my friends all think you're smart
we think you're super-fine
but it's high time
i mean it's high tide
aka a fine line, inside
stop smoking those cigarettes, baby
next time it's your turn to save me
splash some water on your little face 'cause
you're a mess, you're a mess, you're a mess!
In "This Island," Le Tigre encourages the listener to resist negativity, change bad habits, and be true to oneself. The opening lines urge against participating in a culture of hatred and baiting, and instead advocate for choosing a positive outlook and deleting negative influences from one's life. The song juxtaposes society's issues, such as high rent and ongoing wars, with personal struggles, such as self-destructive tendencies like smoking. This is all set against a backdrop of the vibrant yet challenging urban environment in which the singer and the subject live.
The repeated admonishment for the subject to "stop smoking those cigarettes" seems to be more symbolic than literal. By using "baby" to address whoever the subject is, the singer displays a nurturing attitude towards the subject. This tone of gentle reproach follows the singer's statements that the subject used to be fun and that they want the "old you" back. The song ends by returning to the theme of choosing one's own path, as the singer encourages the subject to be themselves and not give in to negative pressure.
Line by Line Meaning
you must not love to hate
Don't let negativity consume you
you must not take the bait
Don't fall for provocations
and learn to hit delete
Let go of things that don't serve you
you'd say the same thing to me
Treat others as you want to be treated
rent's high
City life can be expensive
and the war's on
There's an ongoing conflict affecting everyone
and it's last call
Time is running out
even your friends look worried
People around you sense your struggle
my friends think you're smart
I have faith in your intelligence
we think you're super-fine
We admire and care for you
but it's high time
It's time to make a change
i mean it's high tide
The turning point has arrived
aka a fine line, inside
Things are delicately balanced
stop smoking those cigarettes, baby
Take care of your health
next time it's your turn to save me
Let me lean on you for support
splash some water on your little face 'cause
Take a moment to freshen up
you're a mess, you're a mess, you're a mess!
You're overwhelmed and need help
you must not roll your eyes
Be respectful
you should not often lie
Honesty is the best policy
how could you ever say
Your words have consequences
that your friends won't be there
Don't underestimate the support of your loved ones
it's a long walk on a cold night
Hard times can feel lonely
when you want to fight
When you're feeling upset or angry
over some day-old drama
Don't sweat the small stuff
you used to make us laugh
We miss your positive energy
we want the old you back
We hope you can find your way again
this island where we live without a/c
Our current living situation
is the city where we learn about painting
Where we find inspiration and creativity
it was the title of the mix-tape you gave me
A significant gift from you
not where we're from but the topic of daydreams
Our hopes and aspirations
let's take a tour of the bathrooms you cried in
Remembering emotional experiences
for break-ups, bad lucks, shock of the lost twins
Difficult moments that shaped us
the horizon's like a ship in flames tonight
The world feels chaotic and uncertain
you say you just don't know
Feeling lost and unsure
if you can take this city
Wondering if it's time for a change
but it's high time
It's time to make a decision
i mean it's high tide
The moment has arrived
aka a fine line, inside
There's a delicate balance to be found
stop smoking those cigarettes, baby
Take care of yourself
next time it's your turn to save me
We're here for each other
splash some water on your little face 'cause
Take a moment to collect yourself
you're a mess, you're a mess, you're a mess!
We all struggle, but we can rely on each other
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JOCELYN SAMSON, JOHANNA FATEMAN, KATHLEEN M HANNA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind