Their music is sweetly sung but not saccharin. It's inventive, amusing and very lo-fi. Stalwarts of the underground Queercore scene, the DiY ethic extends to recording in a living room, and at an art event entitled 'A Political Feeling' which took place in London in 2006.
The lyrics display a light-hearted take on sexual politics ("Shaving pubic hair and tactical voting", "If you don't like Steps then you're not gay"), and also about two of the band's friends: Helen, an anti-war protestor, writer and author of the 'This Is!' zine, and Charlotte, who is involved with the queer scene in London and who has "always dreamed of being the first person to pilot revolutionary methods of baby making using two ladies, splicing x-chromosomes in the dead of night."
Tokyo
Lesbo Pig Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause I can't read kanji
In Tokyo everything glows
'Cause it's all made of neon
Push you onto the train
In Tokyo there's lots of guitar shops
I'd like to go there again
In Tokyo, in Tokyo
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Tokyo, Tokyo
In Tokyo
If you're Japanese and you wanna sneeze
You wear a white mask
If you're Japanese, you probably say "please"
'Cause you're very, very, very polite
If you're Japanese you eat more fish
With wasabi sauce
If you're Japanese you can't be squeamish
'Cause they eat boiled pig's ears
In Tokyo
In Tokyo, in Tokyo
Na na na na na na na na
Tokyo, Tokyo
In Tokyo
"Guitar solo!"
The lyrics of Lesbo Pig's song "Tokyo" describe the singer's experiences while traveling in Tokyo, Japan. The first verse captures the sense of being lost in a foreign place, with the inability to read the written language (kanji) and the striking visual presence of neon lights. The second verse takes a more observational tone, describing cultural differences such as wearing masks to prevent spreading germs during illness, politeness and manners, and the cuisine which includes fish and even boiled pig's ears. The repeated refrain of "in Tokyo, in Tokyo" reinforces the sense of being immersed in this distinctive city.
The contrasting experiences described in the song capture the essence of travel, where unfamiliar sights and customs can be both overwhelming and fascinating at the same time. The references to guitar shops and the call for a "guitar solo!" adds a touch of musicality to the song, as Lesbo Pig is known for their punk rock style. The song is a fun and playful tribute to Tokyo, which is a popular destination for people from around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
In Tokyo I don't know where to go
Tokyo is overwhelming and confusing, I don't know where to start exploring
'Cause I can't read kanji
The Japanese writing system is unfamiliar to me, making it hard to navigate
In Tokyo everything glows
The bright neon lights that dominate the city make it stand out and bring energy and excitement
'Cause it's all made of neon
Tokyo's architecture and design heavily rely on neon lighting, giving it a unique visual style
In Tokyo men in white gloves
Train station attendants wear white gloves as they help you onto the train
Push you onto the train
In Tokyo, the trains are packed and attendants push passengers into the trains to fit everyone
In Tokyo there's lots of guitar shops
There are many shops in Tokyo that specialize in selling guitars, which is exciting to me
I'd like to go there again
I have visited Tokyo before and enjoyed the wealth of guitar shops, and wish to go back
If you're Japanese and you wanna sneeze
In Japan, wearing a white mask is common practice when you have a cold or are sneezing
You wear a white mask
Wearing a white mask is socially acceptable and shows consideration towards others' health
If you're Japanese, you probably say "please"
Japanese culture places high value on politeness, even in casual conversation
'Cause you're very, very, very polite
Being polite is ingrained into Japanese culture, and expected in all interactions
If you're Japanese you eat more fish
Fish is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and is consumed in high quantities
With wasabi sauce
Wasabi, a common condiment in Japan, is often eaten with fish dishes
If you're Japanese you can't be squeamish
Japanese cuisine includes some foods that may be considered unusual or unappetizing by others, such as boiled pig's ears, so you need to have an open mind
'Cause they eat boiled pig's ears
Some Japanese dishes may include unconventional ingredients that may take some getting used to
'Cause they eat boiled pig's ears
Some Japanese dishes may include unconventional ingredients that may take some getting used to
In Tokyo
All of the above observations are specific to the city of Tokyo
Tokyo, Tokyo
Repeating the name of the city emphasizes its unique character and energy
In Tokyo, in Tokyo
Further emphasis on the specific city being discussed, as there are many facets to the Tokyo experience
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Silly filler lyrics to add to the energy and vibe of the song
Guitar solo!
A moment of musical expression to showcase the excitement and enthusiasm of being in Tokyo
Contributed by Andrew P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.