Their style has been compared to a mixture of Tom Waits, Frank Zappa, and Captain Beefheart. Man Man is known for their distinctive live shows where the members of the band dress in white tennis outfits and don war paint. During their sets the band does not take breaks between songs in order to keep a constant energy level.
Man Man has released two LPs with Ace Fu Records: The Man in the Blue Turban With a Face (2004) and Six Demon Bag (2006). In November 2007 they signed with Anti- to release Rabbit Habits (2008). Their second Anti- release is titled Life Fantastic and was released in 2011.
Bangkok Necktie
Man Man Lyrics
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If you are my lover or you're working with the wolves
World, I wanna know
If you are my lover or you're working with the wolves
World, I wanna know
If you are my lover or you're working with the wolves
World, I wanna know
If you are my lover or you're working with the wolves
If you are my lover or you're working with the wolves
Laid my brains out on the table do you want me now?
Before my body catches up and kicks me til I'm down
I laid my body on the table do you want me now?
Before my demons come along and pull me underground
I laid my demons in your navel do you want me now?
Beat your ear into my chest and hear the hollow sound
I left my heart out on the table do you want it now?
Well there it goes right out the door to terrorize the town
Get a rope
Get a rope
Get a rope
Get a room
(x8)
Get a rope in case you fall
Into a hole that people call love
You won't 'cause you can tell
They never been in love before
Pull yourself up
Hey, I wanna know
If you want my lover or you're just another wolf
Hey, I wanna know
If you want my lover or you're just another wolf
The lyrics to Man Man's "Bangkok Necktie" seem to be about the uncertainty of a relationship. The singer demands clarity from their partner or potential lover, asking if they are indeed their lover or if they are merely aligned with the "wolves." The repetition of this phrase adds to the urgency of the singer's inquiries. In the second verse, the singer seems to be offering themselves up to their partner, "laying their brains out on the table" and asking if they are wanted, both physically and emotionally. The lines "I laid my demons in your navel, do you want me now?" and "I left my heart out on the table, do you want it now?" are particularly poignant in this sense. The stanza ends with an image of the singer's heart leaving the room, perhaps suggesting a previous break-up or heartache.
The chorus shifts gears from these introspective verses and urges the listener to "get a rope" and "get a room." The singer seems to be suggesting that they are ready and willing for love, but also wants their partner to be prepared for the potential fall that love can bring. The final verse brings the focus back to the other person. The singer again demands to know if their partner is truly interested or just another "wolf" looking for something to consume.
Overall, the lyrics to "Bangkok Necktie" present a complex portrayal of a romantic relationship, highlighting both the desire for intimacy and the fear of heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
World, I wanna know
If you are my lover or you're working with the wolves
Asking the world whether it is on his side or is conspiring with his enemies.
Laid my brains out on the table do you want me now?
Before my body catches up and kicks me til I'm down
Is offering himself to the world before all his negative self-doubts get to him.
I laid my body on the table do you want me now?
Before my demons come along and pull me underground
Is giving himself to the world before his inner demons consume him.
I laid my demons in your navel do you want me now?
Beat your ear into my chest and hear the hollow sound
Is willing to share his troubles with the world in order to create a relationship, even though he feels empty inside.
I left my heart out on the table do you want it now?
Well there it goes right out the door to terrorize the town
Gave his heart to the world in a vulnerable moment, but it didn't feel genuine, so he took it back.
Get a rope
Get a rope
Get a rope
Get a room
(x8)
Uses the phrase 'get a rope' as a metaphorical warning to protect oneself from falling into a potentially dangerous romantic relationship.
Get a rope in case you fall
Into a hole that people call love
You won't 'cause you can tell
They never been in love before
Pull yourself up
Explains that one should be cautious of love, and if they have not experienced it before to pull themselves out before they get hurt.
Hey, I wanna know
If you want my lover or you're just another wolf
Asks the world whether it wants to have a genuine romantic relationship or is just pretending to be interested to take advantage of him.
Contributed by Ethan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.