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.
Powder My Wig
Man Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you whimper tenderly
Ya ain′t got no tears to cry
'Cause you′re mostly dead inside
So am I
All of the ducks
Out on the pond
A dying swan
On the shore
The sadness buried in our bones
It dissipates whenever you're close to
Me
The sadness buried in our bones
It dissipates whenever you′re close to
Cumming
And you always pay for
But you never finish
You′re my manic tweaker girl
And you nibble through this world
I wanna tell you all my secrets
But I think you'll squander it
So would I
All of the bros
Out on the quad
Hacking that sack
Couldn′t give two fudge about me
The sadness buried in our bones
It dissipates whenever you're close to
Me
The sadness buried in our bones
It dissipates whenever you′re close to
Me
The sadness buried in our bones
It dissipates whenever you're close to
Cumming
And you always pay for
But you never finish
It′s all just a game
Of heaven and hell and back again
And I am just a rubbernecker
I'll powder my wig for you
For me?
For you
I'll powder my wig for you
For me?
For you
I′ll powder my wig for you
For who?
Not you
I′ll powder my wig for you
For me?
For you
Don't give me the runaround
Don′t give me the runaround
Don't give me the runaround
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The lyrics of Man Man's song "Powder My Wig" explore themes of internal struggle, emotional detachment, and the search for connection in a world that seems indifferent. The singer describes a relationship where both parties are emotionally numb, expressing a kind of shared loneliness and understanding. The line "Ya ain't got no tears to cry 'cause you're mostly dead inside, so am I" suggests a mutual recognition of emotional emptiness.
The reference to ducks and a dying swan on the pond implies that the outside world is oblivious to their emotional turmoil. The bros on the quad, portrayed as apathetic and superficial, further highlight the lack of understanding and support from others.
The sadness that is buried in their bones dissipates when they are together, both physically and sexually ("whenever you're close to cumming"). However, there is a sense of dissatisfaction as the partner always pays for pleasure, but never reaches the point of fulfillment. The singer addresses the partner as their "manic tweaker girl," emphasizing their shared inclination towards frenzy and instability.
The chorus suggests that the singer is willing to put on a mask or play a role ("powder my wig") for their partner, but doubts if the depth of their secrets would be appreciated and valued. The repetition of "for me? For you?" adds a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty to the relationship.
Overall, the lyrics of "Powder My Wig" delve into the complexities of emotional detachment, the struggle for intimacy in a world that seems indifferent, and the longing for someone who can truly understand the depths of one's vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
You make this old heart skip a beat
Your presence brings excitement and joy to my weary heart
When you whimper tenderly
Your soft cries evoke a vulnerable and intimate emotion
Ya ain't got no tears to cry
You have become emotionally numb and detached
'Cause you're mostly dead inside
Your soul feels lifeless and devoid of genuine emotions
So am I
I can relate to feeling empty and devoid of life
All of the ducks out on the pond
The carefree creatures in nature don't pay attention
Don't give a fudge about a dying swan on the shore
They are indifferent to the suffering of a beautiful creature
The sadness buried in our bones
The deep sorrow that resides within us
It dissipates whenever you're close to me
When you are near, the sadness gradually fades away
And you always pay for but you never finish
You invest in our relationship but can't commit or complete it
You're my manic tweaker girl
You are the restless and unpredictable love of my life
And you nibble through this world
You explore and indulge in life's pleasures without restraint
I wanna tell you all my secrets
I desire to share my deepest confessions with you
But I think you'll squander it
I fear you won't value or appreciate my vulnerability
So would I
I would also waste such intimate revelations
All of the bros out on the quad
The carefree individuals hanging out in a common area
Hacking that sack couldn't give two fudge about me
Engaged in their own activities, they don't care about my existence
It's all just a game of heaven and hell and back again
Life is a constant cycle of joy, pain, and uncertainty
And I am just a rubbernecker
I am merely a spectator, observing the chaos of life
I'll powder my wig for you
I'll put on a false and extravagant display for your sake
For me? For you
Whether it benefits me or you, I'll still put on a show
For who? Not you
I won't put on this act for your sake
Don't give me the runaround
Don't deceive or manipulate me
Runaround runaround runaround runaround
Avoiding direct answers or the truth
Writer(s): Ryan Patrick Kattner
Contributed by Leah P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.