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.
Sheela
Man Man Lyrics
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Even when your body's not in motion
And the love you′re looking for is haunted
And your thoughts are thicker than chocolate
Will you be my sheela after dark?
Will you be my sheela after dark?
It's all about control
It′s not about control
It′s tryna find an edge
Whoa-oh-whoa
Sheela, la-la-la-la
Woe, oh, woe
Sheela, sheela, oh
Whoa-oh-whoa
Sheela, la-la-la-la
Woe, oh, woe
Sheela
What to do when your heart is just an echo
Bouncing off the walls of box canyons
Beat your chest
It's hollow like an oil drum
And your passion for feeling′s out of fashion
Will you be my sheela after dark?
Will you be my sheela after dark?
It's not about control
It′s all about control
It's not about control
It′s trying to find an edge
Will you be my sheela after dark?
Whoa-oh-whoa
Sheela, la-la-la-la
Will you be my sheela after dark?
Sheela, Sheela
Will you be my sheela after dark?
Whoa-oh-whoa
Sheela
The lyrics to Man Man's song "Sheela" explore themes of longing, searching for love, and the complexities of emotions. The opening lines suggest a sense of perpetual motion, as if the singer feels like they are constantly rolling down a mountain even when they are physically still. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling trapped or overwhelmed by emotions, unable to find stability or peace. The mention of haunted love suggests that the singer has been searching for love but has encountered difficulties or obstacles along the way.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea that the singer's thoughts are "thicker than chocolate," implying that their mind is constantly filled with swirling thoughts and emotions, possibly making it harder to navigate their feelings. The repeated question of "Will you be my Sheela after dark?" can be seen as a plea for companionship and connection, someone to share the deeper, darker aspects of life with. The use of the name "Sheela" adds a mysterious, almost mythical quality to the song.
The chorus lines, "It's not about control, it's all about control, it's not about control, it's tryna find an edge," suggest a struggle for control in one's life. The repetition of the word "control" implies that the singer is grappling with the need to have control over their emotions, relationships, or circumstances. However, they recognize that true control may be elusive, and instead they are searching for an edge, perhaps in an attempt to discover a sense of purpose or meaning.
Overall, "Sheela" portrays a longing for connection, a struggle with inner emotions, and a desire to find balance and meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you feel like you′re rolling down a mountain
Do you feel overwhelmed and out of control, like you're losing stability?
Even when your body's not in motion
Even when you're physically still, the feeling of chaos persists.
And the love you′re looking for is haunted
The love you seek is plagued by past traumas and unresolved issues.
And your thoughts are thicker than chocolate
Your thoughts are heavy and overwhelming, like thick chocolate.
Will you be my sheela after dark?
Will you be my confidant and companion during challenging times?
It's not about control
It's not about having power over someone else.
It's all about control
But rather about having control over your own emotions and actions.
It′s not about control
It's not about exerting dominance or authority.
It′s trying to find an edge
It's about pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.
Whoa-oh-whoa Sheela, la-la-la-la
Expressing the name 'Sheela' with a melodic tone of admiration or longing.
Woe, oh, woe Sheela, sheela, oh
Acknowledge the pain and sorrow while still yearning for Sheela's presence.
What to do when your heart is just an echo
How can you find fulfillment when your emotions feel empty and hollow?
Bouncing off the walls of box canyons
Your emotions are trapped and cannot escape, echoing back within confines.
Beat your chest
Symbolically, and perhaps literally, release your pent-up frustrations and emotions.
It's hollow like an oil drum
The emptiness and lack of fulfillment within the heart are deep, resonating like an empty drum.
And your passion for feeling′s out of fashion
Your intense desire for emotional connection and depth may seem outdated or unaccepted by others.
Writer(s): Ryan Patrick Kattner
Contributed by Joseph H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.