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.
Top Drawer
Man Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You need a shoeshine
You need aristocratic
Glow-in-the dark erotic magnet
I know
You need a moped
You need a black cadillac
So death can drive him or ride in the back
I know
I am a smoke fire
Scared of holy water
People claim I'm possessed by the devil
But mama, I know I'm possessed by your daughter
I know
I've been told
I am dancing through
I am the top dog, top dog
Hot dog, hot dog
I am the top dog, top dog
Hot dog, hot dog
You need new body
You need a new latte
You need the lingering scent
Of holiday men doing hot pilate
I know
You cried "Wet cement!"
You love accidents
You wonder where the true love went
'Cause a breeder in your bed don't butter your bread
I know
I am a smoke fire
Scared of holy water
People claim I'm possessed by your daughter
But mama, I know I'm possessed by a problem
I know
I've been told
I'm passing through
I am the top dog, top dog
Hot dog, hot dog
I am the top dog, top dog
Hot dog, hot dog
I know
I've been told
I'm passing through
I am the top dog, top dog
Hot dog, hot dog
I am the
The song "Top Drawer" by Man Man is a surrealistic interpretation of the paradoxical desires and needs of an individual who is searching for something that can provide them with a sense of completion or satisfaction. The lyrics describe a list of various items and actions that the person believes will fulfill their needs, such as needing a haircut, shoeshine, aristocratic status, a moped, a black Cadillac, a new body, new latte, and even the scent of holiday men doing hot pilates. The idea of being possessed by the devil or someone's daughter further emphasizes the need to be possessed by something outside of oneself in order to fill a void.
The lyrics are juxtaposed against the repeated phrase "I am the top dog, hot dog" which captures the inflated ego and confidence of the person despite their existential angst. This phrase reveals that the person is aware of their situation but still maintains a sense of pride and self-worth that may not necessarily be grounded in reality. The idea of being the top dog or hot dog also suggests a desire for dominance and power, which further emphasizes the person's need to control their surroundings in order to feel fulfilled.
Line by Line Meaning
You need a haircut
You need to tidy up and take care of your appearance
You need a shoeshine
You need to polish your shoes, pay attention to details
You need aristocratic
You need to elevate your status, act high-class
Glow-in-the dark erotic magnet
You need to be irresistible, enchanting and stand out in the crowd
I know
I understand what you need, I can see through you
You need a moped
You need a new way of transportation, be unconventional
Half-boy, half-hostess
You need to show both masculine and feminine traits, be unique
You need a black cadillac
You need luxurious and powerful means of transportation
So death can drive him or ride in the back
So you can show how fearless and unstoppable you are
I am a smoke fire
I'm someone who is hot and uncontainable, possibly dangerous
Scared of holy water
I'm unorthodox and don't conform to religious norms
People claim I'm possessed by the devil
People view me as wicked and evil
But mama, I know I'm possessed by your daughter
But I know that I'm in love with someone you'd disapprove of
I know
I'm aware of my situation and emotions
I've been told
I've heard advice and direction from others
I am dancing through
I'm moving and living my life with ease and joy
I am the top dog, top dog
I'm the boss, the leader, the most important
Hot dog, hot dog
I'm exciting, impressive, and full of confidence
You need new body
You need to renew yourself, get a fresh start
You need a new latte
You need something new and interesting to excite you
You need the lingering scent
You need to leave a lasting impression on people
Of holiday men doing hot pilate
Of attractive and fit people who inspire others
You cried "Wet cement!"
You yell out for attention, change, and excitement
You love accidents
You're drawn to the unpredictable and the unknown
You wonder where the true love went
You're searching for true and genuine love
'Cause a breeder in your bed don't butter your bread
Because being with someone who fits the traditional mold doesn't satisfy you
I am possessed by a problem
I'm consumed by an issue or challenge that I'm trying to overcome
I am passing through
I'm going through a phase or transition in life
Contributed by Jonathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.