Marian Hill wrote "Whisky" in the spring of 2013 and sent it to dozens of blogs hoping to catch some attention. The song created a buzz, and the following year, the duo released their first EP, Play, as well as a 7" single, "Lips." They received mainstream exposure when Romanian pop star Inna credited them as co-writers of her song "Diggy Down," which incorporated the hook of Marian Hill's "Got It." The pair signed to Photo Finish/Republic Records in early 2015 and released Sway, a seven-track EP.
In 2016, the duo issued their full-length debut album, Act One, featuring the number 21 single "Down." The LP reached number 42 on the Billboard 200. Their remix of Billie Eilish's single "Bellyache" appeared in 2017. Early 2018 saw the release of the punchy single "Subtle Thing," followed by an appearance at that year's Coachella Festival. Marian Hill's second long-player, Unusual, arrived in May 2018 and returned them to the U.S. albums chart as well as charting in France. August 2019 saw the duo issue the single "Take a Number," which featured a guest spot from Moroccan-American singer, songwriter, model, and activist Dounia. The song appeared on Marian Hill's self-released 2020 EP Was It Not. After collaborating with Roman Kouder on "Bonjour," they released "oOo that's my type" with Yung Baby Tate in 2021. This was followed by additional singles "omg" and "it never ends." ~ Paul Simpson
Play
Marian Hill Lyrics
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They're making all the noise
they mess around
But they can't seem to stay
When something comes their way
They pick it up and play
They love it till they drop it but not you
You play but never games
And you can't keep from knocking on my door
You're chocolate on my tongue my drink when day is done
And I can't keep from knocking on your door
Play me baby
Play me baby
You wanna play me baby
Play me baby
You wanna play me baby
Men have money left to spend and lots of many friends
They learnt how to pretend they're having fun
Mature not over done
They're drinking till they're numb
They'll settle for the everyday
Not you, you party till its dawn
And hold me all day long
And you can't keep from knocking on my door
You're chocolate on my tongue my drink when day is done
And I can't keep from knocking on your door
Play me baby
Play me baby
You wanna play me baby
Play me baby
You wanna play me baby
Play me baby
You wanna play me baby
Play me baby
You wanna play me baby
The lyrics of Marian Hill's song "Play" explore the differences between men and women in the world of dating and relationships. The song opens with the assertion that boys are always playing with their toys and making noise. They move from one thing to another quickly and easily, but when faced with something significant, they struggle to commit. Women, on the other hand, are different. They don't play games and are loyal, committed partners. The singer contrasts the behavior of men with the behavior of the person they are singing to, who is steadfast and committed.
The lyrics go on to describe the different ways that men and women approach relationships. Men have money and friends, but often pretend to have more fun than they're actually having. They drink until they're numb and settle for the status quo. Women, again, are different. They party until dawn and seek out experiences that are exciting and fun. The person being sung to in the song embodies these qualities - they are fun, adventurous, and committed. The song ends with the singer and the person they are singing to indicating that they can't help but knock on each other's doors, and that they are drawn to each other like chocolate and a drink at the end of the day.
Overall, the lyrics of "Play" suggest that men and women are fundamentally different in their approaches to relationships. While they may seek out the same things - such as fun experiences - they approach them from different angles. The song celebrates the qualities of loyalty, commitment, and fun-lovingness in women, while also acknowledging that men can sometimes struggle with these qualities.
Line by Line Meaning
Boys, they always have their toys
Men often have material possessions that they value.
They're making all the noise
They make a lot of commotion and attract attention to themselves.
they mess around
They engage in frivolous or inappropriate behavior.
But they can't seem to stay
They have difficulty committing to any one thing or person.
When something comes their way
When presented with an opportunity or challenge, they will take it.
They pick it up and play
They will engage with the opportunity, but not necessarily take it seriously.
They love it till they drop it but not you
Their enthusiasm is short-lived, unlike yours.
You play but never games
You enjoy yourself, but you do not play games with people's emotions.
You stay here all the same
You remain consistent with your values and behavior.
And you can't keep from knocking on my door
You are drawn to me and cannot resist reaching out to me.
You're chocolate on my tongue my drink when day is done
Being with you is comforting and fulfilling, like enjoying chocolate or a drink at the end of a long day.
And I can't keep from knocking on your door
I am equally drawn to you and cannot resist reaching out to you.
Play me baby
Engage with me in an enjoyable, meaningful way.
You wanna play me baby
You desire to engage with me in an enjoyable, meaningful way.
Men have money left to spend and lots of many friends
Men often have financial resources and social connections.
They learnt how to pretend they're having fun
They know how to put on a show of enjoying themselves.
Mature not over done
They are not childish in their behavior.
They're drinking till they're numb
They will drink to excess and numb their senses.
They'll settle for the everyday
They are content with ordinary or mediocre experiences.
Not you, you party till its dawn
You enjoy vibrant and exciting experiences that last well into the early hours of the morning.
And hold me all day long
You desire deep and meaningful connection, not just fleeting experiences.
Contributed by Elliot L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.