Mating Ritual is the solo dance-rock outfit of Ryan Marshall Lawhon. Based … Read Full Bio ↴Mating Ritual is the solo dance-rock outfit of Ryan Marshall Lawhon. Based in Los Angeles, Lawhon was one-part of Pacific Air, a synth-rock duo with his brother Taylor. In 2014, the siblings put their group on hold so that Taylor could go back to school. Ryan forged ahead with his new project, a bouncy blend of hand-clap arena rock and synth melodies inspired by the '90s electronic and new age inspirations from his childhood, like Laurie Anderson, Ray Lynch, and Enya. Balancing those atmospheric sonics with the spirit of his emo and post-punk influences, Lawhon released his debut single in 2015. "Toxins" unveiled a hook-heavy sound reminiscent of the Naked & Famous, Miike Snow, and Passion Pit. He went on to release a string of other singles that year ("Game," "Moonlight" and "Hum Hum"). For his debut EP, he collaborated with his brother Taylor once again, as well as drummer Rob Humphries and singer Lizzy Land. The four-song self-titled Mating Ritual was released in early 2016. Building upon existing shimmery electronic layers, Lawhon bolstered the songs with some glam rock muscle on "I Can't Dance" and '80s new wave on "Don't Know Your Name." Early 2017 saw Lawhon issue a trio of singles -- "Thief," "Second Hand," and "Drunk" -- in anticipation of the release of his debut full-length How You Gonna Stop It?, which dropped later that June.

I Wear Glasses
Mating Ritual Lyrics

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You're not twenty and detached now
Way too easy to push your chest out
Well, I've been watching you
From way across the room
I like the way your body moves
They're pushing like a riot
Acting like you like it
I would leave if I were you

But I won't let you down
I said that I won't let you down

I wear glasses so that I can see you better
I put shoes on so that we can walk together
Late at night when all I see are spinning faces
I wear glasses so that I can see you better

Wait, don't just sit down
Here's your drink, come and dance now
Well, I've been watching you
From way across the room
I like the way your body moves
You don't need anyone
To tell you that you're done
You know just what you wanna do

And I won't let you down
You know that I won't let you down

I wear glasses so that I can see you better
I put shoes on so that we can walk together
Late at night when all I see are spinning faces
I wear glasses so that I can see you better
I wear glasses so that I can see you better
I put shoes on so that we can walk together
Late at night when all I see are spinning faces
I wear glasses so that I can see you better

I wear glasses so that I can see you better
I wear glasses so that I can see you better

Overall Meaning

The song "I Wear Glasses" by Mating Ritual is a catchy and upbeat track that tells a story of being attracted to someone in a crowded room. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been watching someone from across the room and likes the way their body moves. However, they notice that the person is surrounded by others who are "pushing like a riot," making it easy for the person to "push [their] chest out." The singer advises the person to leave, although they themselves are not planning to let them down.

The lyrics also reveal that the singer wears glasses so that they can see the object of their affection better and walks with shoes so that they can walk together. The chorus repeats this sentiment, with the singer emphasizing that they wear glasses so that they can see the person better, especially late at night when all they see are "spinning faces."

Overall, the song is a fun and lighthearted take on attraction and is sung with a playful energy that makes it a great track for dancing along to.

Line by Line Meaning

You're not twenty and detached now
You are no longer young and carefree, but instead have gained some life experience and emotional depth.

Way too easy to push your chest out
It's easy for you to present yourself confidently and assertively, even in a social setting.

Well, I've been watching you
The singer has been observing and admiring the addressee's behavior and movements from a distance.

From way across the room
The artist has been observing the addressee from a distance, emphasizing their physical separation.

I like the way your body moves
The artist finds the addressee's bodily motions and gestures appealing and attractive.

They're pushing like a riot
Others around the addressee are behaving aggressively or impulsively, disturbing the peaceful environment.

Acting like you like it
The people around the addressee are pretending to enjoy the disturbance, possibly to fit in or seem cool.

I would leave if I were you
The artist advises the addressee to leave the chaotic situation and avoid potential harm or discomfort.

But I won't let you down
The artist promises to support and protect the addressee, providing a sense of security and reassurance.

I wear glasses so that I can see you better
The artist wears glasses to enhance their visual ability and better appreciate the addressee's physical appearance and movements.

I put shoes on so that we can walk together
The singer wears shoes to facilitate walking with the addressee, emphasizing their desire for physical proximity and intimacy.

Late at night when all I see are spinning faces
During late-night social situations, the artist's vision is impaired by alcohol or other factors, causing other people's faces to appear blurry or dizzying.

Wait, don't just sit down
The singer urges the addressee to engage and participate in social activities, rather than passively observing from afar.

Here's your drink, come and dance now
The singer offers the addressee a drink and encourages them to dance, fostering a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment.

You don't need anyone
The singer affirms the addressee's inner strength and independence, assuring them that they can make their own decisions and act on their own initiative.

To tell you that you're done
The addressee does not require external validation or approval to determine when their actions or social interactions are finished or satisfactory.

You know just what you wanna do
The addressee is self-aware and confident in their decisions, suggesting a strong sense of identity and purpose.

Contributed by Xavier R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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