Black Francis told Esquire:
"The lyrics of the song are about college girls who lived in my neighborhood in Boston that I found obnoxious or whatever. Probably I found college people in that area obnoxious in general, male and female: drunk college kids strutting around thinking that they’re great and me in my obnoxious way declaring them mediocre."
Black Francis, NME, April 1989:
"I don’t want to sound like a male chauvinist, but I have a male perspective, because I am male. ‘Tame’ is about women more than men. But the way some men treat their hair it’s incredible and I can’t understand all that deodorant and stuff. I’ve never related to it. My family’s rather spartan."
Tame
Pixies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Must be having a good shame
Talking sweet about nothing
Cookie, I think you're
Tame
Tame, tame
Tame
I'm making good friends with you
When you're shaking your good frame
Fall on your face in those bad shoes
Lying there like you're
Tame
Tame, tame
Tame
Tame
Tame, tame
Tame
Tame
Tame, tame
Tame
Tame
Tame
Tame
The song "Tame" by Pixies is a fast-paced and edgy track that speaks to the theme of control in a relationship. The first verse references Cinderella's hips, implying that the subject of the song is a woman with a desirable physique. However, the phrase "good shame" suggests that despite her physical attractiveness, she may be engaging in promiscuous behavior, and tormenting her partner. The next line, "Talking sweet about nothing," further emphasizes that she may not have much depth or substance.
The chorus, repeating the word "tame," indicates that the singer wants to control this woman, to make her obedient and less wild. He makes friends with her as a way to get close and exert influence over her, but he also takes pleasure in seeing her fall down in "bad shoes." The implication is that he enjoys seeing her humbled and under his control.
Overall, "Tame" depicts an unhealthy dynamic between two people, with one seeking to dominate and the other struggling to maintain some sense of independence. The song's fast tempo underscores the frenetic energy of the relationship, and its repetitive chorus emphasizes the desire for control.
Line by Line Meaning
Got hips like Cinderella
Your body shape resembles that of a fairy tale character, Cinderella.
Must be having a good shame
You may feel embarrassed or ashamed of your body despite its attractive features.
Talking sweet about nothing
Your conversations lack substance or depth, and are meaningless or trivial.
Cookie I think you're
Addressing someone in a playful, affectionate way, like calling them a cute nickname.
Tame
You are behaving in a docile and controlled manner, perhaps trying to conform or please others.
Tame, tame
Repeatedly emphasizing your lack of wild or rebellious behavior.
I'm making good friends with you
You are trying to establish a close and comfortable relationship with someone.
When you're shaking your good frame
While you are moving your attractive body in a lively or provocative manner.
Fall on your face in those bad shoes
You may stumble or fail while trying to impress others, especially in situations where your appearance matters.
Lying there like you're
Describing someone who may be lying down, perhaps after experiencing embarrassment or failure.
Tame
Reiterating your calm, controlled behavior.
Tame, tame
Further emphasizing your lack of wild or rebellious behavior.
Tame
Repeating the self-description of being docile and controlled.
Tame
Once again repeating the theme of control and conformity.
Tame
Concluding the song with a final repetition of the central idea of being subdued and controlled.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Charles Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike D
on Nimrod's Son
It’s “shock the people” not chocolate people