Planningtorock (all one word, often just PTR) is the vehicle of expression … Read Full Bio ↴Planningtorock (all one word, often just PTR) is the vehicle of expression of Jam Rostron , a musician and visual artist from Bolton, Manchester, UK who started out in 2004 and has lived in Berlin for ten years. They have released four full-lengths so far, the latest being Powerhouse (2018), preceded by All Love's Legal (2014), W (2011) and their 2006 debut Have It All, which was a full-on chamber-pop romp that established Planningtorock as anything but orthodox.

W, Planningtorock's critically acclaimed 2011 debut on DFA, revealed a visionary and politicised producer. It offered up deeply queered art-pop – tense, atmospheric dance music cut with classical flourishes, and spell-binding androgyny. But it was 2014’s All Love's Legal (“a masterclass in left-of-centre dance music”, Mixmag), released on Rostron's own imprint Human Level, where Planningtorock, with banner-ready slogans (‘ Patriarchy Over And Out’, ‘ Let's Talk About Gender Baby’), revealed their ability to combine pop-oriented music with a political message. Powerhouse offers up something infinitely more personal: emotionally-charged, biographical anthems drawn from Rostron’s lived experiences as a non-binary genderqueer artist, experiences around family, identity and music itself.

Janine
Planningtorock Lyrics

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It's such a joke what he asks me to do
Now he must think I'm a fool

Janine, you know I'm your friend
Whatever I say

I touched you on the arm
I meant you no harm

It's such a joke what he asks me to do

Janine, don't go with those guys

Overall Meaning

The song "Janine" by Planningtorock can be interpreted as a conversation between two friends - Janine and the singer. The singer begins by expressing her frustration with someone who is asking her to do something foolish, possibly putting her in a compromising or dangerous situation. She is indignant that this person would underestimate her intelligence or judgment. The next verse shifts to the singer trying to build a connection with Janine, assuring her that she is a friend and will always be there to support her. The line "whatever I say" could be interpreted as the singer trying to convince Janine that she can trust her.

The final verse takes a turn towards a moment of physical intimacy between the two friends, with the singer reaching out to touch Janine's arm. The line "I meant you no harm" could signal a fear that the action could be taken the wrong way or that the intimacy could harm their friendship. The song ends with a plea for Janine not to go off with "those guys", possibly echoing the earlier warning about being put in danger.

Overall, the song seems to be exploring the nuances of a close friendship - the tensions and misunderstandings that can arise, as well as the moments of connection and vulnerability. It is a complex portrayal of relationships between women, and the power dynamics that can exist even between friends.

Line by Line Meaning

It's such a joke what he asks me to do
His request is unreasonable and ridiculous

Now he must think I'm a fool
He underestimates my intelligence

Janine, you know I'm your friend
I am a trustworthy and loyal friend to you, Janine

Whatever I say
You can always count on me to be truthful and sincere

I touched you on the arm
My physical gesture was intended as a friendly one

I meant you no harm
My actions were not intended to cause any harm or offense

It's such a joke what he asks me to do
Once again, his request is unreasonable and ridiculous

Janine, don't go with those guys
I am concerned for your safety and well-being, Janine

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

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