The band was was formed in Seattle and named after The Smiths song of the same name (which itself was named after a quote from Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums). Andrea Zollo and Derek Fudesco had played together previously in The Hookers, as well as The Death Wish Kids and Area 51 along with Dann Gallucci, with whom Derek had formed The Murder City Devils. Not long before the The Murder City Devils disbanded, Derek and Andrea formed Pretty Girls Make Graves along with Jay Clark, Nick Dewitt and Nathan Thelen. They played the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2004.
Pitchfork Media announced that the band was breaking up on 29 January 2007. Their final two shows were 9 June 2007, in Seattle.
The band released their first EP on Dim Mak before releasing their debut album Good Health on Lookout Records in April 2002. The band would later sign to Matador records where they released The New Romance. Guitarist Nathan Thelen left Pretty Girls Make Graves in March of 2004 and Leona Marrs (formerly of Hint Hint) joined as a multi-instrumentalist. On January 29, 2007 the band announced that Nick had left the band and their May 2007 tour would be their last.
Dominó
Pretty Girls Make Graves Lyrics
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Searching for innocence
Satisfied, satellite
Where do I fit in?
All mixed up with you
In the right kind of wrong
Radar, radar, radar
What words are most wise
From a bloodthirsty youth?
I have tasted the sweet of your lips
But am pacified?
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
Heart calls domino
Mi fai pazzo
Radar, radar, radar
How do you like it?
How do you like me now?
The song "Domino" by Pretty Girls Make Graves is a thought-provoking track that addresses themes of identity, truth, acceptance, and desire. The radar mentioned in the opening lines of the song can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the singer's search for innocence or purity. The use of the word "satisfied" suggests that the singer is aware of the existence of this state of being, but she is not sure where she fits in, perhaps feeling a sense of alienation.
The chorus highlights the singer's internal conflict as she struggles to reconcile her desires with her values. The conflicting thoughts create a state of confusion and disorientation, as she tries to make sense of the right kind of wrong. The following verse continues the theme of inner conflict as the singer mulls over how to phrase her thoughts, demanding the truth from herself. The line "from a bloodthirsty youth" is interesting since it suggests that the person responsible for the confusion is an extension of herself, her inner demons, and doubts.
However, the singer tries to find solace in the arms of her lover, who has temporarily pacified her. But this respite is short-lived, and she is thrown back into her predicament, her heart calling for the domino. The Italian phrase "Mi fai pazzo" translates to "You make me crazy" and is used here to emphasize the intensity of the singer's desire. The repeated use of "No, no, no" underscores the confusion and dilemma, and the last line "How do you like me now?" ends the song with an unresolved question.
Line by Line Meaning
Radar, radar, radar
The singer is on the lookout for something important and is using the metaphor of radar to convey the urgency of their search.
Searching for innocence
The singer is looking for something pure and uncorrupted in the midst of an imperfect world.
Satisfied, satellite
The singer has found some measure of contentment, but is still adrift and searching.
Where do I fit in?
The singer is struggling to find their place in the world and is feeling lost and alone.
All mixed up with you
The singer is entangled in a relationship that is both exciting and confusing.
In the right kind of wrong
The singer is attracted to someone who is unconventional or even dangerous, but feels that it's a risk worth taking.
Calling out for the truth
The singer is tired of living in a world of deceit and wants to know what's real.
What words are most wise
The singer is seeking guidance from those who are more experienced or knowledgeable.
From a bloodthirsty youth?
The singer is questioning whether the advice they are receiving is truly helpful, given the potentially violent and aggressive nature of youth.
I have tasted the sweet of your lips
The singer is reminiscing about a past relationship that was passionate and intense.
But am pacified?
The singer is questioning whether they were truly happy in that relationship, or if they were just temporarily distracted from their problems.
Heart calls domino
The singer's emotions are in chaos and they feel like they are on the brink of something important happening.
Mi fai pazzo
Translated from Italian, this means 'you drive me crazy'. The singer is expressing their passion and desire for someone.
Radar, radar, radar
The singer is still searching and is becoming increasingly impatient and desperate.
How do you like it?
The singer is questioning whether they are living up to the expectations of those around them.
How do you like me now?
The singer is questioning whether their choices and actions have been worthwhile, and whether they have truly succeeded in life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID CERATI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind