In the autumn of 1996, they gave birth to their first, self-titled EP, which was followed by the full-length album Tiny Warnings in the middle of the next year.
Their mixture of rock, electronica and pop is often compared to Garbage, but the band had their own unique style, and maybe that is the reason why they are still remembered.
Understand
Radio Iodine Lyrics
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In a sick, sick world
If it's the fool who believes in forgiveness,
I'm a sick, sick girl
I long to cry on someone's shoulder
To receive a friend's absolution
And I think I know that look I've seen it before
I think you're pitying me
Then I will be your emotional whore
And when I spit you out at last
You'll understand, try to understand
When is the time to give into mercy
And walk from the pain
Where is the will to yearn for out freedom
And break the chains
I long to fall into your slumber
You long to slowly pull me under
And I think you know me well, far too well
Too well for my own good
And if you need an emotional score
Then I will be your emotional whore
And when I spit you out at last
You'll understand, try to understand
Is it a crime to want to be happy in a sick, sick world
I'm a sick, sick girl
And if you need an emotional score
Then I will be your emotional whore
And when I spit you out at last
You'll understand, try to understand
The first verse of "Understand" by Radio Iodine reflects on the notion of happiness in a world plagued by sickness. The singer asks if it is wrong to want happiness, acknowledging the world’s flaws. She also mentions that she believes in forgiveness, despite it being a trait associated with foolishness. The second verse talks about the need for emotional support and absolution from a friend but also mentions that the singer believes they are being pitied. The chorus follows, in which the singer expresses a willingness to be used and treated as an emotional "whore" by those who need it. She then mentions that when they have used her, they will "understand."
The second verse continues with the singer's desire to fall into someone's "slumber," implying a desire for a kind of escape. She also mentions that they know her too well, which could be seen as a warning and a plea for understanding. The chorus is reiterated with a similar emphasis on being used and then understood.
Overall, the song seems to be about a person struggling with their own emotions while simultaneously attempting to navigate the emotions and needs of others. The use of the word "whore" is provocative but may serve to indicate a feeling of being used and abused by those who seek emotional solace. The repetition of the phrase "you'll understand" at the end of the chorus may have a different connotation in each repetition. It could be seen as a plea for understanding, a threat, or a promise of revenge.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it a crime to want to be happy
Wondering if it's wrong to desire happiness amidst a world full of problems.
In a sick, sick world
A description of the world as unhealthy and problematic.
If it's the fool who believes in forgiveness,
Acknowledging that people who choose to forgive may appear foolish.
I'm a sick, sick girl
Describing herself as someone who is also plagued with issues and problems.
I long to cry on someone's shoulder
Expressing a desire for emotional support from someone else.
To receive a friend's absolution
Wishing to obtain forgiveness or understanding from a friend.
And I think I know that look I've seen it before
Suggesting that she recognizes the expression of pity on someone's face.
I think you're pitying me
Deciphering the emotion displayed as pity towards her situation.
And if you need an emotional score
Offering emotional support to someone else in return.
Then I will be your emotional whore
Willingness to be used for emotional support reasons, at the cost of her self-respect.
And when I spit you out at last
Promising to use the other person's support until it is no longer required and then she will move on.
You'll understand, try to understand
Implying that the other person will eventually comprehend the situation, and everything will be clear to them.
When is the time to give into mercy
Questioning the right timing to show mercy or forgiveness towards oneself or others.
And walk from the pain
Choosing to leave behind the pain and venture towards something hopeful.
Where is the will to yearn for out freedom
Asking why people have lost the desire to achieve freedom or happiness.
And break the chains
Trying to break free from emotional or psychological constraints which restrict growth.
I long to fall into your slumber
Wishing to be close enough to another person for them to share their vulnerabilities with her.
You long to slowly pull me under
Suggesting that the other person also desires to be connected with her and influence her decisions.
And I think you know me well, far too well
Realizing that the other person understands her better than she knows herself.
Too well for my own good
Acknowledging that this knowledge is challenging for her mental state of mind.
Is it a crime to want to be happy in a sick, sick world
Repeating the opening sentence, underscoring how difficult it seems to attain simple happiness in the midst of the world's issues.
And if you need an emotional score
Offering emotional support once again.
Then I will be your emotional whore
Reiterating that she is willing to do whatever it takes to provide emotional support to the other person.
And when I spit you out at last
Determining that she will only utilize the other person's support for a limited time.
You'll understand, try to understand
Insisting that the other person will eventually grasp her true intentions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEX COWAN, JAMES DAY, BETH MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind