Randy Schrager (aka Randy Real), is the band's live drummer. Patrick Seacor (aka Paddy Boom), left band in 2008. Lyrics are largely written by Shears / Babydaddy & known for a mixture of wit & tragedy.
On October 23, 2012 Scissor Sisters announced an indefinite hiatus.
Tits on the Radio
Scissor Sisters Lyrics
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Where are the queers on the piers, heard they gave it their best
Now they got jobs at a local fast food chain
Flippin' tricks for the burger, since Lady M jacked their fame
Flippin' tricks for the burger, since Lady M jacked their fame
Cause you can't see tits on the radio
I'll give you five fingers for a one man show
Take a shot now this may be your last chance
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
There ain't no tits on the radio (No no)
Dark room Danny can't see with the lights turned out
Black haired tranny counts sheep with her bed turned down
But the bed's in Jersey and the sheep's on a farm
Dark room Danny hears police alarm
Dark room Danny can't see with the lights turned out
Dark room Danny can't see with the lights turned out
Cause you can't see tits on the radio
I'll give you five fingers for a one man show
Fasten those pants for the lap dance
Take a shot now this may be your last chance
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
There ain't no tits on the radio (No no)
The lyrics of Scissor Sisters' song "Tits on the Radio" are a commentary on the commercialization of underground LGBTQ+ culture. The reference to "queers on the piers" who have now resorted to "flippin' tricks for the burger" refers to the former hustlers of Christopher Street in New York City, who once made their living through sex work and now have to work at fast food chains due to gentrification and a lack of opportunities. The line "since Lady M jacked their fame" refers to Lady Bunny, a well-known drag queen and DJ who achieved mainstream success and recognition in the 1990s. The song suggests that Lady Bunny's success came at the expense of the underground queer community, as their once-thriving culture is now being overshadowed by commercialized versions of it.
The chorus of the song - "There ain't no tits on the radio" - is a phrase that suggests that the radio is a symbol of mainstream media, which tends to avoid controversial or explicit content in order to maintain a family-friendly image. The lyrics imply that LGBTQ+ voices and experiences are censored or ignored by the mainstream media, which effectively silences and erases them. The line "I'll give you five fingers for a one man show" is a reference to masturbation, suggesting that people are forced to rely on solitary and private forms of self-expression when their communities and identities are erased by mainstream media.
Overall, Scissor Sisters' "Tits on the Radio" is a provocative and socially conscious critique of the intersection of LGBTQ+ culture, gentrification, and mainstream media. The song highlights the ways in which queer voices and experiences are silenced and commodified, and calls attention to the importance of visibility and representation for marginalized communities.
Line by Line Meaning
Creamsicle sky while the sun sets up in the west
The sky is orange and pink as the sun sets in the west.
Where are the queers on the piers, heard they gave it their best
The gay community who used to frequent the piers have left, maybe because they have been discriminated against.
Now they got jobs at a local fast food chain
After being forced out, the queer community now work local jobs.
Flippin' tricks for the burger, since Lady M jacked their fame
They perform sexual favors for their customers in order to make ends meet since they lost their ability to express themselves on the piers, since they became seen as outcasts. Lady M, referring to Madonna, is mocking them for stealing their image without including them, and going on to be more successful than those she is stealing from.
Cause you can't see tits on the radio
There isn't anything (sexual or provocative) to see in radio broadcasts, it's only sound.
I'll give you five fingers for a one man show
Giving someone five fingers would be a slap, therefore giving someone a slap for putting on a show on their own is disapproving of the solo act.
Fasten those pants for the lap dance
Get prepared for the lap dance, perhaps by propping up one's pants since they will be sitting close to the performer.
Take a shot now this may be your last chance
Take one's opportune moment before it may end, perhaps to see a performance.
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
The lack of anything sexual or provocative on the radio is upsetting.
Dark room Danny can't see with the lights turned out
Danny is in a dark room and can't see because the lights are off.
Black haired tranny counts sheep with her bed turned down
A transvestite with black hair counts sheep, anticipating sleep, their bed is turned down for them.
But the bed's in Jersey and the sheep's on a farm
The actual bed they should be lying in is in Jersey, while the count of fake sheep is in their head.
Dark room Danny hears police alarm
Danny hears a siren from a police car.
Cause you can't see tits on the radio
Radio doesn't provide visual stimulus - hence, a lack of anything sexual or provocative.
I'll give you five fingers for a one man show
Criticism for the solo act still stands.
Fasten those pants for the lap dance
Get prepared for the lap dance.
Take a shot now this may be your last chance
Time is of the essence, take advantage of the opportunity.
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
Once again, radio is lacking sexual and provocative content, causing dissatisfaction.
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
Radio is still lacking of anything sexual or provocative.
There ain't no tits on the radio (Oh no)
Radio is still lacking of anything sexual or provocative.
There ain't no tits on the radio (No no)
The lack of sexual and provocative content on the radio hasn't changed.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANA LYNCH, JASON SELLARDS, SCOTT HOFFMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind