In 2006, Semi Precious Weapons (SPW) was formed by Berklee College of Music graduates Tranter, Whittle, Crean and Tasjan. In 2007 erstwhile manager BP Fallon brought in Tony Visconti to produce their first album, We Love You. Funded by Tranter's jewelry sales, they originally released the album as a free download.
In March 2008 the band signed a worldwide recording agreement with Razor & Tie. The band's album We Love You was re-released under this label on September 30, 2008. Semi Precious Weapons signed to Interscope Records in November, 2009. Since November 27, they have been the special guests for Lady Gaga's The Monster Ball. At the same time they began recording a new album titled You Love You, which released on June 29, 2010.
In January 2008 they caused a stir in the United Kingdom after Kate Moss attended their concert at London's Death Disco club and danced with 'six foot bisexual' singer Justin Tranter. Vogue described the band as "unashamedly crass and deliciously animated". On March 18, 2010, the band's eponymous song "Semi Precious Weapons" achieved their first number one - on New Zealand radio station The Edge.
Justin Tranter has a jewelry line called "Fetty" that sells at Barneys New York. The designs include weapons, hearts, and diamond braille. Justin Tranter was a coach on the MTV show MADE, where he helped a shy sixteen-year-old become a bassist in her own band. Their track "Magnetic Baby" is featured as a downloadable track in Rock Band 2. The band had a cameo in the video for Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and served as her opening act on her 2009-2011 tour The Monster Ball Tour.
Semi Precious Weapons
Semi Precious Weapons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got big lungs that could kill your chorus
If you want to try, you better come inside
I can't pay my rent but I'm fucking gorgeous
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
You can't
Because you don't.
I don't drink booze, because my heart's explosive
I gave up food because the shit's expensive (oh, oh.)
I know you want to be me, but baby it ain't easy
I don't drink booze, because my heart's explosive
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
You can't
Because you don't.
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
I got a diamond in my pocket
And a gun in my purse
Bring semi precious weapons or you might get hurt.
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
Tell me something I don't know
I can't pay my rent, but I'm fucking gorgeous
The song "Semi Precious Weapons" by the band of the same name is all about attitude and confidence. Despite not having money to pay rent, the singer boasts about their beauty and talent, mocking those who try to bring them down. The first verse features the singer expressing pride in their lungs, even suggesting they could outdo someone else's chorus. The chorus itself is repetitive and defiant, with the singer challenging others to tell them something they don't know, but ultimately acknowledging that others cannot match their own knowledge.
The second verse continues with the theme of sacrifice for the sake of appearance, with the singer stating that they don't drink or eat much due to their explosive heart and the cost of food. They also point out the harsh reality of trying to copy their lifestyle, stating that it's not an easy road to take. The chorus repeats, with the challenge still standing.
The final part of the song introduces a new element. The singer declares they have a diamond in their pocket and a gun in their purse, implying they're not to be underestimated or messed with. The final chorus is the same as before, still centered around the idea of daring others to try to best them.
Overall, the song is about projecting confidence and strength, even in the face of difficult circumstances. It's about reveling in one's own uniqueness and talents, and daring others to try and bring them down.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't pay my rent, but I'm fucking gorgeous
I may not have the money to pay for essential things like rent, but I am confident about how I look.
I got big lungs that could kill your chorus
My singing ability is so great it can outdo anything you have to offer.
If you want to try, you better come inside
If you want to challenge me, you need to step up and be prepared to face me head-on.
Tell me something I don't know
Challenge me with a new fact or perspective that I haven't heard before.
You can't
Because you don't.
You cannot tell me something new because you lack the knowledge or creativity to do so.
I don't drink booze, because my heart's explosive
I choose not to consume alcohol because it has adverse effects on my health.
I gave up food because the shit's expensive (oh, oh.)
I stopped eating (as much) because the cost of food is too high and not worth the expense.
I know you want to be me, but baby it ain't easy
You may admire me and want to emulate my characteristics, but it takes a lot of effort to be successful.
I got a diamond in my pocket
And a gun in my purse
Bring semi precious weapons or you might get hurt.
I carry valuable items and weapons to protect myself; you should bring your best resources if you want to challenge me and come out unscathed.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AARON TASJAN, DAN CREAN, JOSEPH MC CANTA, JUSTIN TRANTER, JUSTIN DREW TRANTER, NEAL PERSIANI, NEAL WHITTLE PERSIANI, STEVY PYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Bunnybuns420
Brings memories from gagas monster ball❤️❤️❤️👌
@sarraconnolly6856
Omg yeah
@omgleah
Same! Had never heard of them until I saw them open for Gaga at Madison Square Garden. Great memories!
@melanievotaw1303
I still miss them, but I'm happy for Justin's songwriting career. He's still gorgeous, but I assume he can pay his rent now. :-)
@newleif9739
I saw them support Gaga back in 2010/2011. What happened to them?
@melanievotaw1303
@@newleif9739 As far as I know, they just split up Now, Justin writes songs with big names.
@melanievotaw1303
I used to go see them in small NYC venues.
@newleif9739
@@melanievotaw1303 he is so awesome. Had never sren anything like that. I wish i could check out the different musoc scenes in US
@bw2937
Cole went and joined DNCE
@veronicacontreras2762
so underrated. they are amazing