Electricity
Sonic Youth Lyrics

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1988, Fast `N' Bulbous - A Tribute To Captain Beefheart, Imaginary Records
(Illusion 002)
Notes: Captain Beefheart cover
[Lee]
me to you to me
thunderbolts caught easily
shouting truth peacefully
electricity

(turn it up)
high voltage man kids his night to bring the light to those who need-
to hide their shadow deep
though it's too bright find the light I know that friends don't mind-
just how you glow
midnight cowboys steers in black hit the dark road without a map to free
seek electricity seek electricity
midnight cowboys steers in black hit the dark road without a map to free
seek electricity seek electricity
lighthouse beacon straight ahead straight ahead across black sea to bring
seeking electricity
high voltage man kids his night to bring the light to those who need-
to hide their shadow deep
you are a shallow deed
high voltage man kids his night to bring the light to those who need-
to hide their insanity
you are insanity
seek electricity seek electricity seek electricity seek electricity-
seek electricity seek electricity seek electricity

seek electricity seek electricity
electricity

Overall Meaning

The song "Electricity" by Sonic Youth talks about the influence of electricity that runs through our lives. The lyrics suggest that the power of electricity is not just limited to lighting up the darkness, but it is also a metaphor for the power to change things in our lives. The lyrics also suggest that the darkness that we encounter can be overcome with electricity, which represents the power of our own self-discovery and growth, as we seek to find the light in our lives. The song is a reminder about the important role that friendship plays in our journey towards self-discovery, and the importance of seeking relationships that promote our growth and well-being.

The lyrics of the song are beautifully written, with a sense of poetry and edginess that is characteristic of Sonic Youth's music. The song's use of the metaphor of electricity as a way to talk about our inner strength and power is a perfect fit with the band's experimental and avant-garde approach. The song features a mix of spoken word and singing, which adds to its overall impact and its resonance with the band's unique style.

Line by Line Meaning

me to you to me
Connection between individuals

thunderbolts caught easily
Easily obtained bursts of energy

shouting truth peacefully
Speaking truth without violence

electricity (turn it up)
Request to increase the intensity of energy

high voltage man kids his night to bring the light to those who need-
Individual who supplies energy in order to help those in need

to hide their shadow deep
To conceal one's true self

though it's too bright find the light I know that friends don't mind-
It is okay to shine brightly in front of true friends

just how you glow
Acknowledgement of one's energy and light

midnight cowboys steers in black hit the dark road without a map to free
Metaphor for individuals making their way forward without a plan

seek electricity seek electricity
Desire for a source of energy

lighthouse beacon straight ahead straight ahead across black sea to bring
Imagery of a guiding light across a dark expanse