Although she has become a popular performer at Canadian folk festivals, she is best known both in Canada and internationally for her collaborations with Björk, including concert tours and the 2004 album Medúlla. She has also performed with the Kronos Quartet and featured on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.
In 2005 her CD entiled Sinaa (Inuktitut for Edge) was nominated for five awards at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. At the ceremony on 25 October 2005 the CD won awards for Best Producer/Engineer, Best Album Design and Tagaq herself won the Best Female Artist award.
Her Sinaa CD was nominated for the 2006 Juno Awards as the Best Aboriginal Recording.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanya_Tagaq_Gillis
http://www.tanyatagaq.com/en/home/
Teeth Agape
Tanya Tagaq Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bare my teeth
I bare my teeth
One saliva string
One tongue
Cannot speak of the
Fight that comes from survival
It's from survival
Touch my children
And my teeth welcome your windpipe
Touch my children
And my teeth welcome your windpipe
Utter the name
And be crushed by leg
Grown strong from
Holding up weight
By thigh that carries
Rocks and urgent gait
I will hunch my shoulders and wait
Claws sharpened
Teeth agape
Claws sharpened
Teeth agape
The lyrics of Tanya Tagaq's song "Teeth Agape" convey a sense of fierce protection and survival instincts. In the first verse, the act of sharpening claws and baring teeth symbolizes a readiness to defend oneself or attack when necessary. By baring her teeth, the singer is showing her determination and strength, suggesting that she is prepared to confront any threat that comes her way. The emphasis on survival indicates that these instincts are not driven by aggression but rather borne out of necessity and the will to endure.
The second part of the lyrics adds another layer to the singer's protective nature. The mention of "touch my children" reveals a deep connection to loved ones and a profound sense of responsibility towards them. In these lines, the singer warns that any harm towards her children would result in a violent response. The phrase "teeth welcome your windpipe" portrays a drastic retaliation, indicating that protection of one's offspring is a non-negotiable priority, and any aggression towards them will be met with utmost force.
In the following verse, the lyrics shift focus to another aspect of the singer's strength and resilience. The mention of crushing one's leg implies the potential consequences for those who dare to challenge her. The strength gained from carrying the weight and enduring hardships is highlighted, suggesting that the singer has become powerful through the trials she has faced. This verse signifies that she will patiently wait for the right moment to strike, showing a combination of patience and readiness.
The final lines of the lyrics bring the themes of the song together. The repetition of "claws sharpened, teeth agape" reiterates the singer's preparedness and the intensity of her response. By emphasizing these physical attributes, the lyrics symbolize the singer's inner strength and primal instincts. The overall message conveyed is that the singer is a force to be reckoned with – someone who has faced numerous challenges and is now equipped and ready to protect herself and her loved ones from any threat that may arise. The song celebrates resilience, tenacity, and the determination to not just survive, but thrive in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I will sharpen my claws
I am preparing myself to defend and protect
Bare my teeth
Show my fierceness and readiness to attack
I bare my teeth
I am displaying my aggressive nature
One saliva string
A single line of saliva
One tongue
One voice or expression
Cannot speak of the
Unable to discuss or communicate about
Fight that comes from survival
The struggle that arises from the instinct to survive
It's from survival
This fight stems from the need to stay alive
Touch my children
Harm or threaten my offspring
And my teeth welcome your windpipe
I will fiercely attack and go for your throat
Utter the name
Speak the forbidden word
And be crushed by leg
Face the devastating consequences
Grown strong from
Became powerful due to
Holding up weight
Bearing the burden of responsibility
By thigh that carries
Through the strength of my leg
Rocks and urgent gait
Difficulties and a sense of haste
I will hunch my shoulders and wait
I will adopt a defensive stance and be patient
Claws sharpened
My nails are sharpened
Teeth agape
My mouth open wide, ready to attack or defend
Claws sharpened
My nails are sharpened
Teeth agape
My mouth open wide, ready to attack or defend
Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Saul Williams, Sumach Valentine, Tanya Tagaq
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dia Norrington
Not nearly enough expression of this (innate) form of Female Power in the 'mainstream'. Such a breath of fresh air and it makes me so happy. Much gratitude and appreciation for all your work. Retribution is a masterpiece. It touches something in my soul that nothing else has. I want to play it from the tops of tall buildings at full volume. Never stop creating (please!). :)
Janet Lees
The tops of all buildings!
Dia Norrington
@Janet Lees At full volume! :)
Janet Lees
@Dia Norrington raahhhhh!
Ezra H.
@PPC Bernier It sounds like you're the professional victim here, PPC Bernier. You comment this on every single one of this woman's videos, spreading it into replies of people who want it. You're like a stalker, only this time instead of an incorrectly attributed form of love, you do it out of severe hatred at racism. Grow up.
Chastity kay
This is pure gold. Wow, just wow. My heart is pumping. ❤️🔥
Kerlynda
One of my favorite poems from split tooth....so Powerful!
patricia reid
Thank You, Tanya! This is directly to the primordial soul of motherhood. 🌈♥️
Alexandra Karl
I heard your interview on "Q" today and promptly found your website and this video. YOU ARE AMAZING. It's been a long time since I saw / heard something so powerful and raw and impactful. Keep it up!
Lilith Jesus
Wow... I have a pale kitten in my lap I have often seen as a little white wolf ... his sister I named after a female wolf spirit human... then this shows up in my YT feed as they are both snuggled with me now... thank you for embodying healthy feminine fire ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥.