When they were competing in Garage Warz, they were known as "Sara and Tegan" because that is how their mother registered them on the competition forms. The competition was held at a local bar/club in Calgary, and since the twins were only 17 at the time, they were actually not able to go inside without adult supervision. Their first album, Under Feet Like Ours, was initially released under the name "Sara and Tegan"; copies are now a sought-after commodity among their fans.
While both twins are similarly involved in vocals and playing instruments, the singing of the lead melody usually goes to whichever twin wrote the particular song. The two usually did not sing together on their early albums, however, they do on their later albums and in concert.
They are known for their onstage banter; their stories and commentary about their childhood, politics, life on the road, etc. have become an indispensable part of their live shows.
Their fifth album, The Con, was released on July 24, 2007. It was co-produced by Chris Walla. Jason McGerr of Death Cab for Cutie, Matt Sharp of The Rentals (who was with Weezer during The Blue Album and Pinkerton), Hunter Burgan of AFI, and Kaki King appear on the album.
Tegan and Sara recently released their sixth album, Sainthood, on October 27, 2009.
Underwater
Tegan & Sara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I use to be such good, good swimmer
But for now my head is in the clouds
I'm a silly love song
A twisted elbow crush song
I would go to jail with only boys
Just to prove I was as tough as you
I'll be writing love songs
Silly banging knee songs
I'm a car crash
But I have to get up
And every morning it's a clean up
All I need is time, time to love you
The forecast is grey
But we're staying inside
You must live close
I've seen you drive by
I left signs on the lawn
Where have they gone?
Did you take them to tease me?
To follow or lead me?
You're a silly love song
A verse chorus and such
Some silly love song
A verse chorus and such
I'm a car crash
But I have to get up
And every morning it's a cleanup
All I need is time, time to love you
All I need is time
All I need is time
All I need is time, time to love you
All I need is time
All I need is time
All I need is time, time to love you
Baby all I need is time, time to love you
Time to love you
The lyrics of Tegan & Sara's song "Underwater" speak to the feeling of being lost and overwhelmed. In the first verse, the singer compares themselves to a drowning person and laments their current lack of ability to navigate through life like they used to. They feel like a silly love song, not taken seriously, and unable to stay afloat.
In the second verse, they describe themselves as a car crash, but they have to get up every morning and clean up the wreckage. They express a desire to have time to love someone, but the forecast is grey and they feel trapped inside. They also mention signs on the lawn that someone may have taken to tease or lead them, highlighting a sense of confusion and vulnerability.
Overall, the lyrics explore feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and longing for connection. The singer is struggling to stay afloat and find their place in the world, but they are also determined to keep going and maintain hope for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Underwater I wrote drowning
I feel overwhelmed and suffocated by my emotions and struggles, as if I am drowning.
I use to be such good, good swimmer
I used to handle difficult situations well and feel in control, but now I am struggling to keep my head above water.
But for now my head is in the clouds
My mind is preoccupied with fantasies and dreams, and I am not fully present in reality.
I'm a silly love song
I am consumed by my romantic feelings and emotions, and my thoughts and actions are driven by these feelings.
A twisted elbow crush song
This is a love song with unconventional or unexpected elements, such as a reference to an elbow injury or crush fetish.
I would go to jail with only boys
I am willing to undertake extreme and risky actions to prove myself and my toughness to others, even if it means going to jail.
Just to prove I was as tough as you
My actions are driven by a desire to measure up and compete with someone else, whom I see as strong or inspiring.
And when I get out for good behavior
I hope to be rewarded for my actions and effort, by being released from prison early or avoiding punishment.
I'll be writing love songs
Even if I go to jail or face other hardships, I will not lose sight of my romantic feelings and will continue to express them through music and art.
Silly banging knee songs
This is another example of an unconventional and slightly absurd love song reference, this time involving a knee injury or fixation.
I'm a car crash
I am a mess or disaster waiting to happen, both emotionally and perhaps physically.
But I have to get up
Regardless of my challenges and setbacks, I have to keep trying and moving forward.
And every morning it's a clean up
Every day is a new opportunity to try and make progress, and I have to pick myself up and start over.
All I need is time, time to love you
My biggest priority and goal is to be able to love and express my love for someone, and I need time and space to make this happen.
The forecast is grey
The outlook or mood of the future is uncertain, negative or bleak.
But we're staying inside
Despite the negative outlook, we are staying together and staying put, focusing on each other and our relationship.
You must live close
I suspect or assume that you live in close proximity to me, based on my observations or other clues.
I've seen you drive by
I have seen you in passing, perhaps driving by my house or in another context.
I left signs on the lawn
I have tried to send messages or signals to you, either indirectly or directly, in the hope of connecting or catching your attention.
Where have they gone?
I am unsure or confused about the fate or reception of my attempts to reach you, and I am concerned or curious about what has happened to them.
Did you take them to tease me?
I am wondering if you deliberately took my messages or signals to toy with me or play games, rather than responding in a sincere or straightforward manner.
To follow or lead me?
I am considering if you took my messages as an invitation or indication of interest, and are either trying to follow or lead me towards something.
You're a silly love song
You also seem to be driven by romantic feelings and emotions, and your actions and words are influenced by these sentiments.
A verse chorus and such
This is another reference to the songwriting process, as if comparing our romantic feelings and experiences to the structure of a pop song.
Some silly love song
Another acknowledgement that our love and relationship may seem trivial or unimportant to others, but it is meaningful and significant to us.
Baby all I need is time, time to love you
A final reminder of our shared goal and priority, which is to have more time and space to love and be with each other.
Time to love you
Summing up the essence of the song, which is a plea for time and opportunity to express and act on our romantic feelings.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SARA KEIRSTEN QUIN, TEGAN RAIN QUIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind