Bad Girls
Tennis Lyrics


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Even bad girls can do good things
Even bad girls have holy dreams
Oh I, I'm not so transparent
My intentions they ain't so apparent

Bad girls
Bad girls
Bad girls
Bad girls

Even bad girls have tender hearts
Even bad girls can fall apart
In the night, oh I am transformed
By the next day I've been reborn

If it were physical it would show
If it were spiritual I would know
If it were physical it would show
If it were spiritual I would know

There is a need always divided
From all things that I've been hiding

The truth you know I'll never find
I'll never have any peace of mind
It's true I know I'll never find
I'll never have any peace of mind

If it were physical it would show
If it were spiritual I would know
If it were physical it would show
If it were spiritual I would know

You know I love a good ceremony
That's why I chose matrimony
Oh I never want to feel ashamed
I just can't bear that kind of pain

There is a need, always divided
From all the things that I've been hiding

Bad girls
Bad girls
Bad girls
Bad girls
Bad girls
Bad girls




Bad girls
Bad girls

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tennis’s song Bad Girls offer a complex and nuanced exploration of the inner world of a "bad girl." The song's lyrics suggest that even bad girls have good intentions and are capable of good actions, despite their outwardly rough exterior. The first verse establishes this theme, stating "Even bad girls have holy dreams... My intentions they ain't so apparent." This shows that the bad girl is not as one-dimensional as she may seem from the outside, and is more complex and multi-layered.


The second verse delves deeper into the emotional turmoil the "bad girl" experiences. "Even bad girls can fall apart...By the next day I've been reborn" suggests that the bad girl is aware of her own flaws and weaknesses, but is also capable of personal growth and transformation. The bridge and chorus of the song, repeating the phrase "Bad girls" emphasizes the idea that even though they are labeled as such, these women are more than just their negative connotations.


The final verse acknowledges the societal pressure for women to conform to certain expectations, such as getting married and avoiding shame. Despite the pressure, the bad girl refuses to be ashamed of who she is or fall in line with societal norms. The song's final message is that even those who are labeled as bad girls are complex individuals and should not be reduced to stereotypes.


Line by Line Meaning

Even bad girls can do good things
Being bad doesn't mean you can't do good things


Even bad girls have holy dreams
Even 'bad' people can have noble aspirations and goals


Oh I, I'm not so transparent
I'm not easy to read or understand


My intentions they ain't so apparent
My goals and desires aren't always clear or obvious


Even bad girls have tender hearts
Even those who are perceived as 'bad' can be sensitive and have emotions


Even bad girls can fall apart
Everyone can experience emotional or mental breakdowns, regardless of their reputation


In the night, oh I am transformed
I feel a sense of change or transformation during the night (possibly referring to being more brave, adventurous or even vulnerable at night)


By the next day I've been reborn
Sometimes after experiencing something new or different, you can feel like a different person once it's over


If it were physical it would show
If there was a physical manifestation of my internal struggles, it would be visible to others


If it were spiritual I would know
If my internal struggles had a spiritual/religious aspect to it, I would be aware of it


There is a need always divided
There's something I desire or require, but it feels conflicted or divided


From all things that I've been hiding
There are aspects of myself or my life that I conceal or hide from others


The truth you know I'll never find
I may never discover the truth about certain things, especially if I'm not honest with myself


I'll never have any peace of mind
I may never experience peace or calmness in my thoughts or emotions


You know I love a good ceremony
I enjoy formal events or traditions that hold significance


That's why I chose matrimony
That's one reason why I decided to get married


Oh I never want to feel ashamed
I want to avoid feelings of guilt, embarrassment or humiliation


I just can't bear that kind of pain
The emotional pain of shame is overwhelming for me




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@juanpablosoto6335

Even bad girls can do good things
Even bad girls have holy dreams
Oh I, I'm not so transparent
My intentions made so apparent

Bad girls, bad girls [x2]

Even bad girls have tender hearts
Even bad girls can fall apart
In the night, oh I am transformed
By the next day I've been reborn

If it were physical it would show
If it were spiritual I would know
[x2]

There is a need
Always dividing me
From all the things
That I've been hiding

The truth, you know,
You'll never find
I'll never have any peace of mind

It's true, I know,
I'll never find
I'll never have any peace of mind

If it were physical it would show
If it were spiritual I would know
[x2]

You know I love a good ceremony
That's why I chose matrimony
Oh I never want to feel ashamed
I just can't bear that kind of pain

There is a need
Always dividing me
From all the things
That I've been hiding

Bad girls, bad girls [x4]



All comments from YouTube:

@ilya8132

I love her voice so much. There's something...sweet, strong, or classic about it. I'm not sure. The vibrato too.

@wendeborn8

Saw them in Boston about a week ago. This was the last song they played as part of the encore. While the entire show was great, this one stuck with me. About halfway through I couldn't help but stop tapping my foot, stop swaying to the beat, and I closed my eyes and just listened to her voice. She really sang with such ferocity, passion, almost anger; it was such a great moment. I would recommend that anyone who likes even a couple of Tennis' songs try to catch a show.

@IanMcHelen

Not sure if this was supposed to give me Twin Peaks "Just You and I" scene vibes but it does and I'm here for it 100%. Love this.

@jollyexploring5409

I'm currently watching this part of Season 2 and oh my god does the guitar from 'Just You and I' seem to be referenced in this Tennis song 🤧

@iamanda211

single tear falls down my cheek

@velvetlagoon4430

I can't believe this band is not that famous

@raelene101

Really i dont think its about that
anymore. Fame is an illusion. They could pack a sizeable venue without the beast.

@chozen_juan

Dunno about that fam. They just opened for Alt J in my city. They must be doing something right. lol

@vinnycastro7101

@velvet lagoon would you even want that? Tennis has been in a special rhythm that you don't find from big timers cause of all the outside noise

@Joseph-nh6in

@@chozen_juan Pittsburgh?

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