Made up of guitarist and frontwoman Kaia Wilson, bassist Alison Martlew, and drummer Melissa York, the band has been performing together since the recording of their first album, Are We Not Femme? in 1998. Since then, the trio has recorded three subsequent albums, Population: 1975 in 1999, 3 in 2001, and Make Yr Life in 2004. They have also appeared on a number of compilations of note, including Being Out Rocks, produced by the Human Rights Campaign (Centaur Productions, 2002), and Fields And Streams (Kill Rock Stars, 2002). In 2005 the band announced a hiatus.
The first three albums were released by the now-defunct Mr. Lady Records, run by Kaia Wilson and Tammy Rae Carland. It was named after Wilson's first solo LP, Ladyman, created after leaving Team Dresch. The label also released the first two Le Tigre recordings. Make Yr Life was released by Yep Roc. The track, "Sex (I'm a Lesbian)" appeared on Mr. Lady's 1999 sampler album, New Women's Music Sampler. In 2001, a live rendition of the track, "Disco", appeared on another sampler album, Calling All Kings & Queens.
Kaia Wilson had previously performed in Adickdid and Team Dresch, appearing on their first two albums, Personal Best and Captain My Captain; Melissa York was also in Team Dresch, playing drums on the second LP and, prior to that, performing in Vitapup and Born Against.
The Butchies also played on the 2001 Amy Ray (of the Indigo Girls) album Stag on Daemon Records and backed her up on tour.
Madame
The Butchies Lyrics
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The lyrics of The Butchies's song "Madame" are an interesting expression of someone's desire to escape their inner turmoil and confusion by losing themselves in someone else's journey. The singer expresses a willingness to do anything, even in the middle of their sleep, to undertake a voyage with someone who can take away their confusion. The song also hints at a queer storyline, where the singer speculates about a woman finding a girlfriend on the moon, implying that anything is possible in the vast expanse of the unknown.
The second verse suggests an emotional detachment of the singer, as they did not cry during the saddest part (it's unclear what this refers to) but were moved by one line in their scene, implying that they find solace and meaning in art. The song then ends with the singer posing a question to Madame, leaving the interpretation of their emotions and intentions open-ended.
Line by Line Meaning
What I meant to say is I'd go anywhere in the middle of my sleep
I want to escape reality and travel to unfamiliar places, even if it means doing it in my subconscious.
trade my confusion for your voyage
I am willing to exchange my inner turmoil for the excitement and adventure that comes with following you.
how much would you bet that soon she's gonna find a girlfriend on the moon
I am confident that the person I am interested in will move on and find love elsewhere, even if it is in a far-fetched place like the moon.
I didn't cry at the saddest part
I may seem unaffected by sadness, but that does not mean I do not feel it.
and I didn't cry when I watched you in your scene
I watched you perform without letting my emotions show, but I was deeply moved by your talent.
it was just one line but it meant so much to me
Your words had a profound impact on me, and I am grateful for the moment we shared.
what do you think madame
I am seeking your opinion or approval, Madame, because I value it greatly.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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