The Flaming Lips are known for their lush, multi-layered arrangements, spacey lyrics and bizarre song titles. They are also acclaimed for their elaborate live shows, which typically feature animal suits, puppets, streamers, video projections and complex stage light configurations.
In 2002, Q magazine named The Flaming Lips one of the "50 Bands to See Before You Die". In 2006, Oklahoma City named a street Flaming Lips Alley in their honor.
The group recorded several albums and EPs for Restless Records in the 1980s and early 1990s. After signing to Warner Brothers, they scored a #9 hit on the Billboard Alternative charts (and #55 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart) in 1994 with "She Don't Use Jelly". Although it would be their only hit single, the band has maintained critical respect and, to a lesser extent, commercial viability with sonically majestic albums such as 1995's Clouds Taste Metallic, 1999's The Soft Bulletin, 2002's Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots and 2006's At War with the Mystics. The Flaming Lips' 12th studio album, Embryonic, was released in October of 2009. A complete cover of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon was released in May 2010. The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends, their collaborative album which features artists like Ke$ha, Bon Iver, Nick Cave and Erykah Badu, was released on Record Store Day, April 2012.
Their next studio album, tentatively titled The Terror, will be released in January 2013.
Their song "Do You Realize??" is the official State Rock Song of Oklahoma.
www.flaminglips.com
Turn It On
The Flaming Lips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me all about your "gay folks"
It feels better when you're in it
If you're nervous use the pay phone
Put your face where we can see it
Put it on a show on cable
You can really show it all there
Turn it on when you are able
Turn it on
Turn it on and all the way up
Turn it on
In your houses when you wake up
Turn it on
When you ain't got no relation
To all those other stations
Turn it on
Put your life into a bubble
We can pick you up on radar
"Hit " a satellite with feeling
Give the people what they paid for
Turn it on
Turn it on and all the way up
Turn it on
In your houses when you wake up
Turn it on
When you ain't got no relation
To all those other stations
Turn it on
Turn it on
Turn it on and all the way up
Turn it on
In your houses when you wake up
Turn it on
When you ain't got no relation
To all those other stations
Turn it on
Turn it on
Turn it on and all the way up
Turn it on
In your houses when you wake up
Turn it on
When you ain't got no relation
To all those other stations
Turn it on
Turn it on
Turn it on and all the way up
Turn it on
In your houses when you wake up
Turn it on
When you ain't got no relation
To all those other stations
Turn it on
The Flaming Lips's song "Turn It On" is a commentary on the culture of television and media in our society. The lyrics start out with a call to action - the singer urges someone to "put your face up to the window" and "tell me all about your gay folks." This could be interpreted as a reference to the way TV screens can act as windows into people's lives, and the pressure for people to reveal personal details in order to be entertaining. The next line, "It feels better when you're in it, if you're nervous use the pay phone," portrays the idea that appearing on TV can be nerve-wracking, and the pay phone could represent a way to distance oneself from the performance.
The chorus of "Turn It On" expresses the idea that people should embrace the spectacle of TV, and "put your life into a bubble" so that it can be broadcasted on "cable." The lyrics urge people to "give the people what they paid for," implying that there is a potential profit to be gained from being on TV. The repetition of "Turn it on" reinforces the idea that TV is something to be engaged with constantly, and that people should seek validation from it.
Line by Line Meaning
Put your face up to the window
Expose yourself to the world and don't be afraid to be seen.
Tell me all about your 'gay folks'
Share your personal experiences and stories, even if they may be considered unconventional or controversial.
It feels better when you're in it
Being fully present and engaged in life can be more rewarding than just observing from the sidelines.
If you're nervous use the pay phone
Don't let fear or anxiety hold you back from reaching out to others for connection and support.
Put your face where we can see it
Be transparent and authentic in your interactions with others, rather than hiding behind a façade or persona.
Put it on a show on cable
Share your talents, skills, and creativity with the world, and don't be afraid to seek out opportunities for exposure and recognition.
You can really show it all there
In today's media-saturated world, there are countless platforms for self-expression and self-promotion, so take advantage of them.
Turn it on when you are able
Seize the moment and take action when the opportunity arises, rather than waiting for the 'perfect' time or circumstances.
Turn it on
Activate your inner spark and connect with your passion and purpose in life.
Turn it on and all the way up
Maximize your potential and reach for the highest level of greatness possible.
In your houses when you wake up
Start each day with enthusiasm and energy, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
When you ain't got no relation
Even if you feel disconnected or isolated, there are always ways to reach out and connect with others, whether in person or online.
To all those other stations
Don't compare yourself to others or try to imitate their success, but instead find your own unique voice and style.
Put your life into a bubble
Create a safe and nurturing environment for yourself, where you can focus on your own personal growth and development.
We can pick you up on radar
Even if you feel invisible or unnoticed, there are always people who can sense your energy and appreciate your contributions to the world.
'Hit' a satellite with feeling
Amplify your message and spread your influence far and wide, using the power of technology and social media.
Give the people what they paid for
Respect and value the time and attention of your audience, and strive to deliver quality content and experiences.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Ivins, Ronald Jones, Steven Drozd, Wayne Coyne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@campfiremusicbyaegf
There’s a feeling of overwhelming joy I get when I listen to The Flaming Lips that is intense. Like I was there too.
@Salineddi
I'm so happy to hear this! Music is quite a strong mood enhancer. Nothing but delirious joy coming from The Flaming Lips.
@OhanaFilms
God, I miss this time in music so much.
@DKGifford19608
That's the best part about living in the future - you know what's good from the past and you can curate your life to celebrate it.
@OhanaFilms
@DKGibble I like this concept.
@monstermagnet6359
Good dayz
@agentblackacid
My favourite album by the Lips
@OhanaFilms
@AGENT BLACK Agreed.
@fsm5184
I've been listening to Flaming lips for almost 30 years and i never get tired of cd.You guys made ours life's better.Long life to the 🔥👄.Greetings from Puerto Rico
@karlmorris-xz6iq
if you like this you might like my brothers music. His name is Stu Morris, she has a car is a good song by him.,.