THE PONYS' debut LP, Laced With Romance, was recorded with Jim Diamond in Detroit and released in February 2004 to great acclaim, NME calling it "a dirty-sounding mess of post-punk choppiness, ear-searing Farfisa organ and timeless teenage snarling."
After months of constant touring, they slipped into Chicago's Electrical Studios with Steve Albini for Celebration Castle, released in May 2005. Even more varied than their debut, Celebration Castle seemed to accentuate the band's physical power and precise dynamics. Rolling Stone said, "While other indie bands fuss themselves into a lather straining to redefine the templates of 'garage rock' or 'post-punk,' The Ponys just get it the hell done."
Just before the release of Celebration Castle, however, Ian decided that touring life was not for him, and he was replaced by guitarist and local charmer Brian Case. His addition reinvigorated the band and led them towards a more ballsy sound; indeed, some of the artier forays that Ian brought to past records have been replaced on Turn The Lights Out by pure sonic density.
Matador finally got their hands on THE PONYS and, dragging them off the road for a while, got them in Electrical Studios and Brooklyn's Headgear Studios in September 2006 with John Agnello (http://www.johnagnello.com) to record Turn The Lights Out. With their most brilliant batch of songs to date, plus the luxury of being able to take their time in the studio, THE PONYS turned in an ambitious, but wholly addictive, record. Sexy and exuberant, this is a sound which references so many of the great twin-guitar bands of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, but resists definition.
Ten Fingers Eleven Toes
The Ponys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Susie's in black but that's how she always dresses
I'm tall and skinny and some people think I look pretty weird
But they don't know they just hate what they fear
10 fingers and 11 toes
10 fingers and 11 toes
Sally's walkin' like she just don't care
Now I know what I'd say to all those people walkin' by
Probably nothin' at all because I'm kinda shy
10 fingers and 11 toes
10 fingers and 11 toes
There goes Larry with his hair stickin' straight up into the air
And Becky's outside smokin' her cigarette
Never thinkin' about who and what, why or them
Just livin' their lives how they want them to be
10 fingers and 11 toes
10 fingers and 11 toes
10 fingers and 11 toes
10 fingers and 11 toes
In "10 Fingers 11 Toes" by The Ponys, the singer observes their classmates and notes their differences in appearance and behavior. Although some may consider Ricky's glasses or Susie's black clothing to be odd, the singer acknowledges that their own appearance might also be considered strange. Ultimately, the singer doesn't judge their classmates for how they look or act, recognizing that people are different and should be allowed to be themselves.
The repeated statement "10 fingers and 11 toes" serves as a refrain, emphasizing the connection that all people have regardless of their individual differences. The lyric also highlights the idea that, despite our differences, we all share some kind of common ground.
The song appears to be promoting acceptance of others and discouraging judgment or fear of those who are different, especially in superficial ways. It's a reminder to look past the surface and recognize our shared humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people say that Ricky looks funny in his glasses
Ricky wears glasses and some people think it looks funny.
Susie's in black but that's how she always dresses
Susie always wears black clothes.
I'm tall and skinny and some people think I look pretty weird
The singer is tall and skinny, which some people find strange.
But they don't know they just hate what they fear
The people who criticize the artist only do so because they fear what is different.
There goes Bobby and he's talkin' in class again
Bobby is talking during class.
Sally's walkin' like she just don't care
Sally is walking nonchalantly.
Now I know what I'd say to all those people walkin' by
The singer knows what they would say to people walking by.
Probably nothin' at all because I'm kinda shy
The artist is too shy to actually say anything.
There goes Larry with his hair stickin' straight up into the air
Larry's hair is sticking straight up into the air.
And Becky's outside smokin' her cigarette
Becky is smoking a cigarette outside.
Never thinkin' about who and what, why or them
Neither Larry nor Becky think about other people's opinions or thoughts.
Just livin' their lives how they want them to be
Larry and Becky live their lives by their own design.
10 fingers and 11 toes
Repeating this phrase is just the chorus of the song.
10 fingers and 11 toes
Repeating this phrase is just the chorus of the song.
10 fingers and 11 toes
Repeating this phrase is just the chorus of the song.
10 fingers and 11 toes
Repeating this phrase is just the chorus of the song.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind