In 2010, they released their debut studio album Light Me Up. The album spawned the hit single Make Me Wanna Die, which peaked at number one on UK Rock Singles chart.
In 2012, the band released their second extended play Hit Me Like A Man, which includes 3 new songs and 2 live version tracks from Light Me Up.
In 2014, Going to Hell, the band's second studio album was released. The album debuted and peaked at number five on Billboard 200 chart. With the singles Heaven Knows, and Fucked Up World, the band made history as the first female-fronted band to achieve two number one hits on the US Mainstream Rock chart. Follow Me Down was later released as the final single and also reached number one on the same chart
In 2016, their third studio album, Who You Selling For, was released. The album spawned the single Take Me Down, which earned the band their fourth number one on the US rock chart.
In 2021 a fourth studio album, Death by Rock and Roll, was released. It was released on February 12, 2021. It is the band's first album released with their new label, Fearless Records. It is also the band's first album since the death of their long-time producer, Kato Khandwala. The album was produced by Jonathan Wyman, vocalist Taylor Momsen, and guitarist Ben Phillips, along additional production done by Nate Yacchichino. The album was preceded by two singles: Death by Rock and Roll and And So It Went (feat. Tom Morello). There were also two promotional singles released prior to the album: Broomsticks and 25.
Light Me Up
The Pretty Reckless Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well that's okay
'Cause what I'm thinking about you Is not okay
I've got it on my mind to change my ways
But I don't think I can be anything other than me
No I don't think I can be anything other than me
Do you have a light
There's plenty of white to go around
Do you think its right
When you hit me to the ground
Then light me up when I'm down
Does what I'm saying seem to haunt you
Well that's okay
'Cause what I'm saying about you is not okay
I've got it on my mind to change my ways
But I don't think I can be anything other than me
No I don't think I can be anything other than me
Do you have a light
Can you make me feel alright
There's plenty of white to go around
Do you think its right
When you hit me to the ground well
Then light me up when I'm down
Does what I'm taking seem to bother you
Well that's okay
'Cause I can take it all without you
And I'm okay
I've got it on my mind to change my ways
But I don't think I can be anything other than me
No I don't think I can be anything other than me
Do you have a light
Can you make me feel alright
There's plenty of white to go around
Do you think its right
When you hit me to the ground well
Then light me up when I'm down
The Pretty Reckless's song Light Me Up seems to be a rebellious tribute to self-acceptance, defiance, and liberation, as frontwoman Taylor Momsen opens up about her indifference to society's expectations and norms. The singer's attitude towards her choice of attire, beliefs, and speech suggests that she is aware of the public's criticism and judgment but chooses to embrace her individuality over conformity. Momsen iterates that she has nothing to hide and that she is who she is - without apologies.
The lyrics also seem to draw attention to society's inclination towards superficiality, particularly drug use, as Momsen sings, "Do you have a light, Can you make me feel alright, There's plenty of white to go around." The line seems to imply that there is an abundance of drugs available and that it is easy to slip into addiction. Furthermore, the song portrays the singer's vulnerabilities when she is physically or emotionally down, as she pleads with her abuser to light her up even in her darkest moments.
In summary, the song Light Me Up reflects the struggles of a young woman trying to fit into a society that has strict expectations of how she should look, feel and act. It celebrates the freedom that comes with self-acceptance and highlights the dangers of addiction and conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
Does what I'm wearing seem to shock you
I sense judgment from you towards my clothing choices.
Well that's okay
But I'm comfortable with who I am, regardless of your views.
'Cause what I'm thinking about you Is not okay
I have negative thoughts about you, which I acknowledge aren't justified.
I've got it on my mind to change my ways
I'm considering making some personal improvements in my life.
But I don't think I can be anything other than me
However, I don't believe I can fundamentally alter my essence.
Do you have a light
Can you provide me with some temporary relief from my troubles?
Can you make me feel alright
Can you help me feel better about myself and my situation?
There's plenty of white to go around
There's an abundance of substances that can numb my pain.
Do you think its right
Do you believe it's acceptable behavior to physically harm others?
When you hit me to the ground
When you physically assault me and bring me to the floor.
Then light me up when I'm down
Yet, I still seek the temporary relief that destructive behaviors can provide.
Does what I'm saying seem to haunt you
My words may be causing you some discomfort and unease.
Cause what I'm saying about you is not okay
I'm expressing some negative thoughts about you that may be hurtful.
Do you have a light
Again, I ask for temporary relief in the form of a harmful substance.
When you hit me to the ground well
If you continue to harm me physically.
Does what I'm taking seem to bother you
My use of harmful substances may be offending or worrying you.
Cause I can take it all without you
Despite your concerns, I'll continue to indulge in harmful behaviors on my own.
And I'm okay
I reassure myself that everything is fine, even if it may not be true.
Do you think its right
Once again, I question the ethicality of harmful behavior towards others.
When you hit me to the ground well
If you persist in assaulting me physically.
Then light me up when I'm down
And yet, I'll still seek temporary relief even if it's harmful and self-destructive.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BEN PHILLIPS, KATO KHANDWALA, TAYLOR MOMSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind