The Shondes (from the Yiddish for "shame", "monster" or "disgrace",) are a … Read Full Bio ↴The Shondes (from the Yiddish for "shame", "monster" or "disgrace",) are a riot grrrl-influenced rock quartet based in Brooklyn, New York. Their songs combine punk rock with classical and traditional Jewish music, with emotionally intense lyrics that speak to the band's radical politics. Their debut LP The Red Sea (produced by Tony Maimone,) was released on January 8, 2008.

The band's original lineup was Louisa Rachel Solomon on bass and lead vocals, Elijah Oberman on violin and vocals, Temim Fruchter on drums and vocals , and Ian Brannigan on guitar. In December of 2009 Brannigan was replaced by new guitarist Fureigh.

My Dear One, The Shondes' follow-up to The Red Sea, was released on May 4th, 2010 by Fanatic Records. This was followed with an ep, also on Fanatic, called Lines & Hooks + 3 featuring the titular single (a track from My Dear One) and three previously unreleased songs. The band's third LP, Searchlights, was released on September 20, 2011 on Exotic Fever.

Are You Ready
The Shondes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We were out walking the city all night
All closed up storefronts and an ominous sky
Chain link fences and bridges and benches
And I was wearing my favorite yellow dress
We were out walking the city all night
When we got to the river you were ready to fight
What are you afraid of?
Show me what you’re made of

Baby, are you ready for me
You’re so clever and winning is fun but this is better
You talk so tough with the highway above
Well it’s on, come on and try to bait me
I’d rather argue than sleep
Are you ready to go, are you ready to know me, baby
Are you ready to go, are you ready to show me, baby
What exactly is this thing that we do?
Yeah, you know my hands are dirty, too

Well I’d rather argue than tell the truth ‘cause
Someday soon I could love you, baby

Overall Meaning

The Shondes's song "Are You Ready" is about a relationship that is both tense and passionate. The lyrics describe a night-time walk through the city that is full of closed-up storefronts, ominous skies, and chain link fences. The singer is wearing her favorite yellow dress, and she is accompanied by her partner. As they walk, they come across a river, and her partner becomes confrontational. The singer challenges her partner to prove himself, asking him what he is afraid of and to show her what he is made of.

The song is full of tension as the singer and her partner seem to be at odds with each other. She talks about how winning is fun but being in a relationship is even better. She also references the fact that her partner talks tough, but she is not afraid to argue with him. She would rather stay up late and argue than go to sleep. Additionally, the singer talks about how she is willing to get her hands dirty and how she is not afraid to tell lies. She ends the song by saying that she could love her partner someday soon if he is ready.

The song is a complex and nuanced exploration of a relationship that can be both beautiful and difficult. It touches on themes of passion, confrontation, and the challenges of being in love. It is a thoughtful and thought-provoking song that will appeal to anyone who has ever been in love.

Line by Line Meaning

We were out walking the city all night
We spent the entire night roaming around the city

All closed up storefronts and an ominous sky
The stores were closed, and the sky looked threatening

Chain link fences and bridges and benches
The city had various chain link fences, bridges, and benches

And I was wearing my favorite yellow dress
I was wearing my favorite yellow dress

When we got to the river you were ready to fight
When we reached the river, you were prepared for a fight

What are you afraid of?
What scares you?

Show me what you’re made of
Demonstrate your strength and character

Baby, are you ready for me
Are you prepared to be with me?

You’re so clever and winning is fun but this is better
You're good at winning, but this experience is better

You talk so tough with the highway above
You sound confident even with the highway above us

Well it’s on, come on and try to bait me
Let's start; try to provoke me