The Tiger Lillies are a three-piece band, formed in 1989 by singer-songwrit… Read Full Bio ↴The Tiger Lillies are a three-piece band, formed in 1989 by singer-songwriter Martyn Jacques and based in London.
Currently Martyn Jacques, Adrian Stout, Adrian Huge (Past member Phil Butcher)

Their surreal style has been described as dark, darkly humorous, strangely humorous, Brechtian, and gypsy cabaret. They are also notorious for singing controversial songs involving bestiality, prostitution and blasphemy.

The Tiger Lillies were originally buskers, playing songs about the criminals, pimps and whores of Soho, London, England. Over time, the band became involved in several theatrical productions around the world, including the critically acclaimed Shockheaded Peter. Known for their intense, outlandish, and dark performances, they have garnered both controversy and critical acclaim.

Also "The Tiger Lillies", "The Tigerlilies" and "The Tigerlillies" may refer to Indie rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio that formed in 1989.

Bio:
Cincinnati's power pop stalwarts the Tigerlillies formed in 1989 and set out to fuse glam rock, roots rock, and post-punk into an aesthetic they called "More Pop than Jesus." Led by vocalist/guitarist Pat Hennessy, the band also included former members of the Chrome Cranks, the Candy Snatchers, and G.G. Allin & the Murder Junkies before settling on the lineup of Hennessy, guitarist/vocalist William Weber, bassist Brian Driscoll, and drummer/vocalist Steve Hennessy.

Discography:
Deep (1992)
Space Age Love Songs (1997)
Ceci N'est Ces Pop (2003)

https://facebook.com/TheTigerliliesUSA/
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Tears
The Tiger Lillies Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Skinheads have all gone
England's bastard sons
Pissed on all those years
I guess nothing matches tears
Nothing matches
Nothing matches

You wore your Union Jack

As you knifed me in the back
Well I could feel your fears
Yes nothing matches tears
Nothing matches
Nothing matches

You're so unsure about
You're so full of doubt
As you watch the passing years

40's around the corner
Tattoo's are getting smaller
As you watch the passing years
I guess nothing matches tears
Nothing matches
Nothing matches
Nothing matches tears
Tears

Tears
Tears

Overall Meaning

The Tiger Lillies's song "Tears" is a haunting commentary on the violence and hate that can stem from nationalistic and racist beliefs. The first verse sets the scene by referencing how skinheads have disappeared, leaving behind their legacy of hatred as England's bastard sons. The line "Pissed on all those years" could refer to urinating on the memories of those who fought in World War II to protect England's freedom. The chorus emphasizes the futility of this hatred: "Nothing matches tears." The repetition of this line emphasizes the point that no action can compare to the genuine emotion of tears shed in sadness or grief.

In the second verse, the singer directly addresses someone who wore a Union Jack flag while stabbing them in the back. The singer can feel their attacker's fear, which suggests that the attacker's hate may stem from insecurity and uncertainty in their own beliefs. The third verse expands on this theme, highlighting the lack of conviction inherent in those who hold nationalistic beliefs. The passing of time is shown to diminish their convictions, as tattoos grow smaller and the fear and doubt present in their worldview is laid bare.

Overall, "Tears" is a powerful and sorrowful song that highlights the senseless devastation that can come from nationalism and xenophobia. It suggests that such beliefs are often borne of fear and uncertainty, and that they ultimately lead to nothing but pain and sorrow.

Line by Line Meaning

Skinheads have all gone
The violent and radical skinheads have disappeared from the English society.

England's bastard sons
The English people involved in violent activities like skinhead movement are being referred to as 'bastard sons' of England.

Pissed on all those years
Those people have ruined many years of peace and unity in the society.

I guess nothing matches tears
The songwriter believes that nothing compares to the emotional pain and sadness that people go through because of such violent activities.

Nothing matches
Reiterating the idea that nothing could match the pain of tears.

You wore your Union Jack
The subject of the song, a violent English person, had a Union Jack on his clothes, symbolizing his patriotism towards the country.

As you knifed me in the back
The subject has threatened or attacked the songwriter from behind while wearing the national flag of their country.

Well I could feel your fears
Despite the violent behavior, the songwriter could feel the fear and uncertainty of the subject.

You're so unsure about
Describing the subject as a doubtful and uncertain person.

You're so full of doubt
Reiterating the idea that the subject is filled with doubts and insecurities.

40's around the corner
The present is near the end of the decade and about to enter another period.

Tattoo's are getting smaller
The extreme symbols, like tattoos, are becoming less and less significant as time passes.

As you watch the passing years
The subject is observing the changes happening around them, as time passes.

Tears
The songwriter emphasizes the word 'tears' to emphasize the importance of the emotional pain and sadness that people go through because of violence and radicalism.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARTIN JAQUES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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