"That's Not My Name" rose to the top of the U.K. charts in May 2008, the same month that the duo's debut album, We Started Nothing, appeared. The Ting Tings spent the rest of 2008 and a large part of 2009 touring in support of the album, which eventually sold over two million copies worldwide, won the 2009 Ivor Novello Award for Best Album, and earned the group a Best New Artist Grammy nomination that December. Early in 2010, De Martino and White moved to Berlin to work on songs for their second album. Inspired by the city's atmosphere and the cold weather, they went in a darker, more electronic direction with their new songs. In August 2010, the Ting Tings offered a taste of their new material, premiering the single "Hands" -- which was mixed by Calvin Harris -- on BBC Radio 1 and officially releasing it that October. After extensive touring and over eight months recording in Germany and Spain, in March 2012 the Ting Tings offered their sophomore album, Sounds from Nowheresville, a collection of songs inspired by the exuberant freedom of the Beastie Boys' classic Paul's Boutique. Two years later, third album Super Critical surfaced. Its October release date was preceded by the April release of first single "Wrong Club."
02_Hit Me Down Sonny
The Ting Tings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Make out like Speedy Gonzales
Finito, a liar
Iya iya think I'm on fire
Flawless, look at your faces
Two sides don't make me hate this
I'm on it, I call it, liar liar your words expire
But Sonny only got so much for me
You can hit me down Sonny
But Sonny can't help me no more
Hey now, hey now now, Sonny won't get me down
He ain't got my soul he ain't got my anything now now
Wall paint, crawling on elbows
I make you a little no-show
On tip-toes, behind, spin around around around and I'll find ya'
Forecast, this is a heatwave
I'll make you a banging headache
Controlling, so lonely
Liar liar jump in the fire
And you can hit me down Sonny
But Sonny only got so much for me
You can hit me down Sonny
But Sonny can't help me no more
Hey now, hey now now, Sonny won't get me down
He ain't got my soul he ain't got my anything now now
Honest, I'm packing those boxes
Kicking you out like Speedy Gonzales
Finito, you liar
Iya iya your things are on fire
Flawless, sick of your faces
Two sides don't make hate this
I'm on it, I call it, might as well make the most of it
Did you ever think you'd see me
Like this?
Like this?
Like this?
Hey
Like this?
In "Hit Me Down Sonny", The Ting Tings present a rebellious anthem against those who try to bring them down or hold them back. The opening lines, "It's honest, I'm ticking those boxes, make out like Speedy Gonzales" imply that the band is proceeding with integrity and urgency, but still encountering obstacles or doubters. The chorus, "You can hit me down Sonny, but Sonny only got so much for me" indicates that they are unfazed by these setbacks and refuse to be defeated. They emphasize this confidence in the bridge, "Did you ever think you'd see me like this?" What was perhaps once unexpected or improbable is now within their grasp.
The lyrics also suggest a sense of control over the situation, as they refer to kicking someone out or crawling around to find them. The idea of someone's things being on fire may indicate that the person is being held accountable for their actions or words. The phrase "two sides don't make me hate this" seems to imply that they are unwilling to engage in or perpetuate conflict, but are firm in their own convictions. Overall, the song has a strong sense of determination and positive attitude, encouraging listeners to push through their own obstacles and rise above negativity.
Line by Line Meaning
It's honest, I'm ticking those boxes
I'm being truthful and checking everything off the list
Make out like Speedy Gonzales
I'm moving fast like the cartoon character Speedy Gonzales
Finito, a liar
You're finished, you're a liar
Iya iya think I'm on fire
I'm feeling hot or on top of my game
Flawless, look at your faces
I'm perfect and you're all jealous
Two sides don't make me hate this
Your two-faced behavior doesn't make me upset
I'm on it, I call it, liar liar your words expire
I'm aware of your lies and I'm calling you out on it
You can hit me down Sonny
You can try to knock me down
But Sonny only got so much for me
But you can't hurt me anymore than you already have
But Sonny can't help me no more
You can't bring me down because I don't need your help
Hey now, hey now now, Sonny won't get me down
I won't let you bring me down
He ain't got my soul he ain't got my anything now now
You don't have control over me anymore
Wall paint, crawling on elbows
I'm willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means crawling on my elbows
I make you a little no-show
I'll make you disappear or not show up
On tip-toes, behind, spin around around around and I'll find ya'
I'll find you no matter where you hide
Forecast, this is a heatwave
Things are about to heat up or get difficult
I'll make you a banging headache
I'll make your life difficult and give you a headache
Controlling, so lonely
You're trying to control everything but you're actually alone
Liar liar jump in the fire
You're a liar and deserve to be punished
Did you ever think you'd see me
Did you ever think I'd be this strong or successful?
Like this?
Like the way I'm standing up to you and not letting you bring me down
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KATIE WHITE, JULES DE MARTINO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind