1) The Tubes is a San… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one group called the Tubes:
1) The Tubes is a San Francisco-based theater rock band popular in the mid 1970s and early 1980s. Their eponymous 1975 debut album included the single "White Punks on Dope," while their 1983 single "She's a Beauty" was a top-10 U.S. hit and its music video was frequently played in the early days of MTV.
Known for their live performances that combined music performances, the band used many different unique costumes (in some acts they wore leotards with painted on nipples and pubic hair). They made satires of life in the USA; the media, consumerism, and politics. They were often banned in the Midwest USA.
The Tubes continue performing live, with several members of the original band still in the touring lineup.
2) The Tubes is a five-piece Garage Funk band from Switzerland. Brainchild of Harry Tuttle and Barbie Tube, and formed in 2006, they released their first recordings in 2007.
Rob Tube : Bass & Vocals
Harry Tube : Guitar
Rosie Tube : Horns & Vocals
Tube Tube : Keys & Vocals
Barbie Tube : Drums
Say What You Want
The Tubes Lyrics
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Gazworks/ASCAP/
Feesongs/BMI
Am I what you're looking for today,
and who will it be tomorrow?
Time has a way of breaking a date
and only fools will follow.
You know that I'd swim across the nile
walk on my hands for a thousand miles
if you'd explain what's behind that smile, and
Say what you want
but go down with it
For once can we skip the going
through the motions
and cut swiftly to the chase?
There must be a play, pill, or potion
to make you see it my way
Do I just wait for my hell to freeze?
Or was I supposed to be on my knees?
Did I forget? Well won't you tell me please, just
Say what you want
but go down with it
How do you know the way to run away from?
It's never in his eyes
So do you stay or you go?
Never gonna find out
Say what is on your mind
The Tubes' "Say What You Want" is a deeply introspective and vulnerable song, with lyrics that speak to the uncertainty and anxiety that can come with relationships. The first stanza starts with a question that echoes throughout the song: "Am I what you're looking for today, and who will it be tomorrow?" This suggests the fear of being left behind or rejected by a partner who is always searching for something better. The line "Time has a way of breaking a date and only fools will follow" is also significant, indicating that time and circumstance can come between two people in love, and that only those who can't see the bigger picture will continue to pursue a relationship that's destined to fail.
The second stanza is more assertive in tone, calling for a direct approach to the issues at hand. The singer expresses a willingness to do anything to understand the partner's feelings, saying "You know that I'd swim across the nile, walk on my hands for a thousand miles if you'd explain what's behind that smile". But he also demands clarity, asking the partner to "Say what you want but go down with it", suggesting that if the relationship ends due to a lack of communication or honesty, it's on them for not being truthful.
The final stanza is a plea for resolution, asking whether the singer should continue waiting patiently for the partner's feelings to change or if they should move on. The line "How do you know the way to run away from? It's never in his eyes" shows that the partner remains opaque and hard to read, making it challenging for the singer to understand what they want. Ultimately, the song leaves the conclusion open-ended, leaving the listener to wonder whether the relationship will survive or not.
Line by Line Meaning
Am I what you're looking for today,
Do I meet your expectations at the moment?
and who will it be tomorrow?
But will I still meet them tomorrow?
Time has a way of breaking a date
The passage of time often destroys plans and relationships
and only fools will follow.
Only a foolish person would keep following someone despite broken promises
You know that I'd swim across the nile
I would go to extreme lengths for you
walk on my hands for a thousand miles
I would endure immense hardship for you
if you'd explain what's behind that smile, and
But I need to know what's really going on with you
Say what you want
Tell me exactly what you're thinking
but go down with it
And be willing to accept the consequences of your words
For once can we skip the going
Can we stop pretending and stop wasting time
through the motions
Going through the same routine over and over again
and cut swiftly to the chase?
And get to the point quickly?
There must be a play, pill, or potion
There must be a trick or method to make you see things my way
to make you see it my way
To make you agree with me
Do I just wait for my hell to freeze?
Should I just wait here forever?
Or was I supposed to be on my knees?
Do I need to beg for your attention?
Did I forget? Well won't you tell me please, just
If I've overlooked something, can you point it out to me?
How do you know the way to run away from?
How do you know how to avoid dealing with things?
It's never in his eyes
It's never apparent in the other person's behavior
So do you stay or you go?
Do you stick around or do you leave?
Never gonna find out
You won't know until you make a decision
Say what is on your mind
Please be honest about what you're thinking and feeling
Contributed by Brody W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ed M
I love this album. Incredibly creative and original. The Tubes sound, the musicianship, writing and wicked guitar and keys... and drums... vocals. WOw