With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Little Tongues First
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I won't back down
This is my land and this is my way
And I won't back down
It's already here, it's finally come for me sweetness
Today of all days
But that was my past and I won't look back
Shame on yo' all, shake it to the world, shame on yo' all, shook this world
Shame on yo' all, shake it to the world, shame on yo' all, yeah
Suicide pact, suicide pact, suicide pact, you first
Suicide pact, suicide pact, suicide pact, you first
And it's not the end yet
Don't send me flowers
Cause I'm not dead yet
I'm not suicidal, I'm just bored
And don't pull the trigger
'Cause I'm just a singer
Tonight baby, I'm the governess jester
A fake smile and a phony gesture
Shame on yo' all, shake it to the world, shame on yo' all, shook this world
Shame on yo' all, shake it to the world, shame on yo' all, yeah
Suicide pact, suicide pact, suicide pact, you first
Suicide pact, suicide pact, suicide pact, you first
Suicide pact, suicide pact, suicide pact, you first
Suicide pact, suicide pact, suicide pact, you first
The lyrics to Therapy?'s song Little Tongues First express a sense of defiance in the face of adversity. The opening lines declare that the singer has a vision and a way of doing things that they will not compromise on. They take ownership of their land and their life, stating that they won't back down. Yet despite this confidence, the singer acknowledges that they have a past that they won't dwell on, and that there are negative forces pushing against them ("shame on yo' all"). The repeated refrain of "suicide pact, you first" suggests that the singer is challenging their critics to put their money where their mouth is, and commit to their negative opinions.
However, in the second half of the song, the tone shifts slightly. The singer clarifies that they're not actually suicidal, just bored. They caution against anyone trying to hurt them, emphasizing that they're just a singer. The final lines, which repeat the "suicide pact" phrase, may therefore be a form of dark humor, a way of mocking those who speak negatively about them.
Overall, the lyrics to Little Tongues First are full of contrasts - confidence and vulnerability, defiance and mockery. They speak to the complex and often messy nature of personal identity and artistic expression.
Line by Line Meaning
This is my vision and this is my way
I have a clear idea of what I want and how I want to achieve it.
And I won't back down
I am determined and unwavering in my pursuit.
This is my land and this is my way
I feel a sense of ownership and belonging to this place.
It's already here, it's finally come for me sweetness
I have been waiting for something to happen and it has now arrived.
Today of all days
This moment is significant and not to be missed.
But that was my past and I won't look back
I have moved on from my past and am focused on the present.
Shame on yo' all, shake it to the world, shame on yo' all, shook this world
You should be ashamed of yourselves and your actions have had far-reaching consequences.
Suicide pact, suicide pact, suicide pact, you first
I am not afraid to die, but I am not going to be the first to go.
And it's not the end yet
There is still more to come, more to experience.
Don't send me flowers
I do not need or want sympathy or pity.
Cause I'm not dead yet
I am still alive and kicking, not ready to give up.
I'm not suicidal, I'm just bored
I am not contemplating suicide, I am simply looking for something to do.
And don't pull the trigger
Do not try to harm me, I am not a threat.
'Cause I'm just a singer
I am an artist, not a danger to anyone.
Tonight baby, I'm the governess jester
I am playing a role, living a persona for entertainment purposes.
A fake smile and a phony gesture
I am putting on a show, pretending to be something I am not.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CAIRNS, GRAHAM HOPKINS, MARTIN MCCARRICK, MICHAEL ROBERT MCKEEGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind