Throwing Muses is known for performing music with shifting tempos, creative chord progressions, unorthodox song structures, and surreal lyrics. The group was set apart from other contemporary acts by Hersh's stark, candid writing style; Donelly's pop stylings and vocal harmonies; and David Narcizo's unusual drumming techniques eschewing use of cymbals. Hallucinatory, febrile songs by Hersh occasionally touched on the subject of mental illness, more often drawing portraits of characters from daily life or addressing relationships.
Donelly left the band in 1991 and was a member of The Breeders and Belly, before starting to perform solo. She also contributed vocals to the Throwing Muses self-titled album in 2003. Hersh has also worked solo, and fronts the power trio 50 Foot Wave (which also includes Muses bassist Bernard Georges). Narcizo works in graphic design and has a musical project Lakuna.
In March 2003, Throwing Muses came back with their eighth album, Throwing Muses, which also saw the return of Tanya Donelly who provided backing vocals on the album. A greatest hits compilation titled Anthology was released in 2011. The band's ninth album, Purgatory / Paradise was released on October 29, 2013 in the UK and November 11 in the US. In early 2014, the band toured a few U.S. cities, with Donelly opening for the East Coast dates.
Bright Yellow Gun
Throwing Muses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I think I need a little poison
To keep me tame keep me awake
I have nothing to offer but confusion
And the circus in my head, and the middle of the bed
In the middle of the night
With your bright silver frown, you own the town
And I think I need a little poison
I have nothing to offer but the middle of the night
And I think you need a little poison
You leak one apple a week to survive
And you still have to ask if you're alive
You have nothing to offer but police my dreams
Keep me clean keep me awake
With your bright yellow gun, you own the sun
And I think I need a little poison
With your bright silver grin, you own sin
And I think I need a little poison
Bright yellow gun
The song "Bright Yellow Gun" by Throwing Muses is a raw and introspective examination of a dysfunctional and possibly abusive relationship. The singer begins by acknowledging that her partner has all the power and control in the relationship, symbolized by the bright yellow gun that he possesses. She feels helpless and in need of something, perhaps poison, to keep her alert and on edge. The toxic nature of the relationship is further evident in the singer's admission of confusion and the "circus in her head."
The second verse shifts to the partner's perspective, highlighting his bright silver frown that controls the town and the need for poison to keep the relationship alive. The partner is portrayed as someone who is barely surviving and yet still asks if he's alive. The relationship is a constant battle, with the partner policing the singer's dreams and keeping her awake and clean.
Line by Line Meaning
With your bright yellow gun, you own the sun
The person wields so much power and control that they are capable of owning something as vast and powerful as the sun.
And I think I need a little poison
This person feels overwhelmed and believes that they require something toxic to help them cope and stay alert.
To keep me tame keep me awake
They require something to restrain them and keep them from losing control while also keeping them attentive.
I have nothing to offer but confusion
This person feels like they are lost and have no direction to offer those around them.
And the circus in my head, and the middle of the bed
Their thoughts are chaotic and they struggle with restless nights.
In the middle of the night
Their struggles with their thoughts and emotions are most intense during the late hours.
With your bright silver frown, you own the town
The person is so powerful and intimidating that they essentially have complete control over the entire town.
I have no secrets I have no lies
The person is transparent and trustworthy, with nothing to hide or deceive others with.
I have nothing to offer but the middle of the night
Like before, they feel like they have no worth or value to offer to others.
And I think you need a little poison
This person believes that the powerful individual from before needs something harmful to keep them in check and prevent them from becoming too overbearing.
You leak one apple a week to survive
The individual they were referring to now seems to be struggling to hold onto their power and maintain their well-being, only having just enough to get by.
And you still have to ask if you're alive
The individual may be successful on the surface, but they seem to be having an existential crisis and questioning the purpose of their life and existence.
You have nothing to offer but police my dreams
Despite their lack of resources, they still try to take control of others, even invading their personal thoughts and dreams.
Keep me clean keep me awake
They try to manipulate those around them into being alert and disciplined at all times.
With your bright silver grin, you own sin
The powerful individual is not afraid to do the wrong thing, and is so manipulative that they can control and twist people's perceptions of morality itself.
And I think I need a little poison
Once again, the person feels like they need something dangerous to counteract the power of the other individual.
Lyrics © HEYDAY MEDIA GROUP LLC
Written by: KRISTIN HERSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Double-0 Diablo
Havenât heard this song in well over 20 years, since the early to mid 90s indie rock heyday. Sounds even fresher and more brilliant today! Glad I still have all my 4AD CDâs and CD singles from back then, but wish I hadnât stopped buying vinyl around â88-â89.
Sean
Tanya was never truly recognized as the musical genius she is .. and this clip is pure Gold.
Edy Untung
I just discovered this band, man they are soooo good..
P Landseer
Never been enough love in the world for the Muses. Brilliant band, great songwriting, steering vocals and fabulous instrumentalists.
Mikee22ification
One of the best songs of the 90s. . should have plaus million hits. . has to be LOUDER
Michael Starr
I like all the great alternative hits from the 90's but this is in my top 5. Good stuff
Ollie O'Leary
EXACTLY!!
Keith Bate
much louder
Alfredo Vassquess
This song is absolutely amazing. I have spent years listening it and I donÂŽt get tired of hearing it.
Ălex LĂłpez
The same here.