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.
Snakeface
Throwing Muses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know you can't be still
Mhm, move me
Snake Snake
Face out an open window
Water in my eyes
Beat me to it
One more button undone
You talk too loud I'm talking to you
Talk it into the ground
Mhm, move me
Snake Snake
Face out an open window
Fire in my eyes
Beat me to it
Meet me here next time
One more button undone
Next week I'll be a lousy liar
Next time I'll say when
You move me
The song "Snakeface" by Throwing Muses is a fast-paced, energetic track that features the recurring motif of a snake intertwining with the themes of sensuality and unease. The lyrics express a sense of restlessness, with the singer feeling the constant need to move and be moved by others. The opening line, "Not another drive-in movie, you know you can't be still," sets the tone for the song's edgy, frenetic energy.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly abstract, with lines like "Snake Snake, face out an open window, fire in my eyes" conjuring vivid imagery that is at once seductive and unsettling. The repetition of the phrase "beat me to it, meet me here next time" adds to the sense of urgency and anticipation in the song, as though the singer is seeking something that always just out of reach.
Overall, "Snakeface" is a complex and layered track that draws on a variety of themes and emotions to create a truly unique listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Not another drive-in movie
I am tired of this unexciting routine. I want something more.
You know you can't be still
You feel as restless as I do, and we both need to escape from this monotony.
Mhm, move me
I am craving for some thrilling adventures, and I want you to come along with me.
Snake Snake
I feel like I am stuck in a cycle, repeating the same mundane activities over and over again.
Face out an open window
I want to break free from the confinement and experience the freedom of the outdoors, even for a little while.
Water in my eyes
I am willing to face the obstacles and challenges that come with trying something new and exciting.
Beat me to it
I am prepared for whatever comes my way, even if it means facing my fears or taking risks.
Meet me here next time
Let's make a plan to meet here again in the future and continue to take risks and try new things together.
One more button undone
I am willing to let loose and not worry about being perfect or following societal norms.
You talk too loud I'm talking to you
You are not really listening to me, and I just want you to be present and in the moment with me.
Talk it into the ground
Let's not focus on trivial details or minor issues, and instead focus on the bigger picture and more important matters.
Next week I'll be a lousy liar
If we keep living this mundane life, I know I will eventually become bored and uninteresting.
Next time I'll say when
Next time, I am going to speak up and take the lead in pursuing new adventures instead of waiting for someone else to suggest them.
You move me
I feel inspired and motivated by you to pursue exciting new experiences and adventures.
Lyrics © HEYDAY MEDIA GROUP LLC
Written by: Kristin Hersh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
thalia muse
I will never know why this song wasn't a huge hit.
Chris Johnson
Saw them in 95 or 96. Probably my favorite song. I could see the music though. A bit of acid before the show.
pulykamell
This song is just so cool and evocative. I had actually forgotten about it until I watched "Empire Records" for the first time last night (yeah, I know I'm about 25 years late), and when I heard this song in the background, the mid-90s just flashed back to me. Just a gorgeous, moody tune.
Bridgette Mezlini
You’re at least 40 now if you remember this song from being a teen watching Empire Records when it was new. That’s me, I’m in my 40’s.
copyright1982
I wish they added the match striking sound at the pause near the beginning of the song lol
Deja Voodu
Same here.
Greg R
Close I'm 35 This June
Marcus Mührmann-Lund
33 here.
Corrine Rujan
Love this first heard it years ago in empire records movie and it popped into my head today,glad I found it again😃🐍
john Harrison
i love that movie