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.
Take
Throwing Muses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you let me drive your car
I think I might want you
If you let me drive real far
I won't steal your keys
I won't try to be mean
Plus it might break you
I pray to the god
Who made you
I wouldn't break it
Couldn't take what isn't mine,
'Cause I like you
And I know it isn't right
Just go about your business
And pretend that I'm your wife
Plus I could feed you
Feed you 'cause I need you
I pray to the gods
I can please you
I hold a fistful of money
Drag me down I reel you in
If you don't think I'm pretty
I understand
Just don't think you won't die
By a woman's hand
Plus I might hurt you
Hurt you, desert you
I pray to the gods
I can burn you
Take to the road
Take me with you
Take to the road
Take me with you
Bring me, this thing me
I pray to the gods
You can change me
Take to the road
Take me with you
Take to the road
Take me with you
The lyrics of Throwing Muses’ song “Take” seem to be written from the perspective of someone who is hesitant to start a romantic relationship but is still drawn to the other person. The singer expresses interest in the other person, but only if they let her drive their car and take her on a long drive. The repeated phrase “I think I could like you” emphasizes her uncertainty about the relationship. She acknowledges that it would be wrong to pursue it and promises not to do anything harmful. However, she also mentions that there is a chance she might hurt the other person in the end.
The lyrics also contain several references to prayer and gods, implying that the singer may be seeking guidance or help with her feelings. She mentions that she prays to the god who made the other person and asks for the ability to please them. The lyrics suggest that the singer is struggling with conflicting emotions and desires, and is uncertain if pursuing a relationship is the right decision.
Overall, the lyrics of “Take” evoke a sense of longing and hesitation towards a potential relationship. The singer is drawn to the other person, but at the same time, is aware of the potential harm that could come from pursuing a romantic connection. The repeated phrases and references to prayer add to the song’s introspective and contemplative tone.
Line by Line Meaning
I think I could like you
I'm attracted to you
If you let me drive your car
I want to have control
I think I might want you
I'm considering a relationship
If you let me drive real far
I want to explore things
I won't steal your keys
I won't do anything behind your back
I won't try to be mean
I promise to be kind
Plus it might break you
But I'm warning you it can be intense
Break you that might save you
Breaking your routine might do you good
I pray to the god
I'm hoping for the best
Who made you
For you to be open minded
I wouldn't break it
I won't ruin anything
Couldn't take what isn't mine
It's not in my nature to steal
'Cause I like you
I genuinely enjoy your company
And I know it isn't right
I understand that it's not normal
Just go about your business
You don't have to change anything
And pretend that I'm your wife
Only in our fantasy
Plus I could feed you
I want to take care of you
Feed you 'cause I need you
I want to be with you
I pray to the gods
I'm begging you
I can please you
To have your affection
I hold a fistful of money
I have wealth and status
Drag me down I reel you in
You're attracted to success
If you don't think I'm pretty
Not looking for physical attraction
I understand
It's okay
Just don't think you won't die
I can be dangerous
By a woman's hand
Gender doesn't matter
Plus I might hurt you
But don't let that steer you away from me
Hurt you, desert you
I can be loving and hurtful
I pray to the gods
I'm sorry for my risk-of-harm tendencies
I can burn you
I can hurt and leave you
Take to the road
Let's go on an adventure
Take me with you
Bring me along
Bring me, this thing me
I have some baggage, but I want you to bring me anyway
I pray to the gods
I'm pleading to you
You can change me
I'm willing to be molded
Take to the road
Let's go on an adventure
Take me with you
Bring me along
Lyrics © HEYDAY MEDIA GROUP LLC
Written by: Kristin Hersh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Baron Clusterbomb
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