He is noted for an asthmatic whispering lyrical style that is half-rapped, half-sung. As a producer and a musician he is known for having an aversion to perfection preferring to build up a dark, rich and layered sound. Culturally, Tricky bridges white and black Britain particularly in his fusion of rock and hip-hop, high art and pop culture. He drew his influences from rap (Public Enemy) to post-punk (he covered a Siouxsie and the Banshees's song Tattoo).
Throughout his work, Tricky blurs the normally clear sexual definitions found within hip hop. Despite the heavy influence he drew from American hip hop in his debut album, Maxinquaye, he fights against typical sexual representations by, for example, dressing as a woman on the side sleeve of his album cover. Within many of his tracks he blends elements of varying types of music, and use his lyrics to create a much more ambiguous and blurry reality of sexuality.
Maxinquaye remains his most commercially and critically successful album to date. About it, Tricky originally said in an interview with Raygun in October 1996 that he wanted to make an 'out-an-out punk record' and that "I thought it was going be heavier. I thought it was just going to be an out-an-out punk record. But you end up straying. What I wanted to do was a total fast album. Some of the tracks are fast and hard, but they didn't come out like that." He also said that he hated being stuck with the trip-hop tag so "That's why I did Nearly God, and that's why I did Pre-Millennium Tension. You can't see them as trip-hop albums. So I just keep running away from it. But the farther you run, it's still there. They'll find you." Ever since, Tricky' style has evolved away from obscure, sample-based textures to a more contemporary, electronic sound.
Tricky was in Massive Attack and appeared in the movie The Fifth Element as well as the music video for Parabola by Tool. He has collaborated extensively with other artists on tracks on his various releases, including Bjork, Alanis Morissette, Cyndi Lauper, Anthony Kiedis , John Frusciante and Flea (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers), Martina Topley-Bird, and Alison Goldfrapp of Goldfrapp also many others.
After his initial success in the latter 1990's, he started his own label called Durban Poison. Currently he is heading a new imprint called Brown Punk.
Wash my soul
Tricky Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the streets
Visa cards, VIP
Wash away and use you as a fan
Starving these children
And I change the channel
You know me, I'm Mr.Nice
You know me I survive at any price
Lick it, wet it, you like it, you let it
Lick it, wet it, touch it, take your turn
On some days, together we can learn
Wash my soul, wash my soul, wash my soul
Lick it, wet it, you like it, you let it
Lick it, wet it, touch it, take your turn
On some days, together we can learn
I've served with gangsters
And I've served with kings
These are a few of my favorite things
Think about love, love now and then
It's no good
I am weak, I admit
Wash my soul
Lick it, wet it, you like it, you let it
Lick it, wet it, touch it, take your turn
On some days, together we can learn
Wash my soul, wash my soul
Lick it, wet it, you like it, you let it
Lick it, wet it, you like it, take your turn
Take your turn, take your turn
Together we can learn
The lyrics of Tricky's song "Wash My Soul" can be interpreted in several different ways, depending on the listener's perspective. On one hand, the song seems to be a commentary on the hypocrisy of modern society: "I get paid while they starve" could be interpreted as a critique of capitalism and the inequalities it creates, while the line "Visa cards, VIP" suggests a culture obsessed with material wealth and status symbols. The chorus, "Wash my soul," could be read as a plea for redemption, a desire to escape from the corruption and superficiality that surrounds the singer.
However, the sexual overtones of the song complicate this interpretation. The repetition of "lick it, wet it" suggests a sexual act, as does the line "touch it, take your turn." It's possible that the chorus, "wash my soul," takes on a double meaning in this context, representing both a desire for spiritual purity and a desire for physical cleanliness after a sexual encounter. The complex interplay between these different themes creates a sense of ambiguity and tension that is characteristic of Tricky's moody and atmospheric style.
Overall, "Wash My Soul" is a thought-provoking and challenging song that invites listeners to engage with its multiple layers of meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
I get paid while they starve
While many people on the streets are starving, I am able to make money for myself
In the streets
Referring to the location of the struggling and poverty-stricken people
Visa cards, VIP
Some are fortunate enough to live lavish lifestyles while others suffer on the streets
Wash away and use you as a fan
Take advantage of you and your admiration without truly caring about your problems
Starving these children
Referring to the sad reality of children going without basic necessities like food
And I change the channel
Referring to the societal issue of people ignoring problems rather than confronting and solving them
You know me, I'm Mr.Nice
Despite my flaws and questionable actions, I try to maintain a positive image
You know me I survive at any price
I will do whatever it takes to succeed and thrive in life, even at the expense of others
So it seems I'm the devil's son
Acknowledging that my actions and prioritization of self-gain could be seen as immoral or evil
Lick it, wet it, you like it, you let it
Implies an action that objectifies and dehumanizes others, potentially referencing sex or drug use
Touch it, take your turn
Similar to the previous line, this could refer to exploitation or selfish decisions
On some days, together we can learn
Despite the previous lines' suggestion of negative behavior, there is potential to work and improve together
Wash my soul, wash my soul, wash my soul
Requesting cleansing or absolution of one's negative actions and thoughts
I've served with gangsters
Acknowledging connections to and past involvement with criminal activity
And I've served with kings
Likewise acknowledging connections to those in positions of power and privilege
These are a few of my favorite things
Referencing the disparity between struggling on the streets and living a life of luxury
Think about love, love now and then
Encouraging consideration and prioritization of love, kindness, and empathy towards others
It's no good
Acknowledging the negative and potentially harmful effects of selfish behavior
I am weak, I admit
Admitting personal faults and shortcomings
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADRIAN NICHOLAS MATTHEW THAWS, LARRY MUGGERUD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind