Ty Segall is an American musician and songwriter, based in Los Angeles, Cal… Read Full Bio ↴Ty Segall is an American musician and songwriter, based in Los Angeles, California. A multi-instrumentalist, Segall is a vocalist, guitarist and drummer. He has released eleven solo studio albums along with numerous collaborations, live albums, demos and compilations. Along with his extensive solo output, he is a member of the bands The Traditional Fools, Epsilons, Party Fowl, Sic Alps, GØGGS, Fuzz, The Perverts, and Wasted Shirt.

Segall began his recording career as a part-time musician in various underground bands in Orange County and the San Francisco Bay Area, before beginning a solo career in 2008. Segall's first solo release was the cassette Horn The Unicorn released on the Wizard Mountain label (later re-released by HBSP-2X on vinyl record). Around the same time, Wizard Mountain also released a split cassette featuring Segall and the band Superstitions entitled Halfnonagon.

In 2012, Segall released three LPs: His solo album, Twins; a collaboration with White Fence titled Hair and Slaughterhouse, an album with the Ty Segall Band.

Who Are You
Ty Segall Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You've been restin' (?), baby
On the side of the cross
I'm getting used to it
It's how people get off, yeah
I should've
I feel lingered on
It's a shoe-shine, party, but
The ratings are soft now

Who is producing you (your main man?)
Sweet, sweet love will shine and never dim, yeah

The freak of nature (three-foot nature?)
He's not completely off
What could be better
His ratings they're soft, now
He turns his sax around
Calls them clean, yeah
Another day yeah
Turning black into gold, yeah

Who is producing you (your main man?)
Sweet, sweet love will shine and never dim, yeah

Who is producing you (your main man?)

Sweet, sweet love will shine and never dim, yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ty Segall's song "Who Are You" convey a sense of curiosity and reflection on the dualities of the music industry and personal relationships. The opening lines, "You've been restin', baby, on the side of the cross, I'm getting used to it, it's how people get off," suggest a metaphorical resting place where people find solace or escape. This could be interpreted as referring to the music industry, where artists find comfort in their work and the validation they receive from it.

The lyrics continue to explore the idea of being used to something, symbolizing a state of adaptation or acceptance. The line "I should've, I feel lingered on" implies some uncertainty or regret about not fully embracing or exploring certain experiences or relationships. The mention of a "shoe-shine party" and soft ratings alludes to the idea of putting on a show or presentation, but perhaps not being completely satisfied with the response or success achieved.

The chorus, repeated throughout the song, questions the influence and control others have on the singer's creative process or personal life: "Who is producing you? Sweet, sweet love will shine and never dim, yeah." This line suggests a desire for autonomy and authenticity amidst the external pressures and expectations imposed by others. It also highlights the enduring power of love, which can provide a guiding light and sense of clarity in uncertain times.

Overall, the lyrics of "Who Are You" present a contemplative exploration of the music industry, personal relationships, and the search for identity and creative freedom.

Line by Line Meaning

You've been restin' (?), baby
You have been idle and complacent, my dear

On the side of the cross
Finding solace in religion

I'm getting used to it
Growing accustomed to this situation

It's how people get off, yeah
It's how people find pleasure and satisfaction, you know

I should've
I should have realized

I feel lingered on
I am left in a state of uncertainty

It's a shoe-shine party, but
There is a superficiality to the celebration, yet

The ratings are soft now
The popularity or success is declining

Who is producing you (your main man?)
Who is guiding and controlling your artistic output? (Your main collaborator?)

Sweet, sweet love will shine and never dim, yeah
Genuine love and passion will always radiate brightly

The freak of nature (three-foot nature?)
The anomaly or oddity (perhaps a small-statured individual)