Their debut album BiRd-BrAiNs was first released on limited edition vinyl and cassette in June 2009, via the Portland-based imprint Marriage Records. In July 2009, it was announced that tUnE-yArDs had signed to 4AD, and a limited edition pressing of BiRd-BrAiNs was released on August 17, 2009.
A full worldwide release followed on November 16, 2009 (and November 17th in North America). The autumn 2009 pressing was remastered at Abbey Road Studios by Christian Wright, and includes two new bonus tracks: "Want Me To" and "Real Live Flesh."
BiRd-BrAiNs was entirely self-produced and recorded, with Garbus utilizing a hand-held digital voice recorder, ukulele, some noisy off-balance drums, and produced using shareware mixing software. Garbus described their sound as "a patchwork of sound snippets, of history in a present tense. It is a composer's commitment to the preservation of stories, however small and unassuming."
A second album w h o k i l l was released on April 19, 2011, preceded by the single "Bizness". It was produced by Garbus and engineered by Eli Crews at New, Improved Studios in Oakland, California. Comparing the act to Sonic Youth, Frontier Psychiatrist said, "if BiRd-BrAiNs was Garbus’ EVOL, a record bursting with musical ideas that attempted to subvert the notion of song, w h o k i l l is their Sister, a record that embraces the traditional pop song as a vehicle to convey those ideas." The song "Fiya" is featured on a 2010 commercial for the Blackberry Torch.
Manchild
tUnE-yArDs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not gonna say yes when what I really mean is no
Not gonna say no unless you know I mean it
I mean it
Don't beat up on my body
I mean it
I've got something to say
Oh little manchild
Look at your pants
An accident happens each time we dance
Oh there were some times
Among the other times
When I could stand to do this little jig with you
Left right right left
It's time to mean it
I've got something to say
Not gonna say yes when what I really mean is no
Not gonna say no unless you know I mean it
I mean it
Don't beat up on my body
I mean it
Don't beat up on my body
I've got something to say
Oh little manchild
Look at your pants
I've got something to say
Happens each time we dance
I've got something to say
(Oh little manchild
Look at your pants)
I've got something to say
The lyrics of tUnE-yArDs’ song Manchild sends a clear message about communication and consent. The opening lines “When [?] cause I'm not sure/Not gonna say yes when what I really mean is no/Not gonna say no unless you know I mean it” reflects the importance of clarity in language and consent. The central theme of the song seems to revolve around the idea of being assertive in communication, especially in relationships, without fear of retribution. It's a message about the value of self-advocacy, which emphasizes standing up for oneself when it comes to issues like physical boundaries.
The phrase “Don't beat up on my body” repeated throughout the song can also be interpreted to mean that one should not abuse or mistreat their body or allow others to do so. In the verses, the lyrics refer to a “little manchild” who repeatedly causes dance-related accidents, which could be seen as a metaphor for a partner who doesn't fully respect boundaries. The final lines “I've got something to say/Oh little manchild/Look at your pants” can perhaps be interpreted as a call-out for someone who is oblivious to the impact of their actions and how they can affect others.
Overall, the lyrics of Manchild emphasize the importance of communication and consent, especially for women who often feel pressured to comply in romantic situations. This song is a powerful anthem advocating for personal boundaries and control over one's own body.
Line by Line Meaning
When [?] cause I'm not sure
I am hesitant to speak up because I am uncertain about what will happen next.
Not gonna say yes when what I really mean is no
I refuse to agree to something that I don't really want to do.
Not gonna say no unless you know I mean it
I won't say 'no' unless I am completely opposed to what you are asking me to do.
I mean it
Don't beat up on my body
I am serious about my boundaries and I won't let anyone violate them or hurt me.
I've got something to say
Oh little manchild
Look at your pants
An accident happens each time we dance
Oh there were some times
Among the other times
When I could stand to do this little jig with you
Left right right left
I want to speak up about how your actions have been impacting me, even if it means potentially being confrontational. I used to go along with your behavior, but it's no longer okay.
It's time to mean it
It's time for me to be unwavering and firm in my stance.
I've got something to say
I have something that I need to communicate.
Not gonna say yes when what I really mean is no
I won't give in to something that I don't truly want to do.
Not gonna say no unless you know I mean it
I won't refuse unless I am legitimately opposed to what you're asking.
I mean it
Don't beat up on my body
I am insisting that you respect my boundaries and not harm me emotionally or physically.
I've got something to say
Oh little manchild
Look at your pants
I've got something to say
Happens each time we dance
I've got something to say
(Oh little manchild
Look at your pants)
I've got something to say
I am determined to speak up about the negative impact of your actions and demand that things change. Your behavior has been harmful and I can no longer stay silent.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Merrill Martin Garbus, Nathaniel J Brenner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind