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.
Yes You Yes
tUnE-yArDs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now that everything is gonna be alright
What if baby I cannot see the sound?
What if baby I cannot hear the light?
Now that everything is gonna be okay
Now that everything is gonna be alright
What if baby I cannot see the sound?
What's that about?
What's that about?
What's that about?
What's that about?
Now that everything is gonna be okay
Now that everything is gonna be alright
What if baby I cannot see the sound?
What if baby I cannot hear the light?
Now that everything is gonna be okay
Now that everything is gonna be alright
What if baby I cannot see the sound?
What if baby I cannot hear the light?
I was born to do it
My daddy had enough so I put my back into it
That man was born to do it too
We didn't have enough so we cannot sing for you, ha
If home is where the heart is baby
Then my home is inside you
I don't need a linen room of diamonds
Yeah a chicken shed will do
If home is where the heart is baby
Then my home is inside you
I don't need a linen room of diamonds
Yeah a chicken shed will do do do do
I was born to do it
My daddy had enough so I put my back into it
That man was born to do it too
We didn't have enough so we can ah
I was born to do it
My daddy had enough so I put my back in
Th-th-that man was born to do it too
We didn't have enough so we cannot sing for you, ha
Throw your money on the ground and leave it there
You, yes, you
Now that everything is gonna be okay
The lyrics to tUnE-yArDs's song "Yes You Yes" seem to be a contemplation on the idea of perception and how it relates to reality. The repetition of the two phrases "Now that everything is gonna be okay" and "Now that everything is gonna be alright" could be seen as an attempt to convince oneself that things are indeed getting better, despite any challenges or uncertainties that may exist. The questions "What if baby I cannot see the sound?" and "What if baby I cannot hear the light?" present a paradoxical concept, suggesting that certain senses may not be equipped to perceive things we think they should be able to.
The second half of the song moves into personal reflection, with the lyrics "I was born to do it, My daddy had enough so I put my back into it, That man was born to do it too, We didn't have enough so we cannot sing for you." These lines suggest a desire to achieve success and a sense of purpose that may have been passed down from parents or other influential figures, even if these dreams cannot be fully realized. The repeated line "If home is where the heart is baby, Then my home is inside you" speaks to the importance of personal connection and emotional intimacy, rather than material wealth or possessions.
In regards to the repeated question "What's that about?", it could be interpreted as the singer pondering and questioning the complexities of the world and existence. It also serves as a somewhat cryptic refrain that adds a bit of mystery to the overall message of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that everything is gonna be okay
Even though things may have been uncertain or scary before, there is now a sense of confidence that everything will be okay.
Now that everything is gonna be alright
There is also a sense of reassurance that everything will be alright in the end.
What if baby I cannot see the sound?
What if I am not able to fully experience or appreciate the beauty of music?
What if baby I cannot hear the light?
What if I am not able to fully see or understand the beauty of the world around me?
What's that about?
This phrase is repeated several times to indicate confusion or disbelief about something that has been said or experienced.
I was born to do it
The singer has a strong sense of purpose or destiny.
My daddy had enough so I put my back into it
The singer has been inspired by their father's hard work and determination, and is also willing to work hard to achieve their goals.
That man was born to do it too
The artist recognizes that their father is not alone in his sense of purpose, and that there are likely other people in the world who share this strong drive.
We didn't have enough so we cannot sing for you, ha
Despite their shared passion for music, the artist and their father have not been able to fully pursue this dream due to lack of resources or opportunities.
If home is where the heart is baby
The artist believes that home is not just a physical space, but a feeling of comfort and love.
Then my home is inside you
The singer feels a deep connection to the person addressed in this song, and finds comfort and security in their presence.
I don't need a linen room of diamonds
The artist values love and connection more than material possessions or wealth.
Yeah a chicken shed will do
The singer does not need a fancy or luxurious home, but is happy with something simple and humble.
Throw your money on the ground and leave it there
The singer urges listeners to let go of their attachment to material possessions and focus on the things that truly matter.
You, yes, you
The singer is addressing the listener directly, urging them to take this message to heart.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Merrill Martin Garbus, Nathaniel J Brenner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind