The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
(Oh yeah)
(Is my cord dragging in the water?)
(Looks good!)
He's just a slutty little flirt and sister he's only gonna hurt you (watch yourself)
Ladies I'm screaming out to you from the depths of this phallocentric tyranny
My self-conceptions awaiting your invasion clumsy penetration punishment
(Oh yeah) When the hope of another wet nightmare is all we have to live for
Can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, just wanna play with you
I can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, I just want to play with you
He practically built the eight-bit empire and now he occupies the blur as well
When asking why their kisses are sorrowful remember the howl of our first verse
(I'm a mental little star)
(And again)
Ninjas!
Prove it!
Right!
(Right)
I can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, play, play
Can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, just wanna play with you
I can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, I just want to play with you
(Is my cord dragging in the water?)
(Looks good!)
He's just a slutty little flirt and sister he's only gonna hurt you (watch yourself)
Ladies I'm screaming out to you from the depths of this phallocentric tyranny
My self-conceptions awaiting your invasion clumsy penetration punishment
(Oh yeah) When the hope of another wet nightmare is all we have to live for
Can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, just wanna play with you
I can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, I just want to play with you
He practically built the eight-bit empire and now he occupies the blur as well
When asking why their kisses are sorrowful remember the howl of our first verse
(I'm a mental little star)
(And again)
Ninjas!
Prove it!
Right!
(Right)
I can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, play, play
Can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, just wanna play with you
I can't help it if it's true, don't wanna be your man, I just want to play with you
Lyrics submitted by skeletal_lamping, edited by NoCowLevel
Id Engager Lyrics as written by Kevin Barnes
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
"Ladies, I’m screaming out to you from the depths of this phallocentric tyranny My self-concept is awaiting your invasion Clumsy penetration punishment, oh yeah!"
I love this line, like he's trying to warn ladies even though he's on the other side of the "male ruled universe"
but then he's begging for it, in a reverse order, like he wants THEIR penetration, submitting, reversing gender roles, and then coming out again saying he doesn't want a relationship he just wants a one night stand. (that's just how I see it) LOVE THIS.
@laurelm You have really interpreted the lyrics well!!!
they do it again and again...this song is so awesome. i've had it on repeat for days! i am just thrilled for the new album. as well as being super catchy and danceable, the lyrics are very smart as per usual. love it. kevin barnes is genius.
so incredible, i swear, it gets more beautiful each time.
also i think "wet nightmare" was pretty clever. touche
I think he means Id in Freudian terms. Your id is basically your pleasure center, so pleasure engager? That'd go with the theme of the song, too.
Sorry if that was completely obvious.
This song is really sad :(
It's about the hollowness of casual sex. "When asking why their kisses are sorrowful, remember the howl of our first verse." Their first verse was the one that says, "He's just a slutty little firt, and sister, he's only gunna hurt you." When you give yourself away sexually to someone who will not be there to give you emotional support, it can really damage your self-esteem, whether you are a man or a woman. "I'm screaming out to you from this phallocentric tyranny. My self-concept is awaiting your invasion, clumsy penetration, punishment." Ouch.
"When the hope of another wet nightmare is all we have to live for." So sad.
It's actually a pretty simple idea that just has infinite creative application. They asked all of their friends to draw or describe as honestly as they could who they are when they are high. The answers were turned into the art that makes up this video.
I love the fact that all of them are tacitly revealing huge parts of their hidden selves. Fantastic song and video.
"He's just a slutty little flirt"
Also I hear "don't wanna be a man" the first time. And I'm thinking it's something like "aphid empire" or "apex empire" instead of epic.
Reminds me of Hissing Fauna, so that makes me happy. Weird gender issues and stuff, I guess from Georgie Fruit and all.
Also: "Is my Concorde on the launcher?"
Thanks for your input! I hadn't realized it was "launcher" lol! I wasnt sure about "epic," its really hard to make out what he's saying right there.
Skeletal Lamping is going to be so good. I can't wait. It'll be cool to see how the new List Christee persona is different from Georgie.