01-29-19
Here is another example of lyrics which have been supposedly “misinterpreted.” The Toadies are cited as creating this song as a follow-up to their song I Burn, which explores the realities of living within a cult; this song is supposedly from the point of view of a spirit of one of the former cult members trying to lure a new victim into the proverbial darkness. That explanation is unsettling enough, but when we look further into the song, and we place the lyrics under a stronger microscope we can start seeing some incongruencies.
“I’m not gonna lie | I’ll not be a gentleman | Behind the boathouse | I’ll show you my dark secret.” I’m sorry but I don’t hear a paranormal spirit in these words, but rather a man looking to force themselves onto another. When you look at other tracks from the same album, mainly Tyler, and how there are more direct references to sexual assault, it’s difficult not to see the same message within these lyrics as well.
Sexual assault is a prevalent reality all over our world, and we should be able to talk about, in a healthy manner—songs like this do more to glorify the action as opposed to creating a space for discussion. This song is not an old song, at least not comparatively, and if it was made today, there may be more controversy surrounding it, but I’m sure it would still find considerable support; the mentality that supported this music when it came out, is still alive and well today.
I went years before listening to this song. I played it on video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, and when I finally started to pay attention to the words rolling across the screen, I was never able to think of anything else.
Growing up I did all that I could think of to help contribute to safe spaces, regardless I know there were points where my actions, when perceived within the snapshot of a moment, could be seen negatively. Though this may be the case there is a vast difference between anything I’ve ever done, and the actions detailed within this song. The thought process that singer conveys is one that is unsettling at best. Asking if the person wants to “give it up to me,” followed by “do you wanna die,” over and over again… I mean, what? If this song was in a minority it would be one thing, but it’s one of the countless examples demonstrating on how ignorant we can collectively be towards something so vile—the ignorance continues to be disgusting.
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Make up your mind
Decide to walk with me
Around the lake tonight
Around the lake tonight
By my side
By my side
[Verse 2]
I’m not gonna lie
I’ll not be a gentleman
Behind the boathouse
I’ll show you my dark secret
[Verse 3]
I’m not gonna lie
I want you for mine
My blushing bride
My lover, be my lover, yeah
[Verse 4]
Don’t be afraid
I didn’t mean to scare you
So help me Jesus
[Verse 5]
I can promise you
You will stay as beautiful
With dark hair
And soft skin
Forever
Forever
[Verse 6]
Make up your mind
Make up your mind
And I’ll promise you
I will treat you well
My sweet angel
So help me Jesus
(Hey, hey, yeah)
[Bridge]
Give it up to me
Give it up to me
Do you wanna be
My angel?
Give it up to me
Give it up to me
Do you wanna be
My angel?
Give it up to me
Give it up to me
Do you wanna be
My angel?
So help me!
[Outro]
Be my angel
Be my angel
Be my angel
Do you wanna die?
Do you wanna die?
Do you wanna die?
Do you wanna die?
Do you wanna die?!
Do you wanna die?!
Do you wanna die?
Do you wanna die
Well I promise you
I will treat you well
My sweet angel
So help me Jesus
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus