The Meaning Behind The Song: Kiss Them for Me by Siouxsie and the Banshees
The Origins of “Kiss Them for Me”
One of the most successful songs by British rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees, “Kiss Them for Me” was released as a single in 1991, receiving positive reception from both the critics and the audience. The track was also included in their 10th studio album, “Superstition”. The song features jangling guitars, catchy hooks, and a chorus that you can’t get out of your head.
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Siouxsie Sioux, the band’s lead vocalist, wrote the lyrics of the song, while guitarist Steven Severin and keyboardist Martin McCarrick created the music. The song was produced by John Cale, the Velvet Underground member, who also played the piano on the track.
The Meaning of “Kiss Them for Me”
The title “Kiss Them for Me” was inspired by a 1957 movie called “An Affair to Remember”. The movie starred Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, and Richard Denning and tells the story of a couple who fall in love on a ship but agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in six months. The song takes its cue from this romantic movie and explores themes of longing, memory, and loss.
Throughout the song, Siouxsie Sioux sings about the narrator’s yearning to be with someone they love and misses. The chorus is an imaginary message to that person, asking the narrator’s friend to “kiss them” on their behalf while they are away, as if by doing so, she could feel their presence once more. The lyrics are full of metaphorical imagery and references to Greek mythology, with lines like “Wrap your arms around me like a flesh pretzel,” to show the pain and longing the narrator is experiencing.
Production of “Kiss Them for Me”
The production of “Kiss Them for Me” was a collaborative effort of all band members, except for drummer Budgie, who didn’t participate in the recording. The band used various instruments to create the melancholic sound of the track. The intro of the song features the sound of a theremin, which creates an eerie and haunting sound. Throughout the song, Severin’s guitar lines and McCarrick’s keyboard create an atmosphere of longing. The melody changes often, keeping the listener engaged and reflective.
The song’s lyrics were written after the melody was already created, and the band found the perfect producer in John Cale. Cale, who is known for his solo work and for his collaborations with artists such as Patti Smith and Brian Eno, helped to fully realize the sound of “Kiss Them for Me”. Cale’s production brought depth and richness to the song, which sounded more polished than some of the band’s past recordings.
The Success of “Kiss Them for Me”
“Kiss Them for Me” became one of Siouxsie and the Banshees’ biggest hits, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 on the UK singles chart. The song won the band a place on the famous “Top of the Pops” and “Late Night with David Letterman” shows – popular TV programs that proved their popular success.
The song was also well received by the critics, as many recognized the band’s shift towards a more commercial sound. Although some purist fans didn’t appreciate the new direction, critics like Rolling Stone’s J.D. Considine praised the band for writing a song that was both “infectiously catchy” and “darkly lurid”.
Themes that resonate with the audience
The theme of longing and loss has struck a chord with many listeners, with countless fans confessing that the lyrics of the song have touched them in various ways. “Kiss Them for Me” was released during a time where many people were losing loved ones. It was during the height of the AIDS crisis when the number of deaths was rising exponentially. The song offered a way to deal with the pain of loss and the desire for something more.
The song’s nostalgia also resonated with many listeners, appealing to a sense of timelessness that exists in music. The reference to a famous romantic movie from an earlier era shows that love and loss are universal themes that transcend time.
FAQs
Who were the members of Siouxsie and the Banshees?
Siouxsie and the Banshees were a British rock band formed in 1976 by Siouxsie Sioux (vocals) and Steven Severin (bass). The band went through several lineup changes throughout the years, and its final lineup consisted of Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, Martin McCarrick (guitar), and Knox Chandler (guitar).
What other hits did Siouxsie and the Banshees have?
Other hits by Siouxsie and the Banshees include “Hong Kong Garden,” “Peek-a-Boo,” “Cities in Dust,” and “The Passenger” (a cover of a song by Iggy Pop).
What other bands were contemporaries of Siouxsie and the Banshees?
Siouxsie and the Banshees were part of the post-punk/new wave scene that emerged in the late 1970s. Other notable bands from this era include Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, and The Pretenders.
What inspired the lyrics of “Kiss Them for Me”?
Siouxsie Sioux was inspired by the 1957 movie “An Affair to Remember” when she wrote the lyrics to “Kiss Them for Me”. The movie tells the story of a couple who fall in love on a ship but agree to meet at the Empire State Building in six months.
Who produced “Kiss Them for Me”?
“Kiss Them for Me” was produced by John Cale, the former member of the Velvet Underground.
What instruments were used in “Kiss Them for Me”?
The song featured several instruments, including a theremin, guitars, keyboards, bass, percussion, and drums.
What was the reception of “Kiss Them for Me”?
The song was both a commercial and critical success. It reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 on the UK singles chart. Rolling Stone’s J.D. Considine praised the song for its catchy quality and dark themes.
What are some interpretations of the song?
The song’s lyrics can be interpreted as a message of longing and loss, asking a friend to kiss someone on behalf of the narrator while they are apart. It can also be seen as a reflection of nostalgia and the power of memories to evoke emotions.
What was the inspiration for Siouxsie Sioux’s stage name?
Siouxsie Sioux’s stage name was inspired by a Native American tribe called the Sioux.
What is Siouxsie Sioux doing now?
After Siouxsie and the Banshees disbanded in 1996, Siouxsie Sioux pursued a solo career and collaborated with other artists. She released her debut solo album, “Mantaray,” in 2007.
What kind of music does Siouxsie Sioux make now?
Siouxsie Sioux’s solo career includes music that is more experimental and electronic in nature, with influences from various genres, such as post-punk, gothic rock, and pop.
What genres is “Kiss Them for Me” considered to be?
“Kiss Them for Me” is a rock song influenced by new wave and post-punk genres.
What should a beginner listen to when exploring Siouxsie and the Banshees’ music?
“Kaleidoscope,” “Juju,” and “A Kiss in the Dreamhouse” are some of the most critically acclaimed albums by Siouxsie and the Banshees that are worth checking out for beginners.
