Queens of the Stone Age

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Josh Homme]
Gitchy, gitchy, ooh la-la
Do run-run, you won't get far
I'm machine, obsolete
The land of the free lobotomy
I wanna suck, I wanna lick
I wanna cry and I wanna spit
Tears of pleasure, tears of pain
They trickle down your face the same
It's how you look, not how you feel
A city of glass with no heart

[Chorus: Josh Homme]
If I had a tail, I'd own the night
If I had a tail, I'd swat the flies
(Uh-uh-uh-uh) Yeah, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
(Uh-uh-uh-uh) Yeah, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh

[Verse 2: Josh Homme]
Gitchy, gitchy, ooh la-la
Do run-run, you won't get far
Animals in the midnight zone
When you own the world, you're always home
Get your hands dirty, roll up them sleeves
Brainwashed or true believers
Buy flash cars, diamond rings
Expensive holes to bury things
I'm machine, I'm obsolete
In the land of the free immortality
[Chorus: Josh Homme]
If I had a tail, I'd own the flies
If I had a tail, I'd swat the flies
(Uh-uh-uh-uh) Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
(Uh-uh-uh-uh) Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-ah-oh-ah, oh-oh

[Post-Chorus: Josh Homme]
Ah-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ah-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh

[Bridge: Josh Homme]
(Uh-uh-uh-uh) See me dancing on the scars?
(Uh-uh-uh-uh) See me dance?
Ah-ooh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh

[Outro: Alex Turner & Nick Oliveri]
If I had a tail, I will control the night
If I had a tail, I will control the night
(If I had a tail, I will control the night)
If I had a tail, I will control the night
(When we have a tail, we will control)

If I Had a Tail by Queens of the Stone Age is a song that brings together the musical prowess of Josh Homme and Alex Turner, the frontman of Arctic Monkeys. This dynamic collaboration creates a track that exudes pure energy and defiance. With their distinctive rock sound, Homme and Turner explore themes of disgust and disdain for the materialistic nature of society. The song takes us on a wild ride, envisioning a world where the power of a tail allows them to unleash their animalistic instincts and confront the world's most despicable creatures.

About If I Had a Tail

If I Had a Tail is an electrifying track that encapsulates the signature sound of Queens of the Stone Age. Released on their sixth studio album, "...Like Clockwork," in 2013, the song showcases the band's ability to create a hard-hitting and energetic experience for their listeners.

The opening guitar riff sets the tone for the entire song, immediately grabbing the listener's attention and pulling them into the captivating world of If I Had a Tail. The gritty and distorted guitar work, courtesy of Josh Homme and his talented bandmates, creates a wall of sound that resonates with raw power.

As the drums kick in, the song gains momentum, driving the rhythm forward with relentless energy. The powerful drumming skills of Jon Theodore add depth and dimension to the track, creating a solid foundation for the hypnotic melodies that follow.

Josh Homme's gritty and captivating vocals take center stage, delivering the lyrics with passion and intensity. His unique vocal style, paired with his undeniable stage presence, adds a layer of authenticity to the song, inviting the listener to become fully immersed in its sonic landscape.

The lyrical content of If I Had a Tail delves into a sense of disillusionment with society's materialistic tendencies. Homme and Turner use the concept of having a tail as a metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints and embracing one's inner primal instincts. The song's lyrics express a desire to shed the trappings of modern life and unleash a raw, unfiltered version of oneself.

If I Had a Tail is a sonic journey that seamlessly blends rock, alternative, and elements of desert and stoner rock. The song's genre-defying nature showcases Queens of the Stone Age's ability to push boundaries and create music that defies categorization.

Instrumentally, the song continues to captivate, with explosive guitars and a driving bassline that adds a layer of groove to the track. The seamless interplay between the band members creates a tight and cohesive sound that is both captivating and exhilarating.

The production of If I Had a Tail is top-notch, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining a raw and edgy feel. The mix strikes a perfect balance between clarity and the raw energy that Queens of the Stone Age is known for, further enhancing the impact of the song.

Throughout the track, If I Had a Tail delivers moments of perplexity and burstiness, keeping the listener engaged and eager for what comes next. From the explosive guitar solos to the infectious hooks, the song is teeming with moments that grab your attention and refuse to let go.

The energy and intensity of If I Had a Tail make it a perfect choice for live performances. Queens of the Stone Age's live shows are renowned for their electric atmosphere, and this song undoubtedly adds fuel to the fire. The combination of powerful guitar riffs, pulsating drums, and Homme's commanding stage presence creates an unforgettable live experience.

In essence, If I Had a Tail is a song that refuses to be ignored. Its powerful, gritty sound, thought-provoking lyrics, and captivating energy make it a standout track in Queens of the Stone Age's extensive catalog. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression and ignite an unquenchable desire for more.

• Release Date: May 13, 2013
• Artist: Queens of the Stone Age