Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Lyrics

[Chorus]
Off with your head
Dance 'til you're dead
Heads will roll
Heads will roll
Heads will roll
On the floor

[Verse 1]
Glitter on the wet streets
Silver over everything
The river's all wet
You're all chrome

[Verse 2]
Dripping with alchemy
Shiver, stop shivering
The glitter's all wet
You're all chrome

[Pre-Chorus]
The men cry out, the girls cry out
The men cry out, the girls cry out
The men cry out, oh no
The men cry out, the girls cry out
The men cry out, the girls cry out
The men cry out, oh no
Oh, ah
Oh, ah
[Chorus]
Off, off with your head
Dance, dance 'til you're dead (dead)
Heads will roll
Heads will roll
Heads will roll
On the floor

[Bridge]
Looking glass
Take the past
Shut your eyes
Mirror lies
Looking glass
Take the past
Shut your eyes
Mirror lies

[Verse 3]
Glitter on the wet streets
Silver over everything
The glitter's all wet
You're all chrome
You're all chrome
Oh, ah
Oh, ah
[Chorus]
Off, off, off with your head
Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead
Off, off, off with your head
Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead
Off, off, off with your head
Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead
Off, off, off with your head
Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead
Off, off, off with your head
Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead
Off, off, off with your head
Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead

Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs is a seductive and frightening mix of dance music and goth that defies conventional categorization. Released as the second single off their 2009 album It's Blitz!, this electrifying track grabs hold of your senses from the very first note and refuses to let go. With its relentless energy and darkly mesmerizing lyrics, Heads Will Roll confronts the deadly rave lifestyle without compromise or preaching. It's a hauntingly beautiful journey that immerses you in an otherworldly atmosphere, leaving you spellbound and craving for more.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Heads Will Roll is its ability to seamlessly merge different musical styles. Yeah Yeah Yeahs expertly blend elements of dance music and goth, creating a sound that is both alluring and chilling. The combination of throbbing electronic beats, gritty guitar riffs, and Karen O's mesmerizing vocals takes you on a sonic journey like no other. It's a masterclass in genre-bending, where dancefloor anthems meet dark underground sensibilities, resulting in a track that defies easy categorization.

Heads Will Roll's impact on the charts was undeniable. The song reached the top spot on the Dance/Electronic Singles chart in the U.S.A., showcasing its immense popularity within the electronic music scene. It also achieved success internationally, reaching number one on Belgium's Flemish Ultratop 50 chart. This widespread acclaim is a testament to the song's ability to captivate listeners worldwide and solidify Yeah Yeah Yeahs' status as trailblazers in the music industry.

The song's connection to popular culture further amplified its impact. The Tudors, a popular historical serial drama, selected Heads Will Roll to promote its fourth season. As the show delved into the story of Henry VIII's fifth queen, Katherine Howard, who was executed for adultery, the haunting and seductive nature of the track mirrored the intensity of the plotline. This endorsement introduced the song to a wider audience, further cementing its place in the musical zeitgeist.

Glee, the beloved TV series known for showcasing iconic pop mashups, gave Heads Will Roll a new dimension by combining it with Michael Jackson's Thriller. This mesmerizing mashup breathed new life into both songs, highlighting their shared themes of dark intrigue and supernatural allure. The result was a spine-tingling performance that showcased the versatility and power of Heads Will Roll, captivating fans of both Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Glee.

What sets Heads Will Roll apart is its integration of Alice in Wonderland/Red Queen imagery with references to drug use at raves. Although the term "rave" is not explicitly mentioned, the song and its accompanying video create a vivid picture of the hedonistic and surreal world of underground parties. The use of Alice in Wonderland symbolism adds an element of whimsy and intrigue, juxtaposing the fantasy realm with the harsh reality of drug culture. It's a visual and lyrical feast that transports listeners to a realm where boundaries blur and inhibitions fade.

About Heads Will Roll

Heads Will Roll is a mesmerizing blend of dance music and goth, expertly crafted by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Released as the second single off their highly acclaimed album It's Blitz!, this electrifying track took the music world by storm. Its unique fusion of electronic beats, haunting vocals, and gritty guitars creates an immersive sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The song's captivating energy is apparent from the very beginning. As the pulsating electronic beats drive the rhythm forward, Karen O's vocals soar above, exuding a mixture of vulnerability and power. Her voice possesses an almost hypnotic quality, drawing listeners in and enveloping them in a world of dark allure. The lyrics, filled with haunting imagery and clever wordplay, further enhance the song's mysterious and seductive atmosphere.

Heads Will Roll's success on the charts is a testament to its irresistible appeal. Topping the Dance/Electronic Singles chart in the U.S.A., it showcased Yeah Yeah Yeahs' ability to create music that resonates with both fans and critics alike. The song's popularity extended beyond borders, reaching number one on Belgium's Flemish Ultratop 50 chart. This international recognition solidified the band's status as musical innovators, pushing boundaries and defying conventions.

The song's inclusion in The Tudors and Glee only further magnified its impact. The Tudors' selection of Heads Will Roll to accompany the story of Katherine Howard's tragic fate added an extra layer of intrigue and intensity to the track. Similarly, Glee's mashup of Heads Will Roll with Michael Jackson's Thriller showcased the song's versatility and its ability to captivate listeners across different genres.

What truly sets Heads Will Roll apart is its integration of Alice in Wonderland/Red Queen imagery. Drawing on the fantastical world created by Lewis Carroll, the song and its accompanying video invite listeners into a realm where imagination and reality collide. The references to drug use at raves add a gritty edge to the otherwise ethereal atmosphere, exploring the darker side of the party scene and its consequences.

All in all, Heads Will Roll is a potent and captivating track that defies easy categorization. Yeah Yeah Yeahs' unique blend of dance music and goth, combined with its thought-provoking lyrics and immersive visuals, creates an experience that is both entrancing and haunting. This unforgettable song showcases the band's talent for pushing musical boundaries and crafting music that resonates with audiences across the globe.

• Release Date: June 29, 2009
• Artist: Yeah Yeah Yeahs