Tko
Le Tigre
The Power of Self-Assertion in Le Tigre's 'Tko'
Le Tigre's song 'Tko' is a powerful anthem of self-assertion and defiance. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration with superficiality and the desire for genuine attention. The opening lines, 'Want more real attention / At my expense guess you forgot to mention,' suggest a critique of those who seek validation at the cost of others. The phrase 'I'll eat glass' is a metaphor for enduring pain or hardship, indicating the lengths to which the speaker is willing to go to prove their point. The mention of reading minds 'behind my back' hints at betrayal or deceit, adding to the song's confrontational tone.
The chorus, with its repeated 'T.K.O.' (technical knockout), reinforces the theme of victory and empowerment. The lines 'Hear it on the radio / Play it on your stereo / Watch a live video' emphasize the widespread impact and reach of the speaker's message. The phrase 'It's our dance-floor' signifies a reclaiming of space and agency, turning the metaphorical dance-floor into a battleground for self-expression and authenticity.
The song also touches on themes of consumerism and superficiality, as seen in the lines 'Got your money safe / Wanna be