Pass This On

I'm in love with your brother What's his name I thought I'd come by To see him again When you to dance Oh what a dance When you to love Oh what a love does he mention my achelove Or is he more in to young girls with dyed black hair I'm in love with your brother I'd thought I'd come by I'm in love with your brother Yes I am But maybe I Shouldn't ask for his name And you dance Oh what a dance And you laughed Oh what a laugh Does he know what I do and You'll pass this on, won't you and? If I asked him once what would he say Is he willing, Can he play? He wasn't really looking for some more of it Found company on the dancefloor and Does he know what I do and You'll pass this on, won't you and? Does he know what I do and, You'll pass this on, won't you? And if I ask him once, What would he say? Is he willing, can he play?

On the surface, "Pass This On" seems like a straightforward confession of forbidden love, specifically for someone's brother. However, as with many songs by The Knife, its layers run deep. It explores the complexities of desire, the forbidden, and the fear of judgment. The recurring line, "I'm in love with your brother," is simple but haunting, capturing the tension between longing and the taboo nature of the attraction. Questions like "Does he know what I do?" and "Is he willing, can he play?" reflect the narrator's uncertainties and anxieties about this illicit affection. The song delves into how love can often be confusing and unclear, filled with questions that don't always have answers. The narrator is in love with someone they probably shouldn't be, but their feelings are too intense to ignore. The line "Does he mention my age love, or is he more into young girls with dyed black hair?" presents the idea that the narrator also worries about conforming to societal or personal standards of attractiveness, further complicating their emotions. Moreover, the phrase "You'll pass this on, won't you?" represents the vulnerability inherent in asking someone else to convey feelings that one is too timid to express directly. This indirect approach adds another layer of emotional tension to the song, emphasizing the precarious nature of the relationship at its center. All in all, "Pass This On" serves as a compelling narrative of complex love, framed by a captivating electro-pop melody. It manages to be simultaneously catchy and introspective, making it a timeless track that resonates on multiple emotional levels.

About

"Pass This On" is a standout track from The Knife's critically acclaimed 2003 album "Deep Cuts." The song showcases the Swedish duo's mastery of blending electro-pop with dark, evocative themes. Featuring Karin Dreijer's haunting vocals layered over a pulsating electronic beat, the song embodies the complex emotions that often accompany forbidden love. While it retains the duo's signature electronic sound, the track is more restrained compared to some of their other work, providing space for the intricate narrative to breathe. A notable feature is its music video, which takes the song's theme of taboo love to another level, solidifying the song's reputation as one of The Knife's most provocative and memorable tracks.

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