Tesla Girls - Extended Version (12", VS 705-12)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of enigmatic women, the "Tesla Girls," who seem to operate on a different plane. The narrator is captivated, observing their "theories," "electric chairs and dynamos," and a general air of being "heaven blessed." There's a sense of detachment and advanced knowledge about them, as if they possess a secret "recipe" that the narrator can't quite grasp. Their movements are described as otherworldly, unable to "sit still or settle down" and walking as if they "don't touch the ground." The central tension lies in the narrator's fascination and simultaneous frustration with these elusive figures. They are "killing me" with their allure, yet their actions – writing in diaries, watching TV – seem mundane, creating a stark contrast. The narrator has "learnt the rules and how it goes," implying a struggle to understand or connect with the Tesla Girls' unique way of being. This disconnect fuels the narrator's persistent observation and the repeated exclamations of "No!" The repeated phrase "heaven knows their recipe" is particularly striking, suggesting a divine or innate understanding that sets them apart. This isn't just about being attractive; it's about possessing an inherent, almost scientific, method to their existence that baffles the observer. The lyrics also play with the idea of perception, stating "You wouldn't believe me if I said / The things I've seen, went over my head," and then mirroring this with "You wouldn't believe them if they said / The things they've seen, went over their heads," hinting at a shared, yet perhaps misunderstood, experience. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their ability to create a vivid, almost surreal portrait of captivating mystery. The narrator's mixture of awe and bewilderment, coupled with the almost scientific terminology juxtaposed with everyday actions, leaves the listener pondering the true nature of the "Tesla Girls." The unresolved "recipe" and the persistent "No!" in the intro and outro amplify the feeling of an unanswered, intriguing question.