Tattoo

Van Halen

About Tattoo

"Tattoo" is the first song and single from the album, A Different Kind of Truth, from American hard rock band Van Halen. The single was released online and to radio stations January 10, 2012.


Year:
2012
4:43
14 
#2

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Tattoo, tattoo

I got Elvis on my elbow.
When I flex, Elvis talks.
I got hula girls on the back of my leg.
And she hulas when I walk.

Screaching cherry red
Screamin' electric green
Purple mountain's majesty
Really talk to me. Talk to me, babe.

Swap meet Sally, tramp stamp Kat
Mousewife to momshell in the time it took to get that new tattoo.
Tattoo, tattoo

(Tattoo, tattoo) Show me your dragon magic.
(Tattoo, tattoo) So autobiographic.

Best believe that needle won't hurt you.
Best to see these true colors, than to follow one of your false virtues.

Here's a secret to make you think:
Why is the crazy stuff we never say, poetry in ink?
Speaking dayglow red,
Explode-o pink, purple mountain's majesty
Show me you, I'll show you me.

Swap meet Sally
Tramp stamp Kat
Mousewife to momshell in the time it took to get that new tattoo.
Tattoo, tattoo.

(Tattoo, tattoo) Sexy dragon magic.
(Tattoo, tattoo) So very autobiographic.
(Tattoo, tattoo) Got a hold on me.
(Tattoo, tattoo) Put a spell on me.

Uncle Danny, had a coal tattoo
He fought for the unions
Some of us still do.
On my shoulder is the number
Of the chapter he was in.
That number is forever
Like the struggle here to win.

(Everybody!) Swap meet Sally
Tramp stamp Kat
Mousewife to momshell in the time it takes to get that new tattoo.
Tattoo, tattoo.

(Tattoo, tattoo) Sexy dragon magic.
(Tattoo, tattoo) So very autobiographic.
(Tattoo, tattoo) Got a hold on me.
(Tattoo, tattoo) Put a spell on me.
(Tattoo, tattoo) I'm in love with you.
(Tattoo, tattoo) Show me me, show me you.
(Tattoo, tattoo) Look at me, look at you (Tattoo, tattoo)

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Van Halen

Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. Its 1978 debut album, Van Halen—featuring guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony—is widely considered to be among the most "original" and "revolutionary" albums to "change rock and roll." more »

4 fans

Written by: Wolfgang Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Edward Van Halen, David Lee Roth

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band History
"Tattoo" is a song by the American rock band Van Halen, famous for its original lead singer David Lee Roth and virtuoso guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
Album
This song is part of their album "A Different Kind of Truth," which was released in 2012.
Single Release
"Tattoo" was released as the lead single from the album.
Chart Performance
The song made quite a splash on the charts. It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Singles chart, number 16 on the Rock Songs chart, and number 67 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart.
TV Performance
Van Halen performed "Tattoo" live on television for the first time during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in March 2015.
Music Video
The official music video for "Tattoo" premiered on January 10, 2012, showcasing the band's energetic performance.
Band Reunion
"A Different Kind of Truth" is Van Halen's first full album with lead singer David Lee Roth since the album "1984." "Tattoo" was the band's first single following the reunion.
Song Theme
“Tattoo” alludes to permanent marks which people get, pointing out that folks get tattoos because they represent something everlasting, in a world where nothing is permanent.
Lyrics
The lyrics are combined with an encore presentation of a classic Van Halen identity, “Down In Flames,” which was never recorded but is present in the band's early live sets.
Public Reception
"Tattoo" got mixed reviews. Some critics praised its Californian pop vibe whereas others criticized it for being 'underwhelming' considering the long-awaited reunion of the band's original members.

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    "Tattoo Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35365878/Van+Halen/Tattoo>.

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    Tattoo

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2012

    Billboard #67


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