River Euphrates Lyrics

Lyric discussion by rowidz 

Cover art for River Euphrates lyrics by Pixies

Seeing as the overall theme from Surfer Rosa seems to be a very sexual one, its hard to believe that "River Euphrates" is not also eluding to a sexual reference.

First and foremost, the actual lyric to this song is "ride the tiger" not "tire" or "tyre". (This lyric correction comes directly from the Pixies' official site, pixiesmusic.com. See for yourself)

Although there are many geographical references, they aren't meant to be taken in a literal sense. They are rather metaphors and play-on-words. The term "ride the tiger" is slang for having intercourse with an Asian person.

"Stuck here out of gas" refers to ejaculating too quickly, ending his sexual experience before it hardly even begins.

"The gaza strip" is then most likely a refernce to his Asian lover's pubic hair.

From this point on, it is pretty apparent that the "dead sea" and choking on "the salty wine" lyric is a reference to his semen.

Lyric Correction

Considering some albums' liner notes are ocasionally printed with incorrect lyrics, what can we say about websites?

But hey, maybe Francis sings both "tire/tyre" and "Tiger" alternately, we'll probably never know for sure until somebody gets to ask the man himself.

Just checked the site, and it says "tire" at this point.

@rowidz I completely agree with you. Nobody in the majority will, though, because their brainwashed into believing what they read on a PIXIES site. RIDE THE TIGER.