Sheela-Na-Gig

Album: Dry (1992)
Charted: 69
Play Video
  • I've been trying to show you over and over

    Look at these, my child-bearing hips
    Look at these, my ruby red ruby lips
    Look at these my work strong arms and
    You've got to see my bottle full of charm
    I lay it all at your feet
    You turn around and say back to me, "he said"

    Sheela-na-gig, Sheela-na-gig
    You exhibitionist
    Sheela-na-gig, Sheela-na-gig
    You exhibitionist

    Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
    Just like the first time, said he didn't care
    Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
    Heard it before, no more
    Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
    Turn the corner, another one there
    Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
    Heard it before, he said

    Sheela-na-gig, Sheela-na-gig
    You exhibitionist
    Sheela-na-gig, Sheela-na-gig
    You exhibitionist

    Put money in your idle hole
    Put money in your idle hole

    Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
    Just like the first time, said he didn't care
    Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
    Heard it before, no more
    Gonna take my hips to a man who cares
    Turn the corner, another one there
    Gonna take my hips to a man who cares
    Heard it before, he said

    Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
    You exhibitionist
    Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
    You exhibitionist

    Put money in your idle hole
    Put money in your idle hole

    He said "wash your breasts, I don't want to be unclean"
    He said "please take those dirty pillows away from me"
    He said "wash your breasts, I don't want to be unclean"
    He said "please take those dirty pillows away from me"

    He said "wash your breasts, I don't want to be unclean"
    He said "please take those dirty pillows away from me"
    He said "wash your breasts, I don't want to be unclean"
    He said "please take those dirty pillows away from me" Writer/s: POLLY HARVEY
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Des from DublinI always thought it was "idol" hole given what a sheelagh-na-gig actually is.
  • Diana from Buffalo, NyI felt this song was about women being chastised for their sexuality and basically being told to lock it up.
    A lot of her music has a feminist bend, though she has repeatedly denied being a feminist (wants to avoid the contoversy I guess?), and seems to talk about women being judged based on their sexuality and people justifying women being punished (raped, prostituted, abused, looked down on) if they aren't chaste.
  • Jude from Denver, CoSheela-na-gigs are supposed to ward of sexual desire by showing people the vulgarity of humanity. So when the singer is saying sheela-na-gig I think the intended meaning would have to be, "I ain't havinf sex with you mofo". Just my thought though...
  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnHot song with honest to life lyrics.
  • Martin from Rostockwow, now that's surprising *laughing*
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.

Joe Jackson

Joe JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Joe talks about the challenges of of making a Duke Ellington tribute album, and tells the stories behind some of his hits.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.