The Ting Tings – That’s Not My Name (2008)

The Ting Tings are an indie rock / indie pop duo, they formed in 2007 in Salford, Manchester, UK. They are made up of Katherine Rebecca “Katie” White, born 1983 on vocals, guitar and bass and Julian “Jules” De Martino, born 1969, drums, vocals and guitars. To date they have released 3 studio albums, 3 EP’s and 11 singles.

“That’s Not My Name” was the third single from their debut studio album “We Started Nothing“. It was originally released as a double A-side with Great DJ by independent record label Switchflicker Records on 28 May 2007. It was re-released on May 12th 2008 on the Columbia label, going to the number one spot in the charts here in the UK. Katie White states that the song was written “with me ranting about my frustrations with the record industry”.

– Single Cover –

– Lyrics –

Four letter word just to get me along
It’s a difficulty and I’m biting on my tongue and I
I keep stalling, keeping me together
People around gotta find something to say now

Holding back, everyday the same
Don’t wanna be a loner
Listen to me, oh no
I never say anything at all
But with nothing to consider they forget my name (ame, ame, ame)

They call me ‘hell’
They call me ‘Stacey’
They call me ‘her’
They call me ‘Jane’
That’s not my name
That’s not my name
That’s not my name
That’s not my name
They call me ‘quiet’
But I’m a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same
That’s not my name
That’s not my name
That’s not my name
That’s not my name

I miss the catch if they throw me the ball
I’m the last chick standing up against the wall
Keep up, falling, these heels they keep me boring
Getting glammed up and sitting on the fence now

So alone all the time at night
Lock myself away
Listen to me, I’m not
Although I’m dressed up, out and all with
Everything considered they forget my name
(ame, ame, ame)

[Chorus]

[Jules in the background:]
This song was in my head, now it’s in my mind,
Call it, reach it, get some words and get some timing,
Though I realize, I cannot emphasize,
I’ll stick around, but just a promise, nothing binding,
However can’t you see, that you’re so desperately,
A standing joker like a vocal one-liner,
Instead of sing-along, this song is monotone,
I gotta get some soul, gotta get some feeling….

Are you calling me darling?
Are you calling me bird?
Are you calling me darling?
Are you calling me bird?