15 Inked Up, Tattoo Songs | Playlist

1. Ava Max, “Tattoo”

Heaven & Hell • Atlantic • 2020

“A permanent mark that won’t fade / Boy, you can’t erase me.”  So, what Albanian-American singer Ava Max (Amanda Ava Koci) is saying is, she, herself, is like a tattoo? Ding, ding, DING – that is correct! “Tattoo” hails as the fifth track from her 2020 debut studio album, Heaven & Hell.  Worth noting, it succeeds “Naked” in the album sequence. That makes sense, right? Anyways, this bright, spirited, catchy, ‘inked-up,’ pop joint was penned by team comprised of Max, Andreas Haukeland, Charlie Puth, Elof Loelv, Henry Walter (best known as producer, Cirkut), and Jacob Kasher Hindlin.

“I’m like a tattoo that’s over your heart / ‘Cause once I put this love on you, it never comes off,” Max sings on the chorus. She continues, “I’m like a tattoo that’s under your skin / So, write my name in cursive ‘cause you’ll never forget.” Ooh la la, Ava! Of course, Max isn’t really referencing ink but rather the emotional and physical aspects of the relationship – the effect that she has that can be likened to a tattoo. Perhaps she says it best on the bridge:

“Real love, you’re gettin’ your first one, and you like it
It’s gonna hurt, but you can’t run, so don’t fight it.” 

2. Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, “Go Get a Tattoo”

Ft. Lynks

Sticky • International Death Cult • 2021

“Smash your sadness / Go get a tattoo / We were born to win / Not born to lose.” Okay, fair enough Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes… I think! If nothing else, the lines are reflective of punk and the punk aesthetic, right? You bet! The English rock collective brings that energetic, unapologetic spirit on “Go Get a Tattoo,” a single appearing as the sixth track on their 2021 album, Sticky. The tempo is quick, the English accent is strong, and they bring along a guest for this ink-laden ride, Lynks!

It takes a bit for the tattoos to come in play, but when they do, that ink is fresh AF, baby! “It’s 2AM, fuck it / I’m getting a tattoo / That shows I love all the same shit that you do.” Woo!  That’s punk AF, if I do say so myself.  It doesn’t stop there, as some of the best lines of the second verse are yet to come:

“So, ink me!
Hit me with the pen
I’m an artwork
Let the church say amen
... My body is the canvas
You could be the pen.”

Rock TF on Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes! Put those horns up ! “I want tequila on the rocks / I want the keys to all the locks / I never want a lockdown ever again.” #STICKY! 

3. Lauv, “Tattoos Together”

~how I’m feeling~ •  AWAL • 2020

An infatuated Lauv (Ari Leff) potentially ‘jumps the gun’ by getting matching ink with his newfound love interest on “Tattoos Together”. Yes, it’s a head shakable moment on the part of Leff who asserts, “Said I’d never fall, I’d never fall, I’d never fall / But then I fell for you, mmm.”  “Tattoos Together” appears as the 16^th track of Leff’s 2020 debut album, ~how I’m feeling ~.

The lyrics reflect Leff ‘s impulsiveness, especially the pre-chorus leading into the chorus:

“One weekend in Portland
You weren’t even my girlfriend
We were walking and talking
Then somebody said let’s get...
Tattoos together, something to remember
If it’s way too soon, fuck it, whatever
Give me shapes and letters if it’s not forever
Then at least we’ll have tattoos together.”

“Tattoos Together” is a lighthearted pop record – it doesn’t get too high ultimately.  The production (Leff) is well-rounded without being incredibly flashy or game changing.  Vocally, Leff serves up a chill performance, particularly when he casually drops “fuck it” on the chorus. All in all, it’s another enjoyable single.

Also appears on :
15 Songs Where We are in This Together!
15 T Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason
Tattoo: 5ive Songs No. 73 (2021)

4. Jordin Sparks, “Tattoo”

Jordin Sparks • 19 Recordings Ltd. • 2007

“You’re still a part of everything I do / You’re on my heart just like a tattoo.” Perhaps Jordin Sparks got off to a slightly slower start than some of the American Idol winners preceding her, but she went on to have success.  Her 2007, self-titled debut album yielded a trio of hits: “No Air” (most notably), “One Step at a Time”, and the inked-up gem at hand, “Tattoo”.  Actual ink isn’t the modus operandi, of course – the tattoo is metaphorical on this pop/R&B standout.

“No matter what you say about love
I keep coming back for more
Keep my hand in the fire
Sooner or later, I get what I’m askin’ for.”

As the excerpted lyrics suggest, “Tattoo” encompasses matters of the heart – L-O-V-E.  Love can be awesome, or it can be that ‘five-letter b-word,’ as Sparks informs us.  On “Tattoo,” the relationship is done, and Sparks reflects on this. Essentially, on this groovy joint, she realizes, post-breakup she’ll always remember him (“like a tattoo”), but she’s also moving on.

5. Ariana Grande, “Tattooed Heart”

Yours Truly • Republic • 2013

Sigh, sometimes the debut album from Ariana Grande, Yours Truly, feels like it arrived such a long time ago.  Perhaps the reason why is because this 2013 gem that began an illustrious career has become eclipsed album by album that Ari has released.  Even so, Yours Truly, like every Grande album, featured several hits.  Arguably, “Tattooed Heart,” the fourth track, didn’t even rank among the top-tier of songs!  Nonetheless, it’s another fine cut from the Ari catalog.

“I wanna say we’re going steady
Like it’s 1954, no, it doesn’t have to be forever
Just as long as I’m the name on your tattooed heart.”

Those lyrics appear on the first verse of this soulful, compound duple pop joint.  A physical tattoo isn’t the modus operandi – it’s metaphorical – evidenced by the repetition of the titular lyric on the chorus.  L-O-V-E is the motivation:

“Wrap me in your jacket my baby
And lay me in your bed
And kiss me underneath the moonlight
Darling let me trace the light on your tattooed heart.”

Besides the love-oriented lyrics, the music itself is glorious.  There’s the excellent use of piano as an accompaniment instrument initially.  Additional instrumentation beginning on the chorus and beyond.  Of course, the main attraction is the Grammy winner herself, who delivers stunning vocals, particularly the ad-libs and nuances.

Also appears on :
Tattoo: 5ive Songs No. 73 (2021)

6. Rauw Alejandro & Camilo, “Tattoo – Remix”

Afrodisíaco • Sony • 2020

“Yo no sé ni qué hacer (No sé) cuando estoy cerca de ti.” “Tattoo – Remix” appears as the 16^th and final track on Afrodisíaco, the 2020 debut studio album by Puerto Rican artist Rauw Alejandro.  Worth noting, the English translation of Afrodisíaco, is Aphrodisiac, which suggests sex/sexiness is a key component to the LP.  On “Tattoo – Remix,” Alejandro is joined by Colombian standout Camilo (Camilo Echeverry), who happens to have one of the best mustaches ever!

Of course, “Tattoo – Remix” isn’t about Camilo’s ‘stache or either artist’s dashing good looks (though it’s worth noting ).  This is a silky smooth, rhythmic record that gives off serious V-I-B-E-S. The production is on-point, NO CAP . Both Alejandro and Echeverry sing beautifully, particularly that youthful tenor of Echeverry, sigh – swoon worthy! The theme of the record? Love, love, love.  Camilo asserts, “En las costillas me tatúo tu nombre, yeah-eh-eh” (“I’ll tattoo your name on my ribs”), showing his love and affection.  As for Rauw, “Me di cuenta que por esa sonrisa yo vivo”(“I realize that because of that smile, I live”).

Also appears on :
Tattoo: 5ive Songs No. 73 (2021)

7. Sade, “Like a Tattoo”

Love Deluxe • Sony • 1992

When listing the smoothest bands/singers, Sade (fronted by Helen Adu), easily makes the cut.  The sound is nothing short of chill – buttery smooth.  That’s the case on “Like a Tattoo,” the fourth track from Love Deluxe, released in 1992.  “Like a Tattoo” keeps the dynamics soft and the timbre kinder and gentler yet manages to pack a punch in the process.  Per Adu, “As I reveal my shame to you / I wear it like a tattoo.”

So, what is the gist of “Like a Tattoo?” There’s a dark vibe, being honest, even with love playing a role.  A war veteran – presumably a Vietnam vet – bears a tattoo of shame for his actions.  He’s responsible for killing a man, and the man’s lover witnessed the act.

“‘Fourteen years,’ he said
‘I couldn’t look into the sun
She saw him laying at the end of my gun’
Hungry for life
And thirsty for the distant river.”

Wow – that hits different.  Later, the guilty man asserts, “Like the scar of age / Written all over my face / The war is still raging inside of me.” William Tecumseh Sherman said it best: “War is hell.” Sade, somehow, manages to make this gorgeous song, despite the disturbing backstory.

8. Marilyn Manson, “Tattooed in Reverse”

Heaven Upside Down • Loma Vista • 2017

“So, fuck your bible and your Babel / I made this psalm into my dirty bomb.”  Even prior to his abuse allegations, Marilyn Manson (Brian Hugh Warner) was a polarizing, controversial musician – UNDERSTATEMENT.  “Tattooed in Reverse,” a highlight from his 2017 album, Heaven Upside Down, exemplifies his penchant for controversy.  The excerpted opening lyric is damned for sure setting an unapologetic tone for the album’s second track.

Just think about the title of the album for minute and let that set in.  Clearly, Manson, a self-proclaimed nonbeliever, paints the picture of a deviant, who is deranged and seemingly ‘built all wrong from the start.’ This ‘loose cannon’ doesn’t care about religion or God in the least, essentially reversing things into utter hellishness and evil.  The chorus is thrilling, capturing the suspect state of mind of this psycho:

“I’m un-stabled, I’m not a show horse
I can’t be bridled, of course
I’m un-scabbed and un-regretted
I got tattooed in reverse.”

Dante wouldn’t look favorably upon Manson to say the least.

Also appears on :
Tattoo: 5ive Songs No. 73 (2021)

9. Fireboy DML, “Tattoo”

APOLLO • YBNL Nation / EMPIRE • 2020

“Make I be like, tattoo for your body / When you need that bamboo, just call on me.” For Nigerian singer, Fireboy DML, he wants to be the tattoo covering her body.  This includes being “beside” her and, as you could easily guess, “Maybe inside” her.  The sexy, smooth “Tattoo” appears as the fourth track off DML’s 2020 LP, APOLLO.

“Tattoo” features Nigerian Pidgin, giving it a distinct sound.  Of course, you don’t need to be fluent in Nigerian or Nigerian Pidgin to understand and vibe with this song.  The excerpted lyrics make Fireboy DML’s intentions clear.  And if that’s not evidence enough, what about lines like, “Water no go quench the fire?” Basically, the desire is so strong, he needs passionate love to fulfill his urges.  After all:

“You been running through my mind, you be Usain Bolt
My fingertips on your hips
Finna make you say (Oh)
Baby.”

Ooh wee! 

10. Tyler Childers “Tattoos”

Purgatory • Hickman Holler • 2017

“I am now the one she left / A haunted tale for someone else.” Intriguing! Believe it or not, tattoos are never explicitly mentioned on “Tattoos,” the third track from the 2017 album, Purgatory. Even so, there are logical inferences to be made from this highlight courtesy of Kentucky country musician, Tyler Childers. It’s clear that Childers was previously in a relationship with this woman, she broke things off, and apparently, she has a ‘permanent mark’ if we read into that “haunted tale” correctly.

Throughout “Tattoos,” Childers establishes he’s ‘nothing’ to her anymore.  “I’m now her used to be / He is now the one she needs,” he asserts on the second verse.  Later, he even gets morbid, singing in that expressive voice, “I am now an old headstone / And to her grave I’ll die alone / A testament of how she’s grown / Wherever she is sleepin’.” It seems he doesn’t keep in touch with his ex, so he doesn’t know who she’s with or perhaps where she is.  Regardless, it seems on this Sturgill Simpson-produced gem, he’s left his mark.

11. girlfriends, “Tattoo”

“Tattoo” • Big Noise Music Group • 2021

“I’ll get a new tattoo, ‘cause it reminds me (it reminds me) / It reminds me of you.” Well, if you’ve ever seen the MTV show Ghosted, then you’ll know that Travis Mills, one-half of girlfriends, has no shortage of ink.  Of course, besides the body art, well, you might note Mr. Mills has, um, a nice body itself – haha.  Of course, this blurb isn’t about highlighting the looks of Mills or his rad bandmate, Nick Gross.  It’s about this pop-punk song that mentions ink but transcends it as well.

Basically, Travis wants to remember visually and literally wants to die with these pictorial memories. This idea, well, it’s very emo and punk to say the least! Perhaps the bridge nails the vibe best:

“Love scars and black hearts, and lyrics on my chest
Birthdays, my mom’s name, and words I won’t forget
Sixteen and seventeen, was such a crazy age
Eighteen and nineteen, the memories will fade.”

So, there could be fading given changes in the body and the age of ink – might need a touch up.  The other question that I have for Travis is, can we see those lyrics on your chest? I mean, if you’ve got it, then, please flaunt it!  You too, Nick!

12. Hunter Hayes, “Tattoo”

Storyline • Atlantic • 2014

“Your name, your name / Sounds real good next to mine,” Hunter Hayes sings on “Tattoo,” a standout from his 2014 album, Storyline.  He later adds, “Your name, your name, your name / Would be a good tattoo.” So, Hunter, are you going to get that ink? I’m sure it would look good on one of those biceps , or perhaps, a pectoral muscle! Okay, okay – time to refocus!

“Now I think I know, I’ll wear it on my sleeve, I gotta let it show
Making it permanent ‘cause I never wanna let you go.”

Back in 2014, when Hayes released “Tattoo,” little suggested he’d get real ink. In fact, when he promoted his Tattoo (Your Name) Tour, the then 22-year-old country artist was wearing a Henna tattoo sleeve, hence #Not Committing to the Ink. No judgment, by the way, #Planet Fitness . Older country male artists, edgier than Hayes, have gobs of tattoos without ‘figuratively’ mentioning them like my boy Hunter.  Here, the handsome Louisianan is more ‘good ole southern Christian boy next door’ than say, ‘country bad ass.’

Also appears on :
Tattoo: 5ive Songs No. 73 (2021)

13. Kevin Abstract, “Tattoo”

American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story • QUESTION EVERYTHING, INC. / EMPIRE • 2016

“Wish I could quit you / Got your name across my chest.” So, Kevin Abstract gives us both a memorable Brokeback Mountain reference and some permanent ink? Two thumbs way TF up! “Tattoo” appears on American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story (2016), my first encounter with the solo musician and BROCKHAMPTON member.  As is often the case with tattoo songs, matters of the heart come into play, sigh.

Before diving into those pesky ‘matters of the heart,’ let me just say that the music is gorgeous on “Tattoo.” Kevin Abstract embraces an alternative brand of R&B, highlighted by his tone on the first verse, as well as the timbre created by the guitars.  He’s very distinct on the bridge, which seems to dip into hip-hop, adding unique contrast (“Dad tried to tell me I’m not functional / I got a bunch of homes, but not a bunch of homes”).  Focusing on those matters of the heart, Abstract has messed up and wishes to fix it: “Told a lie and I’m sorry / Let me make it up at the football game.” So, how’s a football game going to mend things? “Let’s make out at the bleachers.” Hot, indeed !

14. Bishop Briggs, “TATTOOED ON MY HEART”

CHAMPION • Island • 2019

“If I’d known you’d rip it apart / Oh, I wish I didn’t get your name tattooed on my heart.” Woo, those are strong words, Bishop Briggs! Of course, leading up to those key lyrics from the chorus of “TATTOOED ON MY HEART” ( CHAMPION) are the actions her lover took to irk and totally irritate her.  “Call me up, drunk with your friends / Just to tell me how you feel,” she sings on the first verse, adding, “You say you think I’m going / …You think your words, they never faze me / But they hurt me every time.”

Ugh, BB seems to be in a dysfunctional, toxic relationship, yet she loves him.  She claims it’s “Time for me to let go” (verse two) and to be “done with fake promises” (pre-chorus) yet continues to find herself being played like a fool. On the bridge she acknowledges, “You’re holdin’ me down, down, down” yet, it’s just not-so-easy to leave.  That heart, it’s something else!  At least, Briggs has a soulful backdrop to express her pain over ( Jonny Coffer).  Her voice is expressive, powerful, and radiant.

15. Rammstein, “TATTOO”

RAMMSTEIN • RAMMSTEIN GBR / Universal Music GmbH • 2019

“Wenn das Blut die Tinte küsst / Wenn der Schmerz das Fleisch umarmt / Ich zeige meine Haut.” Um, say what, Rammstein? If you are fluent in German, you read it without any issues. But, if you don’t speak German, here’s the English translation: “When the blood kisses the ink / When the pain embraces the flesh / I show my skin.” The German hard rock/metal band goes on to speak about pictures, needle, and more blood on the chorus of “TATTOO,” the 10^th and penultimate track from their 2019, self-titled album.

“TATTOO,” like so many tattoo songs, encompasses a mixture of love, memories, and of course, visuals.  There’s a special connection with body art, something Rammstein isn’t shy about highlighting. “Even death can’t do us part,” Till Lindemann sings (translated, of course), later stating on the bridge:

“I’ll engrave myself with your name
Then, you’re forever here
But when you break us up
I’ll search someone who’s called the same.”

Well, I guess that makes sense, Till, given the permanence of the ink.  Still, couldn’t that be a tall task for the sake of some ink? To each his or her own, of course.