Meija

Album: Porno For Pyros (1993)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Meija," which can also be spelled "mija," is a term of endearment in Spanish meaning "little girl." The song is about Casey Niccoli, who at the time was the girlfriend of Porno For Pyros frontman Perry Farrell.

    In a Songfacts interview with the band's guitarist Peter DiStefano, he told the story. "She would run to go score heroin or coke or both at the same time," he said. "And the dealers are like, 'Where are you going Meija?'

    She would get the drugs and then run off, so it was like, 'Where you going, Meija? You got your money in your hand and your mind's already out the door.' It's about partying."
  • "Meija" was never a hit but is a favorite of the band and their fans, played at most of their shows. It's part of the first of two Porno For Pyros albums.

    As you can glean from the song, the band's drug use gave them a short shelf life. Drummer Stephen Perkins stuck with pot, but the other three members indulged; bass player Martyn LeNoble's struggles were a contributing factor when he left the band in 1995, and Peter DiStefano overdosed more than once and was very lucky to stay alive. Farrell had a talent for managing his addictions, getting clean when he had to get down to business. After Pyros petered out in 1997, he re-formed Jane's Addiction. Porno For Pyros returned to action on a limited basis in 2020 and did a farewell tour in 2024.
  • Porno For Pyros played this song in 1992 - before it was released - on The Larry Sanders Show, a spoof of talk shows that ran on HBO starring Garry Shandling. It was the first TV appearance for the band, which hadn't yet put out their debut album.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.