A Self-Made Man

David Byrne

We're living in a dump
Trying to figure out what sex we are

Exchanging chromosomes
Trying to bargain for a better future

Well I'll trade you my potential mental
illness for your bad teeth

How 'bout trading your sexy body for a
full head of hair

Well we can't predict the future
But we're trying to do the best that we can

My cards are on the table
I'm gambling everything that I am

And some of us are hoping
To end up with a perfect life
I'll trade you everything that I got
For the chance to be someone else

And what you see is what you get
And what you get is what you choose
And what I am
What you see
Is exactly what I chose to be

And now we got a black market
A black market in designer genes

The most beautiful, most intelligent
Criminals you've ever seen

And now you're payin' top dollar
For what you used to get for free

They'll stun you with their looks
And charm you with effortless ease

They've taken everything from you
The way that you walk
The way that you smile
The sound of your voice

Don't even know
Who you are
Who are you now?
Who are you now?

I'm a self made man, I'm a self made man
I'm a self made man (I've got nothing left to give)
I'm a self made man (I've got nothing left to lose)

On down the hallway
The freaks are waiting for you
Somebody calls me
The freaks are waitin' for you
The clown will laugh in your face
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
The clown will laugh in your face
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
The clown will laugh in your face
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho


Lyrics submitted by [inactive account]

A Self-Made Man Lyrics as written by David Byrne

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

A Self-Made Man song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

2 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    Thank you, David Byrne, for your courage. Man, do I feel this song right at this point in my life. ...lost and now am found. Byrne has a gift for revealing the truths we hide within ourselves. The truths so simple and obvious that we must be either brainwashed or in denial to miss on our own. I assume it comes down to the honest approach in his writing. It is an added gift that his words swim so beautifully and naturally through the brilliant waves and textures of his music. The man is a beacon for artists or anyone seeking to own their lives and nurture their talents.

    And I can't fathom why no one else has commented to date. I must get to enjoy the good music by myself.

    impetuosoulon May 09, 2010   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988. "'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it." "There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Album art
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Album art
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Album art
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it. “I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.