I'm impressed, I'm impressed
When that gorilla beats his chest
I fall to bits
I confess
I admit I'm impressed
When the torpedo in the vest barks his orders
I'm impressed

And I find that my head's nodding yes
Though my legs are not following
I'm inspired by events
To remember the exits in back of me

I'm impressed, I'm impressed
When that gorilla pounds his desk
I fall to bits
I confess
I admit I'm impressed
Through generalissimo's request
I can't help but feel impressed

On the one hand he'll
Give you five good reasons to follow him
On the other hand
You see nobody leaving the stadium

I'm impressed, I'm impressed
By that Godzilla's flaming breath
I fall to bits
I confess
I admit I'm impressed
When the tornado from the west crushes buildings
I'm impressed

And I find that my head's nodding yes
Though my legs are not following
I'm inspired by events
To remember the exits in back of me

I'm impressed, I'm impressed
When that gorilla beats his chest
I fall to bits
I confess
I admit I'm impressed
When the torpedo in the vest barks his orders
I'm impressed



Lyrics submitted by blinxbcr

I'm Impressed Lyrics as written by John S Linnell John C Flansburgh

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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I'm Impressed song meanings
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9 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    The video has been released, if you're curious: tinyurl.com/39yoaf

    As for the interp, this is obviously about people being controlled by aggression. Point in case:

    • Gorillas beating their chest to maintain dominance
    • that same gorilla becomes a metaphor for a loud and harsh boss, pounding his desk
    • Generalisimo, being a military leader barking orders
    • Godzilla scaring Japanese into docility
    • Nature's violence

    The writer appears to be indicating that he can always run away, regardless of the foe ("the exit's in back of me"), though he doesn't - he feels weak with fear ("My legs are not following," "I fall to bits"). "Five good reasons to follow him," is talking about that old schoolyard threat --- "I'll give you one, two, three, four, five good reasons," while putting down a finger for each number, until you have a fist.

    The only thing I'm unclear on is the "torpedo in the vest" line. Unless it's somehow a submarine reference? Might is right? Not sure.

    Sir_Larrikinon September 19, 2007   Link

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