submissions
| Cary Brothers – Honestly Lyrics
| 19 years ago
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This song embodies what it feels like to be in the in-between stage post-break up. You want the other person to think you're over them, but you aren't ready to let go yet. So, outwardly, you accept that things are over and pretend to move on, but nothing is ever that easy. I love the line "I wished your love away". It's so beautiful, but so hopeless in a way. It isn't possible to will an emotion like love out of existence. Cary Brothers is an amazing artist, and I hope he eventually gets the attention he deserves. If you haven't already, buy his LP! |
submissions
| They Might Be Giants – Spiraling Shape Lyrics
| 19 years ago
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I think this song is about one of those roadside attractions, like "The world's largest margarine statue" or a potato that looks like Elvis. The signs draw you in, but once you're there it's a total flop. You can't get your money back, and you went forty miles out of your way. |
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| Foo Fighters – See You Lyrics
| 19 years ago
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I adore this song. It's a funnier, more light-hearted look at a bad breakup. The Colour and the Shape is just a phenomenal album. |
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| Ben Folds Five – Alice Childress Lyrics
| 19 years ago
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My favorite quote in the world is from this song: "Alice, the world is full of ugly things that you can't change / Pretend it's not that way / That's my idea of faith". It just means so much to me. |
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| Ben Folds Five – The Last Polka Lyrics
| 19 years ago
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I wouldn't say "the other 25" necessarily refers to wives, but maybe just girlfriends. Anyway, I love this song because it illuminates the smallest things about your significant other that just drives you insane. There is just so much tension between them that even stupid things make a relationship unbearable. As a result, everything explodes and they start yelling at each other. It took me a long time to discover all the great things about this song, but it's one of my favorites now. |
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| Ben Folds Five – One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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I agree with benfoldsfan - this might be the best opening song from any album. I decided to buy this CD on a total whim in high school, knowing nothing about the band. This song totally sealed the deal for me, and now I am a huge BFF and Ben Folds fan. |
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| Elvis Presley – Can't Help Falling In Love Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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This was me and my last boyfriend's song. We were in his room, and I told him we needed a song. He said that the next song that came on the radio would be "our song," and this is what came next. Too perfect. It was ironic, too, because he told me he had feelings for me about six months before we got together. He had just broken up with a friend of mine and I just kept telling him he was rushing into something he wasn't ready for. But we ended up together. He was the best boyfriend I ever had, and everytime I hear this song, I think of how much we used to love each other. It is the perfect love song. |
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| Nina Simone – Strange Fruit (Billie Holiday cover) Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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The lyrics aren't quite right. For one, it's "Southern trees," not "seven". The lyrics are correct on Billie Holiday's lyric list. I believe Billie sang it originally, too. There is a good explanation there, but basically it is a protest against lynchings. |
submissions
| Plumb – Damaged Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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I think Blairgirl has this song confused with Delerium's "Silence," which is vocalized by Sarah McLachlan and also appears on the Brokedown Palace soundtrack. But this song was definitely sung by Plumb, not Sarah. |
submissions
| Otis Redding – (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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This song reminds me of one of my ex-boyfriends. A while before we started dating, we were the only people still awake on one of our tour buses in Europe. I was totally delirous from sleep deprivation, and I just kept making up ridiculous lyrics to the tune of this song. We did that almost every day of the trip. After we got closer, I came to find out that he is a big Otis Redding fan. This was always one of our unofficial songs. |
submissions
| Simon and Garfunkel – Mrs. Robinson Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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sebastianguilt, just because you think you have discovered "the truth" about this song does not mean that the rest of us cannot post here. After all, the question is "What does this song mean TO YOU?" The song may not have been written for "The Graduate", but it was reformulated for it, so there is nothing wrong with trying to draw connections between the two. To me, though, this song is brilliant in its ability to get people happy and singing when the lyrics are quite dark. If the song is about being in an institution, then the first verse ("We'd like to help you learn to help yourself") is quite mocking of the methods use to help people overcome problems, whether pertaining to alcohol, drug, or mental instability. In the same vein, the references to Jesus and Heaven are also sarcastic, poking fun at the institutions in this country that are supposed to help people, but instead are often corrupt and unhelpful. Finally, the references to "hiding" something is metaphorical, refering to keeping secrets rather than drugs or alcohol in the house. Simon suggests putting "it in your pantry with your cupcakes" as a riff on the people who pretend to be good and holy but who are only hiding behind the facade. It's about being someone you aren't and not being honest. I love this song. It's beautiful and timeless. |
submissions
| Ben Folds Five – Evaporated Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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Yeah, I totally see the dad leaving the family thing. More than that, though, I think he's talking about how he lives the rest of his life as a result of the divorce. In some ways, he sees himself becoming like his father, pushing the good things away and isolating himself. He's trying to figure out how to make things right and to be himself, not his father. |
submissions
| Ben Folds Five – Julianne Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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I don't think we are supposed to assume Julianne is a bitch. The only thing he says about her is that he doesn't miss her and that she would be angry if she found out that he spent the night with another woman. I'd say that sounds pretty reasonable. And even if he didn't actually have sex with the Axl Rose woman, it's definitely pretty sketchy to get her drunk and spend the night together when you have a girlfriend. It could just be that he felt trapped in a relationship that didn't make him happy. Hanging out with the other woman made him realize that he wanted something more out of a relationship. I've had revelations like that, and it didn't mean that my boyfriend was a dick; it just meant that he and I weren't working out. I think that's the message here. |
submissions
| Matchbox Twenty – Bright Lights Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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This song expresses exactly how it feels when someone you love makes important decisions that you cannot be a part of. You're happy to see them succeed, but you don't want to lose them. |
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| moist – Leave It Alone Lyrics
| 20 years ago
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This song is just amazing. Like Yelraek said, the first few times I heard it, I never thought about what it meant. The lyrics are so poignant and so desperate. I really need to buy this CD. This is one of the best songs I've ever heard. |
submissions
| Ben Folds Five – Jane Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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This song is beautiful. It reminds me of the Alanis Morissette song "Mary Jane" because they both share that desire to help someone who can't see all the beauty they possess. |
submissions
| They Might Be Giants – Till My Head Falls Off Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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If this is a song about being addicted to pain killers, Advil is a pretty lame drug to choose. Maybe that's another testament to this guy: he's kind of pathetic. The only addiction he can get is Advil. Very sad. Anyway, just a thought. |
submissions
| They Might Be Giants – Shoehorn With Teeth Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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Another TMBG song that is easy to read too much into. He wants a shoehorn with teeth because he knows he can never have it. It is easier to want something unattainable because there is no danger in succeeding. It's like in high school when you have a crush on Mr. Popular, and how safe it is -- much safer than liking a friend of yours. The girl and the chair goes along with the shoehorn because he cannot be rejected by nobody. The "People should get beat up . . ." bit is ironic because he is stating a belief while condemning just that. The "plane can never land" is an old joke. I really like "What's the sense in ever thinking about the tomb / When you're much too busy returning to the womb?". It talks about taking risks -- why should we ever fear what can be when we can just rest on where we are? I know I am reading too much into all of this, but, hell, it's fun. That's what I love about TMBG. |
submissions
| They Might Be Giants – S-e-x-x-y Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I always thought it said "She wants to be A man." That gives it a whole other meaning. If she wants to be A man, than maybe the hermaphrodite thing works out. But I think it is just the Johns spin on an otherwise kinky song. |
submissions
| They Might Be Giants – Mr. Me Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I love this song. When my younger brother was two or three, h used to say things were "sad" when he didn't like them. That's what this song reminds me of with the "He ended up really, really, really sad." |
submissions
| John Lennon – Stand By Me (Ben E. King cover) Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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Okay, I have the John Lennon Collection CD, and this song is on it, but he does not sing it. It is a Ben E. King song. John produced it, but does that really make it a John Lennon song? Anyway, it's a really beautiful song. |
submissions
| John Lennon – Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I always use "We all shine on / Like the moon and the stars and the sun" as my inspirational quote when I need one. I absolutely adore John Lennon. I only wish he could have lived during my generation, too. |
submissions
| Ben Folds Five – Brick Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I am not going to offer yet another full interpretation on top of the ten-thousand here already. I just wanted to elaborate that some women bleed a lot after an abortion because it's a forced miscarriage. It's just a result of the physical side of pregnancy. That could be part of the "she was not fine," in addition to her emotional side effects. Also, when Ben writes "it's not me you're dying for," I get this really selfish feeling. The abortion was probably the girlfriend's idea, but they were so young that it is obviously beneficial to both of them. His guilt is making him say that it isn't his fault, when he is obviously part of the whole thing. The next line says, "Now she's feeling more alone / Than she ever has before." To me, this shows that his guilt is only alienating her, like he isn't blatantly blaming her, but to make himself feel less responsible, he is acting like it isn't his decision. I think this is one of the most amazing songs ever written. It is beautiful, emotional, and it doesn't offer up any real answers. |
submissions
| Alanis Morissette – Forgiven Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I have to agree that it's about sexuality specifically. It can be applied to Catholicism in general, but I hear the repressed sexuality. The opening lines say, "You know how us Catholic girls can be / We make up for so much time a little too late." The stereotype of a Catholic school girl is that sexual innocence. She makes references to the celibate priests, and mentions "My brothers, they never went blind for what they did / But I may as well have." It's that double standard: guys are supposed to "get lucky" but girls are expected to resist, like we should have more control. So stupid. Anyway, I think the way she alludes to the Trinity is interesting; instead of saying the Holy Ghost, she mentions "the Skeptic". It's like part of religion for her is cynicism, like her disbelief that she should be submitted to so many restraints. All in all, this is one of my favorite songs. |
submissions
| Billy Joel – Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I never thought about it being about immigrants, but it does make sense. Look at the names he mentions: Anthony, Mama Leone, and Cacciatore are all Italian, and O'Leary is Irish. In New York, the Italian and Irish populations are quite large. The references to getting out of the ghetto and the dead-ends jobs seem like traditional "immigrant kids make good" stories. Also, the mention of Uncle Sam fits the bill. This is a really good song. The whole "Stranger" album is phenomenal. |
submissions
| Meredith Brooks – Pollyanne Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I think the last bit should be: "We may never change / So you can call me Pollyanne." Nit-picky, I know. Anyway, I like this song a lot. It's a lot of fun. I know people like this: the tortured artist, looking too far into things. This is a really fun song. |
submissions
| Joydrop – Strawberry Marigold Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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This is a beautiful song. I love "Don't lose your wings / Til you learn how to sing yourself to sleep". It's such a cryptic yet emotional song. I love it! |
submissions
| Paula Cole – Hush, Hush, Hush Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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This is an amazingly powerful song. I think it's about a young, gay male who is dying of AIDS. His family probably doesn't approve, so he is afraid to go to them with his ailment. The part that Peter Gabriel sings is reassuring him that next time around things will be better. He will be someone important and special, and he won't die so young. This song makes me cry every time. It is a beautiful piece of music. |
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| Paula Cole – Where Have All The Cowboys Gone? Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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It really is, because she is really talented. The whole "This Fire" album is totally amazing. I love her. I really like this song. I used to hate it because I'm from Oklahoma and cowboy allusions get really old. Now, however, I realize what a well written and performed song this is. It's really sad and beautiful. |
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| Plumb – Damaged Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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Yeah, I always thought it was about child molestation. It's such a powerful song. I don't have a Plumb album, but the "Brokedown Palace" soundtrack is just awesome. This is my favorite song from it. |
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| Ace of Base – The Sign Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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This is a great song. The whole album is so much fun. It got it several years ago, and I rediscovered it not too long ago. I like to play it in my dorm room loudly enough to confuse the people around me. He he |
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| The Chicks – Long Time Gone Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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Yeah, that's one great thing about the Chicks: they attract tons of non-country fans, like me. This is such a fun song. Go Dixie Chicks! |
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| Poe – Not A Virgin Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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This is a great song. It makes me feel totally empowered. Poe is challenging the stereotype of the innocent female, and she does it so well! Girls can have fun, too. Also, to NicoleInWonderland's comment, there are a lot of vocal recordings of Poe's father on the album. If you read the inside cover of the album, she explains that she found these tapes of her father's lectures and things after he died. That is where the name "Haunted" comes from. Anyway, great song, great album. |
submissions
| Elton John – I Want Love Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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Justin Timberlake was in the video for "This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore". Anyway, I never thought this song was about coming out of the closet. I thought it was about wanting a relationship that was more about physicality than emotion, like a fling. The chorus says, "I want love, just a different kind / I want love that won't break me down, won't brick me up, won't fence me in / I want love that don't mean a thing / That's the love I want." It sounds to me like he wants to avoid the emotional part of being with someone. I really don't think it has anything to do with being gay except that he wants this other kind of love from men, not women. He says things like, "No sweet romance, I've had enough" and "And I can't love, been shot in places" that seem, to me, like he has been hurt so badly that he wants to keep things purely sexual. You can't get hurt if you don't feel anything, right? |
submissions
| The Goo Goo Dolls – You Never Know Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I am much more impressed with Robby's Gutterflower songs than his from Dizzy Up The Girl. I didn't like most of his from Dizzy, but I really like this one, Tucked Away, and Up Up Up. |
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| Weezer – My Name Is Jonas Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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Oh no, I hope it isn't about The Giver!! We read that in either fifth or sixth grade. Maybe I was just too young, but I thought it was utterly disturbing. It gave me nightmares. Anyway, moving away from my childhood insecurities, if the opening line is taken from THAT BOOK, that is completely in line with other people's interpretations that the song is about childhood. That is one of those (scary) books that lots of kids read. I never got a good idea of what the song was about myself, but it is so much fun to sing really loudly. Woo hoo! |
submissions
| Weezer – In The Garage Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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Yeah, he mentions Kitty Pryde, too, MY all-time favorite X-Man. Talk about exuding geekiness. |
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| Ben Folds Five – Magic Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I heard someone, could have been an unreliable source, that it was about someone's grandmother. What I read said it was Ben's grandma, but everyone here says Darren wrote it, so maybe that is it. I don't think it's about suicide. It sounds more like she is so sick that she can no longer function, much less actually commit suicide. It's like when my great-grandmother died: we all loved her, but everyone was relieved when she died. She was 88, incontinent, immobile, and in an extreme amount of pain. We miss her, but we couldn't stand to watch her suffer. That's what this song reminds me of whenever I hear it. It is so beautiful, achingly beautiful. |
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| Ben Folds Five – Jackson Cannery Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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One thing I love about this song is how open to interpretation it is. What is the factory? It could represent any dead-end job, a life you don't want to lead, someone who is trapped into carrying on some family legacy. "Big brother" could be anyone better off. This song is about jealousy, being stuck in a rut, borderline madness, trying to please others, etc. I love it. Go Ben! |
submissions
| Ben Folds Five – Hospital Song Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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This is probably one of the most depressing songs I have EVER heard. The first time I heard it, I started to cry because it's frankness is totally unexpected. It's beautiful, emotional piano part is haunting. It gives me chills. |
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| Ben Folds Five – Emaline Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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Oh, that makes me sad to think it is about a horse. I have spent a lot of time (too much, maybe) interpreting every beat of BF5 songs, and I don't want it to be about a horse. I thought it was about a girl who was high maintenance in the sense that she needs a lot of attention, not money spent on her. She is really different from other people: she says things strangely, she is often oblivious to people's criticisms, stuff like that. He admires her ability to "float above" pettiness and things. Maybe he is debating whether he should leave her because others are wary of her, or if her should stay with her because she is so special. At least, that's the explanation I want to be right. I wonder why I care so much . . . |
submissions
| Matchbox Twenty – Shame Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I agree this song is about a relationship, but it goes beyond that. It's about being disappointed by people in general. It reminds me of when my parents got divorced nine years ago. I was more mad at them for not being honest and making it work than I was sad they were apart. When you reach that time of disappointment and despair, it doesn't matter who still loves you: you feel completely isolated in the world. The worst is when it's your fault, and you know it's your fault, and you feel that personal sense of shame and regret. This is such a beautiful song. It really defined and fulfilled my early-adolescent need for abject depression. Funny, but true. |
submissions
| Matchbox Twenty – Push Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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I adore this song, and I have since it came out. It is completely scratched up on my CD (sadness). It is full of emotion and realism, something that so much pop/rock misses out on. We need music to go back to this style that evokes feelings, makes you want to sing along, and can still rock. I love Matchbox Twenty. |
submissions
| Everclear – Wonderful Lyrics
| 21 years ago
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This song makes me cry everytime I hear it without fail. My parents got divorced when I was nine, so I feel what he is describing. It wasn't as rough on me as it seems to have been on Art, but this song does hit close to home. It's pure emotion. |
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