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Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? Lyrics
Why do you let me stay here?
All by myself
Why don't you come and play here!
I'm just sitting on the shelf.
Why don't you sit right down and stay a while!
We like the same things and I like your style!
It's not a secret, why do you keep it?
I'm just sitting on the shelf.
I got to get your presence.
Let's make it known.
I think you're just so pleasant!
I would like you for my own.
Why don't you sit right down and make me smile.
You make me feel like I am just a child!
Why do you emit?
Just give me credit!
I'm just sitting on the shelf.
All by myself
Why don't you come and play here!
I'm just sitting on the shelf.
We like the same things and I like your style!
It's not a secret, why do you keep it?
I'm just sitting on the shelf.
Let's make it known.
I think you're just so pleasant!
I would like you for my own.
You make me feel like I am just a child!
Why do you emit?
Just give me credit!
I'm just sitting on the shelf.
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I disagree with the other commenters. I don't think "I'm just sitting on the shelf" represents her inaction, to me it represents him not noticing her. She's saying she wants him and they've got a lot in common but he takes no notice.
Why is she "sitting on a shelf"? Is it a metaphor for her acting like a "doll" or a lady and not wanting to make the first move?
Probably so, charliesmom4. Underneath the chipper, inviting tone, the singer is powerless to do anything to advance the relationship. She just has to wait for him because she doesn't believe in making the first move. As much as I'm seduced by the breezy, '60's vibe of this song, it reinforces repressive gender roles for women. When I heard this, I thought, "Get off that shelf, girl! Demand to be noticed!"
Probably so, charliesmom4. Underneath the chipper, inviting tone, the singer is powerless to do anything to advance the relationship. She just has to wait for him because she doesn't believe in making the first move. As much as I'm seduced by the breezy, '60's vibe of this song, it reinforces repressive gender roles for women. When I heard this, I thought, "Get off that shelf, girl! Demand to be noticed!"
I thought it was a reference to the saying "on the shelf" as in shes a bit old now and she needs someone or shell be considered a spinster. perhaps not a reference to age but to the amount of time she has been waiting.
I thought it was a reference to the saying "on the shelf" as in shes a bit old now and she needs someone or shell be considered a spinster. perhaps not a reference to age but to the amount of time she has been waiting.
goddesscaroline => I think you’re right, and definitely understand your reaction (about getting off the shelf). However, I think the reason she doesn’t is because she isn’t she if he doesn’t feel the same way back, which is why she would never make a first move.
goddesscaroline => I think you’re right, and definitely understand your reaction (about getting off the shelf). However, I think the reason she doesn’t is because she isn’t she if he doesn’t feel the same way back, which is why she would never make a first move.
“I’ve got to get your presence/Let’s make it known."
“I’ve got to get your presence/Let’s make it known."
This shows that he probably hasn’t been giving her any attention or acknowledgment, which is why she’s hesitant and “stays on the shelf.”
This shows that he probably hasn’t been giving her any attention or acknowledgment, which is why she’s hesitant and “stays on the shelf.”
I can absolutely relate to this, not talking to guy because he...
I can absolutely relate to this, not talking to guy because he doesn’t like you the way you like him. I know it might be safer sitting on the shelf, but is it worth it in the end?
love this song! it's so sweet & simple, yet has a great beat. i've been listening to this song all day non-stop.
i love this song! im so excited for the new album! i just hope you can hear m.ward on the album more than you can in this song.
the album is pretty zooey-centric, but m. ward's presence is definitely more pronounced in other songs!
'i should have known known better' in particular. :)
Such a cute song; I love it so much!
Very cute song. I'm loving this group...I think they complement each other.
it is pretty cute, I like Zooey's voice alot. But anyway, basically she's just kind of chilling waiting for him to approach her and ask her out cuz she thinks they'd hti it off!
wikipedia says she wrote the song. one assumes that actresses are just performers, but that's a great surprise.
This is how I picture the song based on the situation I've had ever been into. There is a girl and a guy. The guy is in that popular lot while the girl is cool in her own way. Her quirks charmed him but he was hesitated to bet his reputation. While the girl has realized his feeling for her, she confused what has gotten into him cause he was so genuine when they were talking just together but acting the other way around people - representable on the lines 'It's not a secret. Why do you keep it? I'm just sitting on the shelf' My suggestion, just leave him. He's not worthwhile. At least, for the present : P