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.
Birds are calling to sing along
But my window's painted shut
And all that year of chorus taught me
Is out of style and long forgot
How can I sing like a girl
And not be stigmatized
By the rest of the world?
Tell me how can I sing like a girl
And not be objectified
As if I were a girl?
I want to raise my freak flag
Higher and higher and
I want to raise my freak flag
And never be alone
Never be alone
From the watchtowers I've been spotted
Fingers pointing at my mouth
Spotlights turn and pivot towards me
But I dare not make a sound
How can I sing like a girl
And not be stigmatized
By the rest of the world?
Tell me how can I sing like a girl
And not be objectified
As if I were a girl?
I want to raise my freak flag
Higher and higher and
I want to raise my freak flag
And never be alone
Never be alone
How can I sing like a girl
And not be stigmatized
By the rest of the world?
Tell me how can I sing like a girl
And not be objectified
As if I were a girl?
How can I sing like a girl
How can I sing like a girl
How can I sing like a girl
How can I sing like a girl
But my window's painted shut
And all that year of chorus taught me
Is out of style and long forgot
How can I sing like a girl
And not be stigmatized
By the rest of the world?
Tell me how can I sing like a girl
And not be objectified
As if I were a girl?
I want to raise my freak flag
Higher and higher and
I want to raise my freak flag
And never be alone
Never be alone
From the watchtowers I've been spotted
Fingers pointing at my mouth
Spotlights turn and pivot towards me
But I dare not make a sound
How can I sing like a girl
And not be stigmatized
By the rest of the world?
Tell me how can I sing like a girl
And not be objectified
As if I were a girl?
I want to raise my freak flag
Higher and higher and
I want to raise my freak flag
And never be alone
Never be alone
How can I sing like a girl
And not be stigmatized
By the rest of the world?
Tell me how can I sing like a girl
And not be objectified
As if I were a girl?
How can I sing like a girl
How can I sing like a girl
How can I sing like a girl
How can I sing like a girl
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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In live shows Flansburgh has to sing in a high voice for part of the song She Was a Hotel Detective, and apparently caught some flak about it, jokingly of course, so this song came about in part by that, and is pretty much representative of the freedom to express yourself how you choose.
I'm surprised the gay rights movement hasn't completely adopted this song. It seems like a perfect fit, just wanting to live your life without other people judging or restricting you.
it's probably not about being born into the wrong sex, and it's definitely not about WWII.. watchtowers and spotlights are most likely symbolic of trying to escape from a maximum security prison. which is a metaphor for trying to break out of the walls society places upon you. (i want to raise my freak flag higher and higher.. and never be alone.) it's basically about wanting to go against the grain, to do your own thing, but remain free of persecution.
Yeah, the guy wants to be able to be himself and be proud of it without the negative consequences of being frowned upon by the constrictions of society. Plus, he still wants people to like him. But he wants to be himself at the same time.
Yea I dont see the war thing working at all well. Being in the spotlight is just a metaphor for feeling like everyone is watching you, and they needed spotlights that could turn and focus (as large crowds do when an individual does something strange) and stage lights dont they are always pointed in the general direction of the stage, so the natural metaphor is watchtowers. Prison doesnt work much better, but it would kind of explain why the windows are painted shut (although bars are more prison, painted shut might be more along the lines of a mental hospital).
This is obviously a song about the artist's frustration about being born into the wrong sex.
This is obviously a song about the artist's frustration about being born into the wrong sex.
This is another WWII song, obviously: that's why there are watchtowers and spotlights...