I'm not sure I buy the abuse thing. The FAQ at crashtestdummies.com discusses an alternate verse which most certainly does not deal with abuse, but with disappointment (apparently there was a 3rd alternate verse, which has not been published). Brad also refers to the parents in the 3rd verse as "ecstatic christians". I doubt someone would refer to abusive parents using the word "ecstatic".
To me, this song seems like a big joke on Brad Roberts' part. Verses one and two are the leadup, describing children with unusually bad luck, suffering embarassing situations. The punchline is that they're both glad that they're not the kid in the last verse, with his overbearing fundie parents.
"They shook and lurched all over the church floor" I really always thought Brad was referring to nondenominational charismatic churches and their flocks' penchant for dancing (in the most bizarre fashions; "interpretive" doesn't begin to cover it) here. It supports the band's obvious disdain for organised religion, as well as the idea that a child trying to be accepted by his peers would be mortified to have his involvement in that behaviour made public, whether it's against his will or not.
Hit the nail right on the head for my interpreation right there - well said man.
Hit the nail right on the head for my interpreation right there - well said man.
I'm pretty sure this is what he intended when he wrote the song but I'm also pretty sure he'd see the reason people may think its about abuse and be pretty pleased to hear their views.
I'm pretty sure this is what he intended when he wrote the song but I'm also pretty sure he'd see the reason people may think its about abuse and be pretty pleased to hear their views.
Great song though - puts pictures straight into my head when I hear it.
Great song though - puts pictures straight into my head when I hear it.
I'm not sure I buy the abuse thing. The FAQ at crashtestdummies.com discusses an alternate verse which most certainly does not deal with abuse, but with disappointment (apparently there was a 3rd alternate verse, which has not been published). Brad also refers to the parents in the 3rd verse as "ecstatic christians". I doubt someone would refer to abusive parents using the word "ecstatic".
To me, this song seems like a big joke on Brad Roberts' part. Verses one and two are the leadup, describing children with unusually bad luck, suffering embarassing situations. The punchline is that they're both glad that they're not the kid in the last verse, with his overbearing fundie parents.
"They shook and lurched all over the church floor" I really always thought Brad was referring to nondenominational charismatic churches and their flocks' penchant for dancing (in the most bizarre fashions; "interpretive" doesn't begin to cover it) here. It supports the band's obvious disdain for organised religion, as well as the idea that a child trying to be accepted by his peers would be mortified to have his involvement in that behaviour made public, whether it's against his will or not.
Hit the nail right on the head for my interpreation right there - well said man.
Hit the nail right on the head for my interpreation right there - well said man.
I'm pretty sure this is what he intended when he wrote the song but I'm also pretty sure he'd see the reason people may think its about abuse and be pretty pleased to hear their views.
I'm pretty sure this is what he intended when he wrote the song but I'm also pretty sure he'd see the reason people may think its about abuse and be pretty pleased to hear their views.
Great song though - puts pictures straight into my head when I hear it.
Great song though - puts pictures straight into my head when I hear it.