The Empty Threats of Little Lord Lyrics

Lyric discussion by asherbee 

Cover art for The Empty Threats of Little Lord lyrics by Sunset Rubdown

I always thought this had something to do with a teacher. A bad one. References to podiums and the bit about being self-professed (professor)and the power disparity between the narrator and the person he's speaking of.

Then last night, when I was listening to it with headphones on, it really sounded as though the very last "you snake" in the song is actually "you Snape." A definite aspirated "p" sound, not a hard "k."

And there's snakes in the song. Everywhere. On the other hand, this just seems too geeky to be possible.

Maybe I was just tired. Dunno. Give it another listen.

At any rate - love it. Whatever the details, it reeks of someone in a position of little power imagining telling off an oppressor. And who hasn't done that?

I agree with your interpretation and these lines ...

If I ever hurt you It will be in self-defense If I ever hurt you It will be in self-defense

I believe it is the one oppressed speaking to the snake.