Elephant
Tame Impala Lyrics
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Shakin' his big grey trunk for the hell of it
He knows that you're dreamin' about being loved by him
Too bad your chances are slim
And it's not like Mister Shuck
To get shy when they ask him who is on top
There must be something deep down in the dark down there
He's not too easily scared
He's got friends but they got the fear
Wouldn't care too much if he just disappeared
Oh, look, hey, there he is now coming down the stairs
(Here he comes)
He pulled the mirrors off his Cadillac (yeah)
'Cause he doesn't like it looking like he looks back
He talks like his opinion is a simple fact
Somebody grabbed his collar
He cried the whole way home
No one remembered a thing when they saw him again
That's how it is 'til the end
(Yeah)
The opening lines of Tame Impala's song "Elephant" portray an image of a proud and confident man strutting about, with all the charisma and swagger associated with a majestic elephant. The line "Shakin' his big grey trunk for the hell of it" is particularly evocative, as it conjures up the image of an elephant in the wild, swaying its trunk in a playful and carefree manner. The man in question knows that there are people who desire his love, but he seems unconcerned about their feelings, as he deems their chances of winning him over to be slim.
The subsequent lines of the song are more enigmatic, as they describe a character referred to as "Mister Shuck," who is apparently quite accomplished and well-regarded. However, there seems to be an air of mystery or unease surrounding him, as the lyrics suggest that there is "something deep down in the dark down there" that makes him fearless in certain situations. This is contrasted with the fear that his friends seem to feel, which is implied to stem from a sense of alienation or detachment from Mister Shuck. The song's chorus reinforces this theme of isolation and separation, as it depicts the man as being ultimately alone, despite his outward confidence and charm.
Overall, "Elephant" seems to tap into themes of ego, bravado, and the search for validation, with the elephant serving as a potent symbol of large and inescapable identity. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but they leave a lingering sense of sadness and longing, as they suggest that even the most powerful and charismatic figures can feel isolated and disconnected from those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, he feels like an elephant
He feels heavy, cumbersome and out of place.
Shakin' his big grey trunk for the hell of it
He is behaving in an exaggerated manner just for the fun of it.
He knows that you're dreamin' about being loved by him
He is aware that you have romantic feelings towards him.
Too bad your chances are slim
Unfortunately, the likelihood of him reciprocating your feelings is low.
And it's not like Mister Shuck
This is not typical behaviour for him.
To get shy when they ask him who is on top
He is not usually hesitant when asked about his achievements or status.
There must be something deep down in the dark down there
There may be hidden psychological or emotional issues contributing to his behaviour.
He's not too easily scared
He is quite brave and has a high tolerance for fear.
He's got friends but they got the fear
His acquaintances may be intimidated or fearful of him.
Wouldn't care too much if he just disappeared
They would not be overly concerned if he were to go missing or leave their lives.
Oh, look, hey, there he is now coming down the stairs
He has arrived on the scene.
(Here he comes)
He is approaching.
He pulled the mirrors off his Cadillac (yeah)
He removed the mirrors from his car, possibly indicating a lack of concern for vanity or self-image.
'Cause he doesn't like it looking like he looks back
He dislikes seeing his own reflection, either literally or figuratively.
He talks like his opinion is a simple fact
He expresses his beliefs as if they are indisputable truths.
Somebody grabbed his collar
An unspecified individual physically restrained him.
He cried the whole way home
He was emotionally affected by the incident and expressed his distress audibly.
No one remembered a thing when they saw him again
People did not recall or mention the previous altercation when they next encountered him.
That's how it is 'til the end
This is the pattern that will persist until the end of his life.
(Yeah)
This is an interjection expressing excitement or agreement.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jay Watson, Kevin Parker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ann Simpson
on The Less I Know the Better
warren's vocals and guitar.pull the song up to the.intensity it deserves. HAs is true of all his work, his. immense capacity to encompass the.musicality and the authenticity of his vocals and!amnva awesome ands guides