A.D.D.
Ten Foot Pole Lyrics

Mommy, what does hyper mean?
Child asks the meaning of the term 'hyper' to his mom, indicating that he is experiencing excessive activity or restlessness.

Teacher says I'll never read
The child is told by his teacher that he will never be able to read due to his hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder (ADD).

She says I need to take a pill
The teacher suggests that the child should take medication to address his hyperactivity, as she thinks that he is unable to learn or pay attention without it.

So I can learn to sit real still
The teacher wants the child to take medication to learn how to sit still and pay attention in class, which is perceived as a necessary condition to gain knowledge and academic success.

The microwaves did something to our brains
The child blames technology, represented by microwaves, for his and his peers' trouble paying attention, learning, or behaving appropriately.

We need to take these pills to help us change
The child believes that taking medication is the only way they can change and improve their behavior or academic performance, as directed by their teachers or authority figures.

Please, let me take them; I don't want to be an idiot
The child desires to take medication, even if he does not fully understand its effects or side effects, to avoid being seen as unintelligent or problematic by others.

Ritalin will make me smart
The child thinks that Ritalin is a magic pill that will instantly make him smarter and more successful, without acknowledging its potential drawbacks or limitations.

At least that's what my teacher said
The child trusts his teacher's authority and expertise in recommending Ritalin, without questioning its appropriateness or effectiveness for his individual needs.

All the other kids take them; I think I am the only one
The child perceives that all his peers are taking medication for ADD, which makes him feel left out or abnormal if he does not comply with this norm.

I need something to slow me down
The child feels overwhelmed or overstimulated by his environment, which makes him crave for a way to calm down or focus, even if it involves taking medication with potential risks or side effects.

I talk too much 'cause I am dumb
The child has internalized negative stereotypes about himself, believing that he talks too much or is unintelligent because of his ADD, which lowers his self-esteem and confidence.

Mommy, what's a deficit?
The child asks his mom about the meaning of a 'deficit,' referring to the term 'attention deficit disorder' that he was diagnosed with in school.

I think it means that I can't sit
The child associates the term 'deficit' with his inability to sit still or pay attention in class, which he perceives as a character flaw or deficiency.

Disorder of attention
The child describes his diagnosis of ADD as a 'disorder of attention,' implying that it is a condition that affects his ability to focus or control his reactions, rather than a personal choice or preference.

And I don't learn the lesson
The child feels frustrated that his ADD prevents him from learning or retaining knowledge, which reinforces his belief that he needs medication to address this problem.

Mommy, please, help me see the light
The child asks his mom to support him in his decision to take medication and to validate his perception that medication is the only way to overcome his ADD.

Don't you know my teacher's always right?
The child appeals to his mom's authority, using her trust in his teacher's recommendation to reinforce his own argument for taking medication.

Joey's starting on week four
The child mentions his friend Joey, who has recently started taking medication for ADD, indicating that the practice of prescribing such medication is becoming normalized in their social circle.

He's not in trouble any more
The child assumes that Joey's medication has improved his behavior or academic performance, leading him to believe that medication is an effective treatment for ADD for everyone.

Susie's ending up week nine
The child also mentions his friend Susie, who has been taking medication for a longer time, and implies that the practice of taking medication is not seen as temporary, but rather as a long-term solution.

Now she's never out of line
The child believes that Susie's medication has made her a better-behaved student, implying that its effect is not limited to academic performance, but also to conformity to social rules and norms.

Now Mommy takes my Ritalin
The child reports that his mom has started taking his medication, indicating that she shares his belief in the effectiveness of medication as a solution for ADD, and may also have experienced similar difficulties in focus or attention.

There's not enough for me, she said
The child feels anxious or deprived now that his mom is taking his medication, implying that its availability and access are limited or unequal, and may create tensions or conflicts between family members.

All the other moms take them; I think it's not just mine
The child perceives that his mom's behavior is not unique, and that other parents or caregivers may be taking medication for ADD, implying that the phenomenon of overdiagnosis or overmedication is a widespread societal issue.

I don't know if she's smarter now
The child doubts whether his mom's medication has actually made her smarter, indicating that he is aware of the limitations and uncertainties of the effects of ADD medication, and the potential risks of relying on it without proper evaluation or supervision.

But at least she's feeling fine
The child acknowledges that his mom's medication may have had a positive effect on her well-being, possibly reducing stress or anxiety, and that this may be a reason why some people resort to medication for ADD, beyond academic or behavioral outcomes.