The Pressman
Primus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't see the sun much these days
A fluorescent tan covers my hide
How much impact shall I have this time?
My goal today is to read the deadline
I write between the lines
I deal with fantasy
I report the facts
Give them to me, please
Ham and egg salad on white bread keeps me company on nights like this
A pack of metholated cigarettes keeps my air nice and thick
When I write, words flow like coins from a candy box
Get out of my way
I've got something to say
The pulse is beating louder now
The cramps in my hands grow more intense with each
Tik, tik, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap on the keys
My social life is at an end so it seems to be
Why don't I trample on your lawn today?
I'll take skies of blue, turn over skies of grey
I write between the lines
I deal with fantasy
I am the pressman
Acknowledge me
Mother always told me never stray too far from home
The little lady said, "Boy, you'll never have to be alone,
Because,"
You build with fountain pen
You create the memory stain
You are the pressman
Stand up straight, boy
"The Pressman" by Primus is a song that speaks about the life of a pressman or journalist. It paints a picture of a dedicated writer who spends most of his time typing away in the dim light of a lamp. The writer says that he does not get to see the sun much these days, and a fluorescent tan covers his skin. The song largely speaks about the writer's love for his job as he aims to meet his deadlines and deliver the news to his readers.
The writer also speaks about his conditions while he writes. He tells us about meals that keep him company and a pack of mentholated cigarettes that keep his air thick. As he writes, he says that words keep flowing from him like coins from a candy box. He also speaks of the intensity of the moment, with his pulse beating louder and cramps in his hands getting more intense with each tick and tap on the keys. He finds solace in writing, but he acknowledges that his social life is nonexistent.
The song speaks about a message to the readers, that the pressman or journalist is a vital member of society who provides valuable information to people through their writing. The writer speaks to his readers, asking them to acknowledge him and his efforts. Overall, the song portrays the dedicated life of a journalist or pressman and their commitment to delivering the latest news.
Line by Line Meaning
By the light of the lamp I sit to type-my notes on tab at my side
I start typing by using the light of the lamp and with my notes to help me.
I don't see the sun much these days
I don't get to see daylight much nowadays.
A fluorescent tan covers my hide
I have a bright, sun-kissed tan which is actually a result of fluorescent lighting.
How much impact shall I have this time?
I always question how much impact I would create this time.
My goal today is to read the deadline
My target today is to complete and meet the deadline.
I write between the lines
I write in a subtle, indirect way.
I deal with fantasy
I write fictional stories.
I report the facts
I write news articles that are based on facts.
Give them to me, please
Please give me the details that I need to know.
Ham and egg salad on white bread keeps me company on nights like this
I eat Ham and egg salad on white bread to keep myself company during these long work nights.
A pack of metholated cigarettes keeps my air nice and thick
I smoke a pack of mentholated cigarettes which thickens the air around me.
When I write, words flow like coins from a candy box
Writing comes naturally to me and my words flow effortlessly.
Get out of my way
Please move aside and let me do my work.
I've got something to say
I have an important message that I want to convey.
The pulse is beating louder now
I feel more excited and enthusiastic.
The cramps in my hands grow more intense with each Tik, tik, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap on the keys
Typing for a long time causes cramping and pain in my hands which grows stronger with each passing moment.
My social life is at an end so it seems to be
I don't have much of a social life these days.
Why don't I trample on your lawn today?
Why don't I upset you today by doing something that you don't want me to do, like trampling your lawn?
I'll take skies of blue, turn over skies of grey
I have the power to change how people perceive things.
I am the pressman
I am a person who writes on behalf of others.
Acknowledge me
Please recognize and appreciate my work.
Mother always told me never stray too far from home
My mother advised me to be careful and not to stray far from home.
The little lady said, 'Boy, you'll never have to be alone, Because,'
The woman told me that I'll never have to worry about being alone.
You build with fountain pen
I take great care in creating my work with a fountain pen.
You create the memory stain
I create works that can leave a lasting impression on people.
Stand up straight, boy
Be proud of yourself and stand tall.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: LES CLAYPOOL, REID L. III LALONDE, TIMOTHY W. ALEXANDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind