Hoppin' Up and Down
Sebadoh Lyrics

Sebadoh's "Hoppin' Up and Down" is a song that highlights the challenges that come with anxiety and paranoia. The song begins with the lyrics, "Hoppin' up and down, Smilin' at the ground," which suggests that the singer is trying to avoid contact with others by focusing their attention elsewhere. The next line, "I don't like no one around here," reiterates this sentiment and indicates that the singer is uncomfortable being in the presence of others.

The following lines, "Everywhere wandering eyes, Stab me through paranoid sides," highlight the singer's sense of paranoia and their belief that others are watching and judging them. They feel like they are being constantly scrutinized, and this is causing them distress. The lyric "What are the odds; what are the rules?" is an example of the singer questioning their reality and trying to make sense of what is happening to them.

The next few lines of the song, "Jumped around so quick, At a snicker, at a flinch, Back way against the ropes, In a stupid joke," suggest that the singer is easily startled and possibly experiences panic attacks. They feel backed into a corner and unable to defend themselves. The final lines of the song, "Time for toast, Time, too bold, Time, too bold," suggest that the singer is trying to remain positive and hopeful, despite their struggles with anxiety and paranoia.