Spider
They Might Be Giants Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ladies and gentlemen
Spider
He is our hero
Spider
Get rid of
Spider
Step on spider
Spider
We love you spider
I promise not to kill you
Spider
Spider
We love you spider
Spider
Get rid of
Spider
Must stop
Spider
He is our hero
"They Might Be Giants" is known for its whimsical and unconventional songwriting, and the song "Spider" is no exception. The song begins with the repetition of the line "Ladies and gentlemen" twice, as if the band is introducing a show or a performance. Then the song immediately jumps into the chorus, which consists of the repeated phrase "Spider, he is our hero."
The verses consist of short, blunt exclamations related to spiders. The lyrics, "Get rid of spider, step on spider," suggest that the singers have a negative view of spiders, yet they follow these lines up with "We love you spider." These contradictions mirror the confused and contradictory feelings some people have toward arachnids.
The spoken interjection "I promise not to kill you, spider" adds to the song's oddity, as it is not clear who is making the promise or why it is necessary. Overall, the song is a bizarre and amusing tribute to spiders, a creature that is typically not celebrated in popular music.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladies and gentlemen
Introducing you to the subject of our song.
Ladies and gentlemen
Inviting everyone’s attention towards our hero.
Spider
Drawing attention towards the singer of the song.
He is our hero
Admitting that the spider is the central character of the song, and is also revered for some action.
Spider
Reiteration of the spider’s importance.
Get rid of
Asking to eliminate something or someone.
Spider
Referring to the blamed one or a nuisance.
Step on spider
Commanding to get rid of the spider by taking violent action.
Spider
Reasserting the relevance of the spider character.
We love you spider
Showing appreciation or admiration towards the spider.
I promise not to kill you
A plea to the spider for mercy.
Spider
Reminding everyone of the subject of the song.
We love you spider
Reiterating admiration for the spider.
Get rid of
Encouraging listeners to dispose of the subject or of an incarnation of the subject.
Spider
Reemphasizing the known subject.
Must stop
Expressing an imperative need to halt the action of the subject or to avoid some harm.
Spider
Refocusing one’s attention to the subject.
He is our hero
Again acknowledging the spider as the singer and emphasizing their heroic character.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind