Textbook
■We Are Scientists Lyrics
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I put myself in that position every single time I had the chance
I know it's not my business to be digging up these things I should've known
But twenty years of bad decisions haven't taught me much at all
I permit the advance you're making; everyone pretends it's not your fault
And all of this offense you're taking doesn't bother me at all
Twist my arm if that's the way you think you're gonna work this whole thing out
(Having every question answered isn't going to help at all)
When you're not supposed to know
Anything
Another textbook situation, everything I think I know I've read
What's the point if medication only makes me wish that I were dead?
It's pretty clear that you want me; it's written here on every single page
Spitting blood, not stupid, I can read it all over your face
(Having every question answered isn't going to help at all)
When you're not supposed to know
Anything
The first verse of "Textbook" by We Are Scientists talks about the singer falling over themselves for someone they like, while also acknowledging that they have made bad decisions in the past. This sets up the idea that the singer may not be the most rational or level-headed person in this situation. The second verse discusses how the singer is aware that they are being manipulated or controlled by the person they like, but they are willing to go along with it for the time being. The line "you know you own my body, but don't think you control my mouth" indicates that while the singer may be physically and emotionally affected by this person, they still have the agency to speak and think for themselves.
The chorus of the song repeats the line "having every question answered isn't going to help at all" which could suggest that the singer is aware of the futility of trying to understand or rationalize their situation. They may simply be going through the motions and following their impulses.
The bridge of the song brings up the idea of "another textbook situation," which implies that this kind of love or attraction isn't new or unique. The singer also mentions medication and wishing to be dead, indicating that they may be experiencing depression or a mental health issue that is affecting their ability to cope with this situation. The final line of "Textbook" states that "when you're not supposed to know anything," which could refer to the idea that love and attraction are often unpredictable and uncontrollable forces.
Line by Line Meaning
Falling over backwards for you, falling over everybody else
I consistently put myself in compromising positions for you, even when it hurts my relationship with everyone else
I put myself in that position every single time I had the chance
I knowingly allowed myself to be in a vulnerable position around you repeatedly
I know it's not my business to be digging up these things I should've known
I understand that I shouldn't be prying into your past, but I still feel like I deserve answers
But twenty years of bad decisions haven't taught me much at all
Despite my own experiences and regrets, I haven't learned to avoid repeating the same mistakes
I permit the advance you're making; everyone pretends it's not your fault
I'm allowing your aggressive pursuit of me, and others are pretending like it's not completely your decision
And all of this offense you're taking doesn't bother me at all
I'm unfazed by your tendency to be offended, despite it being a common occurrence
Twist my arm if that's the way you think you're gonna work this whole thing out
If you think pressuring me into something is going to resolve our situation, go ahead and try
You know you own my body, but don't think you control my mouth
You may have some physical power over me, but I won't let you suppress my voice or thoughts
When you're not supposed to know Anything
There are aspects of my life that I don't want you to know or understand
Another textbook situation, everything I think I know I've read
This is a familiar scenario that I've learned from past experiences or from reading about others
What's the point if medication only makes me wish that I were dead?
I question the effectiveness of medication if it brings me to the point of suicidal thoughts
It's pretty clear that you want me; it's written here on every single page
Your feelings for me are blatantly obvious and expressed in every way possible
Spitting blood, not stupid, I can read it all over your face
Despite your attempts to hide your true feelings, I can see the aggression and anger in your expression
When you're not supposed to know Anything
There are certain things about me or my situation that you don't have the right to know or assume
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISTOPHER CAIN, KEITH MURRAY, MICHAEL TAPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind