I'm a Marionette
ABBA Lyrics
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That's what everybody's tellin' me
Yet I feel like I'm an outward bound
Pushed around refuge
Something's wrong
Got a feeling that I don't belong
As if I have come from out of space
I'm a marionette, just a marionette
Pull the string
I'm a marionette, everybody's pet
Just as long as I sing
I'm a marionette, see my pirouette
'Round and 'round
I'm a marionette, I'm a marionette
Just a silly old clown
Like a doll
Like a puppet with no will at all
And somebody taught me how to talk
How to walk, how to fall
Can't complain
I got no one but myself to blame
Something's happening, I can't control
Lost my hold, it's insane
I'm a marionette, just a marionette
Pull the string
I'm a marionette, everybody's pet
Just as long as I sing
I'm a marionette, see my pirouette
'Round and 'round
I'm a marionette, I'm a marionette
Just a silly old clown
Look this way
Just a little smile is what they say
You'll look better on the photograph
If you laugh, that's o.k.!!
I'm a marionette, just a marionette
Pull the string
I'm a marionette, everybody's pet
Just as long as I sing
I'm a marionette, see my pirouette
'Round and 'round
I'm a marionette, I'm a marionette
Just a silly old clown
You're so free
That's what everybody's tellin' me
Yet I feel like I'm an outward bound
Pushed around refugee
ABBA's song "I'm a Marionette" depicts a sense of loss of control and autonomy. It talks about the conflict between being free and feeling like a puppet, controlled by others. It portrays the feeling of being pushed around and having no say in one's own life. The lyrics suggest that despite having the appearance of freedom, the singer is still struggling to find their place in the world.
The 'marionette' in this song is a metaphor for someone who is controlled by outside forces. The singer feels like they are being operated by someone else and has no power over their own life. The song talks about how someone else taught the singer how to talk, walk, and fall; they have no identity of their own. The chorus captures the singer's metaphorical portrayal of being a marionette and how they can't do anything without being controlled by someone else.
The verses reflect the singer's inner conflict and their struggle to find control over their own lives. The song talks about the pressure to look good and smile for the camera, which highlights the shallow and materialistic nature of society. The lyrics highlight the singer's inability to complain as they have no one to blame but themselves.
Overall, ABBA's "I'm a Marionette" portrays the feeling of being controlled by others and the conflict between the appearance of freedom and the reality of feeling like a puppet. The song beautifully captures the singer's inner turmoil and the loss of control that many people face.
Line by Line Meaning
You're so free
Everyone says you're free
That's what everybody's tellin' me
That's what everyone is saying
Yet I feel like I'm an outward bound
But I feel like I'm a ship sailing away
Pushed around refuge
Pushed around, seeking refuge
Something's wrong
Something is not right
Got a feeling that I don't belong
Feeling like I don't fit in
As if I have come from out of space
As if I'm from another world
Out of place, like King Kong
Not belonging, like King Kong in the city
I'm a marionette, just a marionette
I'm a puppet, just a puppet
Pull the string
Someone controls me
I'm a marionette, everybody's pet
I'm a puppet, everyone's prized possession
Just as long as I sing
As long as I entertain
See my pirouette
Watch me spin
'Round and 'round
Round and round
Just a silly old clown
Just a foolish jester
Like a doll
Like a toy
Like a puppet with no will at all
Like a puppet with no control
And somebody taught me how to talk
Someone taught me how to speak
How to walk, how to fall
How to walk and even how to fall
Can't complain
Can't whine or protest
I got no one but myself to blame
I only have myself to hold responsible
Something's happening, I can't control
Something is happening, but I can't control it
Lost my hold, it's insane
Loosing my grip, It's insane
Look this way
Look this direction
Just a little smile is what they say
They say, a little smile is enough
You'll look better on the photograph
You will look better in the photo
If you laugh, that's o.k.!!
If you smile, everything's great!!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K. Ulvaeus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind