Sic Of Elephants
Andrew Bird Lyrics


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You were right
There was never reason to worry
Money made your eyesight all blurry
Making lists of pacifists
Recalcitrant poses
Can't you see how dangerous
The one you chose is
Which brings us back to
Might makes right
So we learn from Wars of the Roses
Pain was only fear kneading your toeses

Making haste to spite your face to cut off your noses
Convince yourself and others that these
Fish smell like roses

Can't you see how dangerous
When you're too content to make a fuss
Can't you see how dangerous

Squint your eyes and see
Elephants, sycophants, elephants

Squint your ears and hear red-faced rants
Pleated pants
Sycophants
That's what you are





Can't you see how dangerous
When you're too content to make a fuss

Overall Meaning

In "Sic Of Elephants," Andrew Bird warns against the danger of complacency and the tendency to prioritize money and power over morality and justice. He criticizes those who are blinded by their pursuit of financial success, making lists of pacifists while ignoring the destructive consequences of their actions. Bird suggests that this blind greed leads to a culture where might makes right, where the powerful are able to maintain their dominance by force. He references the Wars of the Roses, a series of conflicts in 15th century England that were marked by brutal violence and political maneuvering. The pain of these wars, Bird suggests, is rooted in our own fear and complacency, the ease with which we convince ourselves that we are safe and secure.


Bird uses vivid imagery to illustrate his message. He describes the danger of cutting off our noses to spite our faces, of convincing ourselves that something smells like roses when it is actually rotten. He urges us to see clearly and to hear beyond the red-faced rants of those who seek power and control. The image of the elephant is particularly powerful, representing weighty, lumbering strength and a stubborn refusal to change.


Overall, Andrew Bird's "Sic Of Elephants" offers a sharp critique of our society's tendency towards greed, complacency, and the pursuit of power at all costs. It is a reminder that we must remain vigilant and hold ourselves and our leaders accountable for our actions.


Line by Line Meaning

You were right
The singer acknowledges that someone else was correct about something.


There was never reason to worry
There was no justification for feeling concerned or anxious.


Money made your eyesight all blurry
Wealth has caused the person to lose focus or perspective on what's important.


Making lists of pacifists
Creating a catalog or register of individuals who oppose war/military action.


Recalcitrant poses
Expressions or postures of resistance, stubbornness, or defiance.


Can't you see how dangerous
The singer is asking if the person recognizes the severity of the situation.


The one you chose is
Referring to a choice made by the person that could have negative consequences.


Which brings us back to
Relating the previous statement/idea to an earlier point or concept.


Might makes right
The idea that whoever is the strongest or most powerful is justified in their actions.


So we learn from Wars of the Roses
An allusion to a historical conflict with lessons to be gained from it.


Pain was only fear kneading your toeses
A metaphorical expression meaning that anxiety or apprehension was causing the person discomfort.


Making haste to spite your face to cut off your noses
Acting impulsively or recklessly, resulting in self-harm or negative consequences.


Convince yourself and others that these
Attempting to persuade oneself or others that something negative is actually positive or desirable.


Fish smell like roses
Another example of attempting to portray something unpleasant in a positive light.


When you're too content to make a fuss
When someone is complacent or apathetic rather than speaking up against injustice or negative behavior.


Squint your eyes and see
Metaphorical instruction to look more closely or carefully.


Elephants, sycophants, elephants
Repetition of these two words, possibly to evoke a feeling of absurdity or emphasize their negative connotations.


Squint your ears and hear red-faced rants
A suggestion to listen more closely for angry, irrational outbursts.


Pleated pants
A specific detail that could represent conformity or adhering to rigid societal norms.


Sycophants
People who flatter or excessively praise others, often for personal gain.


That's what you are
A direct accusation or insult towards the person.




Contributed by Penelope B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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