Why?
Andrew Bird & Nora O'Connor Lyrics


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Why? Why'd you do that?
You shouldn't have done that
If I told you once, I told you three times
You'll get your punishment when you
Show me your crimes

It's not a spell or a curse you put on me
Or the way you smile so tenderly
But how I wish it was your temper you were throwing
Damn you for being so easygoing

I thought that time would tell
My sins would provoke you to raise some hell

Not a chance
Whatever happened to fiery romance
Oh how I wish it was those dishes you were throwing
Damn you for being so easygoing

No, don't give me that line
Don't try to tell me inaction is not a crime




Can't you see what kind of seeds you're sowing?
Damn you for being so easygoing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire's song Why? express frustration with someone's easygoing nature. The singer has repeatedly warned this person not to do something, but they went ahead and did it anyway. The singer believes that the person's inaction and inability to get angry or take action when things go wrong is contributing to problems in their relationship. The singer is struggling with wanting this person to show some passion or fire, to take control and show some emotion.


The singer also reflects on their own actions and sins, hoping that time will reveal the ways in which they have wronged the other person and provoke a passionate response. However, the person remains easygoing and forgiving, which only frustrates the singer more. In the end, the singer curses the person for being so laid back and not taking action, believing that their lack of passion is causing harm in their relationship.


Overall, the lyrics of Why? express a desire for passion and action in a relationship, as well as frustration with someone who is too easygoing and forgiving.


Line by Line Meaning

Why? Why'd you do that?
Questioning why the other person took a certain action.


You shouldn't have done that
Expressing disapproval of the other person's actions.


If I told you once, I told you three times
Stating that the other person has been warned about their actions.


You'll get your punishment when you Show me your crimes
Implying that the other person will face consequences for their actions.


It's not a spell or a curse you put on me Or the way you smile so tenderly
Clarifying that the issue is not related to any charm or behavior of the other person.


But how I wish it was your temper you were throwing Damn you for being so easygoing
Expressing frustration that the other person does not seem bothered by their actions.


I thought that time would tell My sins would provoke you to raise some hell
Anticipating a more intense reaction from the other person in response to their own actions.


Not a chance Whatever happened to fiery romance Oh how I wish it was those dishes you were throwing Damn you for being so easygoing
Expressing disappointment that the passionate nature of their relationship has dissipated and wishing for a more dramatic reaction from the other person.


No, don't give me that line Don't try to tell me inaction is not a crime Can't you see what kind of seeds you're sowing? Damn you for being so easygoing
Challenging the other person's belief that not taking action is harmless, and warning them about the negative consequences of their actions.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

melodicdreamer72

I miss the blending of these two incredible voices in harmony through Andrew's melodies. When they come together it is unlike anything else I can think of...oh...and he could throw in some cello into the mix while he's at it :)

faith london

It took me 15 years to unwrap this CD and listen to it. Most of the tracks are fairly pedestrian, but then this came on. I must have listened to it a dozen times in the last 24hrs. Truly transcendental. Imagine my joy when I googled the singer, only to realise he was the 'Whistling Caruso' from the Muppet Movie soundtrack. What a world!

Scott Brandl

Which CD? You're on youtube.

jacobgarnett5116

the best music is never heard

mags _

The best comments are never read

Cap'n Peanut B. Crunch

I'd like to hear a cover of Jealous Guy like this.

Seher B

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