As Is
Ani DiFranco/(Franimal) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Behind social graces
So don't try
To be all touchy feely
'Cause you lie
In my face of all places
But I got no
Problem with that really
Is that you believe what you're saying
What bothers me
Is that you don't know how you feel
What scares me
Is that while you're telling me stories
You actually
Believe that they are real
And I got no illusions about you
Guess what
I never did
When I said
When I said I'll take it
I mean
I mean as is
As is, as is, as is, as is
As is, as is, as is
Just give up
And admit you're an asshole
You would be in some good company
And I think you'd find
That your friends would forgive you
Or maybe I
Am just speaking for me
'Cause when I look around
I think this, this is good enough
And I try to laugh
At whatever life brings
'Cause when I look down
I just miss all the good stuff
And when I look up
I just trip over things
And I got no illusions about you
Guess what
I never did
When I say
When I say I'll take it
I mean
I mean as is
As is, as is, as is
As is, as is, as is
As is, as is, as is
As is, as is
The song "As Is" by Ani DiFranco talks about someone who is unable to express their true emotions and constantly hides behind social graces. The singer addresses this person, calling them out on their hypocrisy and dishonesty. The singer is not bothered by the fact that this person lies, but rather that they believe their own lies, and are unable to comprehend their own emotions.
The lyrics of the song suggest that being truthful and honest is more important than masking one's emotions with social graces. The singer encourages the person to admit their flaws and be honest with themselves and those around them. The chorus of the song emphasizes the need to accept things for what they are, without trying to change or manipulate them.
The song can be interpreted as a call to be honest with oneself and others, and to embrace life as it is, with all its flaws and imperfections. It is also a critique of social conventions that require people to mask their true emotions and present a false face to the world.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't hide
You cannot conceal yourself
Behind social graces
By behaving politely and following social norms
So don't try
Therefore, do not attempt
To be all touchy feely
To give off an impression of being warm and affectionate
'Cause you lie
Because you deceive
In my face of all places
In front of me, where it's transparent
But I got no
But I don't have any
Problem with that really
A significant issue with that, actually
What bugs me
What troubles me
Is that you believe what you're saying
Is your faith in your words
What bothers me
What irritates me
Is that you don't know how you feel
Is your lack of emotional certainty
What scares me
What frightens me
Is that while you're telling me stories
When you narrate a tale to me
You actually
You really
Believe that they are real
Believe that they are true
And I got no illusions about you
I have no false impressions of you
Guess what
You know what
I never did
I never had
When I said
When I spoke
When I said I'll take it
When I accepted it
I mean
I intended
I mean as is
I intended without modification
Just give up
Just quit
And admit you're an asshole
And acknowledge you're unkind
You would be in some good company
You would not be alone
And I think you'd find
And I believe you would discover
That your friends would forgive you
That those close to you would excuse you
Or maybe I
Perhaps I
Am just speaking for me
Only assert my personal opinion
Cause when I look around
Because when I observe
I think this, this is good enough
I feel it's satisfactory
And I try to laugh
And I attempt to laugh
At whatever life brings
At all that life provides
'Cause when I look down
Because when I look down
I just miss all the good stuff
I don't savor the positive things
And when I look up
And when I look up
I just trip over things
I'm not attentive and tend to stumble
Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ANI DIFRANCO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric
I'm a dude. I'm not gay. I love Ani. Her lyrics are poetic, thought provoking, and of course, beautiful. Thanks to my sis for introducing me when we were kids. I'm a better person for it.
doniawon johnson
I'm a dude n I'm not gay, but I like Ani D😂😂😂
Yea, there's a few of us lol. She's a badass!
Mark M
I don't think that she would judge you for your orientation. And I don't think that the majority of her fans would either.
She is a righteous babe and her fans should appreciate that and her presented opinion on this: do what what works for you.
It Always Matters
So, she is not gay what the hell does orientation have to do with anything?
Ryan Eastunder
Preachbrother
🦋Tina🦋
F**k yeah! I ❤that you can appreciate her like all her fans do. There are stereotypes some people have made. We are all better people for listening to her music. It's beautiful
Minuit Bast
I love the song, but it's only when I actually paid attention to the lyrics that I realized how sweet this song is.
JoMo Mo
Her songs always make me feel strong, raw and in that also beautifully fragile. Thankyou Ani!
yaryar1976
if youre having probs dealing with the diversities of people around you,Ani can certainly help put them into an acceptable perspective.she can teach a person that the world doesnt revovle around them,and also to accept people as they are,whether you like them or not.
Mitch Quintana
This is a beautiful song! I'm glad I discovered it.