Although much of DiFranco's material is autobiographical, it is often also strongly political. Many of her songs are concerned with contemporary social issues such as racism, sexism, sexual abuse, homophobia, reproductive rights, poverty, and war. DiFranco's guitar playing is often characterized by a signature staccato style, rapid finger picking and many alternate tunings. She delivers many of her lines in a speaking style notable for its rhythmic variation. Her lyrics, which often include alliteration, metaphor, word play and a more-or-less gentle irony, have also received praise for their sophistication. She has released 19 solo albums (not including collaborative albums or live albums), all of which were released on her own independent record label, Righteous Babe Records (which she formed in 1989 at the age of 19).
DiFranco has been a critical success for much of her career, though not a commercial one by major label standards, with a career album average of 72 on Metacritic. Living in Clip, DiFranco's 1998 double live album, is the only one to achieve gold record status to date. DiFranco has been praised by the Buffalo News as the "Buffalo's leading lady of rock music".
round a pole
Ani DiFranco Lyrics
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I could talk you up a tree
But when it comes to what really matters
You are way more clever than me
I knew I wanted to be challenged
But I was unclear about how
So I'll be the guy with a tool box
And I'll learn to fix stuff
If you will teach me to love
And god will radiate out from within us
'Stead of this bullshit from above
We can dance around like monkeys
After the paparazzi have gone home
Having let go forever
Of the fallacy of ever being alone
I could sing you round a pole
Like a ball at the end of a rope
Have you duckin' and sluggin'
Protecting your head
But I decided just to love you back instead
'cause I have studied my own pain
Like an ambitious scientist
And I've discovered it's all the same
And has nothing to do with this
So I will learn to fix stuff
If you will teach me to love
And god will radiate out from within us
'Stead of this bullshit from above
We can dance around like monkeys
After the paparazzi have gone home
Having let go forever of the fallacy of ever being alone
In Ani DiFranco's song "Round a Pole," the singer reflects on her love for someone and the ways in which their relationship challenges her. She acknowledges that she could use her talents to impress or entertain her partner, singing them "round a pole" or speaking them "up a tree," but ultimately realizes that her partner's cleverness and depth make her feel small in comparison. Instead of trying to prove herself or outshine the other person, the singer decides to focus on what truly matters in their connection: fixing things and learning to love better. She acknowledges that we often look to external sources like religion or societal expectations to find happiness or meaning, but ultimately concludes that true contentment and love come from within ourselves and each other, without the need for outside validation.
This song is a powerful reflection on the ways in which love requires us to challenge ourselves and grow, rather than simply basking in the comfort of admiration or attraction. The singer recognizes that her partner has qualities she admires and lacks, and rather than feeling jealous or intimidated, she seeks to learn from them and find a deeper connection. The use of the metaphor of singing and talking around a pole or tree suggests the idea of performance or showing off, but ultimately the singer rejects this dynamic in favor of a more equal and vulnerable relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I could sing you 'round a pole
I could entertain you with frivolous, meaningless things that distract from what is important.
I could talk you up a tree
I have the gift of gab and can make anything sound enticing or worthwhile.
But when it comes to what really matters
Despite my talent for entertaining or persuading people, I recognize that there are deeper, more meaningful things in life.
You are way more clever than me
I acknowledge that there are those who possess more wisdom, knowledge, and insight than I do, and that I can learn from them.
I knew I wanted to be challenged
I recognize the importance of growth and development, and I actively seek out opportunities to stretch myself and learn new things.
But I was unclear about how
While I have a desire to grow and change, I may not always know the best ways to go about it or what steps to take.
So I'll be the guy with a tool box
I am willing to take on the practical, hands-on aspects of life, such as fixing things or doing manual labor.
And you be the fun-lovin' gal
I recognize that there are people who excel in areas where I may not, such as enjoying life to the fullest and having a lighthearted attitude.
And I'll learn to fix stuff
I am open to learning new skills and expanding my knowledge in practical areas.
If you will teach me to love
I am humble enough to acknowledge that there are areas where I may need help and guidance, such as in matters of the heart.
And god will radiate out from within us
I believe that living a life of love and compassion will allow us to be a positive force in the world and bring light into dark places.
'Stead of this bullshit from above
I reject the idea that religion or other external forces are what determine our worth or purpose in life.
We can dance around like monkeys
I find joy in the simple, lighthearted moments of life and am willing to embrace silliness and playfulness.
After the paparazzi have gone home
I value privacy and the ability to be oneself without the pressure of public scrutiny or judgment.
Having let go forever
I release negative thoughts, emotions, or beliefs that hold me back from living my best life and being my true self.
Of the fallacy of ever being alone
I recognize that we are all connected and that there is always someone who cares, even in moments of loneliness.
Like a ball at the end of a rope
I could use my talents to keep someone in a perpetual state of distraction or entertainment, but I choose to do better.
Have you duckin' and sluggin'
I recognize that I have the power to either lift someone up or bring them down and I choose to use my words and actions for good.
Protecting your head
I do not want to harm or hurt anyone in any way and instead seek to be a positive influence in their life.
But I decided just to love you back instead
I choose to prioritize love and connection over empty distractions or shallow interactions.
'cause I have studied my own pain
I recognize the importance of self-reflection and introspection in order to grow and heal from past hurts.
Like an ambitious scientist
I approach my own self-discovery with dedication and a desire for knowledge and understanding.
And I've discovered it's all the same
I have come to see that many of the struggles and challenges we face in life are universal and that we are not alone in our experiences.
And has nothing to do with this
I recognize that external circumstances do not define who we are as individuals or dictate our inner sense of self-worth.
Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: ANI DIFRANCO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind