Practical Amanda
Ben Folds / Nick Hornby Lyrics
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Why not move in somewhere easy?
Urinals where bedrooms ought to be
Who could be bothered, really?
You're really good at all that stuff
The nuts and bolts of living
Curtains, blinds and kitchen tables
I've got no time for dates and plans
No I'm too busy dreaming
You're the one with the attention span
You're not the free-wheeler
Practical, practical
Amanda
Saved one life
And made two others
Practical Amanda
Who'd look in your room
And see someone
That might be
Worth redeeming
Head and heart
And soul fucked up
Who could be bothered, really?
I've got no time for dates and plans
No I'm too busy dreaming
You're the one with the attention span
Practical Amanda
Practical, practical
Amanda
Saved one life
And made two others
Practical Amanda
The song "Practical Amanda" seems to be a story about two people with different priorities and perspectives on life. The singer, who is probably a dreamer, can't seem to be bothered with the practicalities of everyday life. He admires Amanda's ability to handle the "nuts and bolts of living": curtains, blinds, and kitchen tables, which he finds uninteresting. He sees his living conditions as barely inhabitable, but Amanda sees something worth redeeming in him. Though she could easily choose somewhere easier to live, Amanda is practical and saves one life while making two others.
The line "Who'd look at that dump and see a home?" demonstrates the singer's negative perspective on their living situation, while Amanda, on the other hand, sees the potential and is willing to put in the work to make it a home. The song highlights the importance of different perspectives, and how while it seems the singer is more relaxed, Amanda's practicality saves the day. The song ends with the refrain: "Practical, practical Amanda, saved one life and made two others." This refers to the idea that Amanda's practicality had a positive impact on those around her.
Line by Line Meaning
Who'd look at that dump and see a home?
Who can look at such a messy place and think of making it a home?
Why not move in somewhere easy?
Wouldn't it be better to find another place that's simpler to live in?
Urinals where bedrooms ought to be
The place is so rundown that toilets are where bedrooms should be.
Who could be bothered, really?
Who would even bother living in this place?
You're really good at all that stuff
You have a talent for handling the mundane things of life.
The nuts and bolts of living
The basic things that are essential for living a comfortable life.
Curtains, blinds and kitchen tables
The things that are needed to set up a basic, functional home.
I've got no time for dates and plans
I'm too busy dreaming and not practical enough to make plans.
No I'm too busy dreaming
My focus is more on my dreams rather than practical day-to-day activities.
You're the one with the attention span
You're better at paying attention to the details that matter in daily life.
You're not the free-wheeler
You don't have the luxury of being laid back and carefree because you have responsibilities.
Practical, practical Amanda
Emphasizing the practicality of Amanda
Saved one life
Amanda's actions helped in saving one life.
And made two others
Her efforts positively impacted two other lives.
Who'd look in your room
Who would see any value in your messy room?
And see someone
Perceive anything of worth in you or your possessions.
That might be
That has the potential to be
Worth redeeming
Worth saving from neglect or mistreatment.
Head and heart
Mind and emotions
And soul fucked up
Feeling emotionally disturbed and overwhelmed.
Practical, practical Amanda
Repeating emphasis on Amanda's practicality.
Saved one life
Again emphasizing Amanda's positive impact on someone's life.
And made two others
Further emphasizing the positive ripple effect of Amanda's actions.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BEN FOLDS, BENJAMIN SCOTT FOLDS, NICHOLAS PETER JOHN HORNBY, NICK HORNBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind