Master & Everyone
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics
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Well, I don't love you
You say that you don't want me
Well, I don't want you
You tell me there are other fish in the sea
And another gathers roses for me
On this we will agree
You do what you want
And I will do what I want
I'm now free master and everyone
Servant of all and servant to none
And constancy in love is a joke
I'm not afraid of meeting you
I'm fickle and I brag about it
Neither will I cry for you
And like a bird freed from its cage
All night and all day I'll play and sing
And you do what you want
And I will do what I want
I'm now free master and everyone
Servant of all and servant to none
The lyrics of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song "Master & Everyone" are rather forthright and blunt. The singer is addressing someone who has told them that they don't love nor want them anymore. In response, the singer echoes their sentiments, saying that they too do not love nor want their former partner. They acknowledge that there are other people in the world, but the singer is content to be on their own. They also acknowledge that constancy in love is a joke and that they are fickle and unashamed of it. The singer asserts their independence, proclaiming themselves as a servant to none and a master of everyone.
The lyrics of this song can be interpreted in a couple of different ways. It could be seen as the singer trying to act tough and putting up a front to mask their true emotions. Alternatively, it could be a genuinely empowering sentiment, as the singer rejects the notion of being controlled by anyone and chooses to live life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
You tell me you don't love me
You inform me that you do not have any romantic feelings towards me
Well, I don't love you
Well, I also do not have any romantic feelings towards you
You say that you don't want me
You state that you are not interested in pursuing a relationship with me
Well, I don't want you
Well, I also have no desire to pursue a romantic relationship with you
You tell me there are other fish in the sea
You suggest that there are plenty of other potential romantic partners for me
And another gathers roses for me
Someone else is currently courting me with romantic gestures
On this we will agree
We can both acknowledge and accept this fact
You do what you want
You have the freedom to make your own choices
And I will do what I want
I also have the freedom to make my own choices
I'm now free master and everyone
I have achieved a sense of personal freedom, being in control of my own life and decisions
Servant of all and servant to none
I am not beholden or subservient to anyone else's desires or expectations
And constancy in love is a joke
I do not believe in the notion of consistent and unwavering love
I'm not afraid of meeting you
I am not intimidated or fearful of interacting with you
I'm fickle and I brag about it
I often change my mind or preferences, and I am proud of this quality
Neither will I cry for you
I will not shed tears or be overly emotional about our lack of romantic connection
And like a bird freed from its cage
I feel liberated and unencumbered, resembling a bird that has escaped its confinement
All night and all day I'll play and sing
I plan to spend my time enjoying myself, playing music and singing
I'm now free master and everyone
Once again emphasizing my newfound freedom and autonomy
Servant of all and servant to none
Declaring that I am only responsible for myself and not obligated to adhere to the wishes of others
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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