This Charming Man
Braid Lyrics


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Punctured bicycle on a hillside desolate. will nature make a man of me yet?
When in this charming car. this charming man.

Why pamper life's complexity when the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?

I would go out tonight but I haven't got a stitch to wear.
This man said "it's gruesome that someone so handsome should care."
Ah! A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place.
He said "return the ring."

He knows so much about these things.
He knows so much about these things.

I would go out tonight but I haven't got a stitch to wear.
Tthis man said "it's gruesome that someone so handsome should care."

La, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man.
La-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man.

Ah! A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place.
He said "return the ring."

He knows so much about these things.




He knows so much about these things.
He knows so much about these things.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Braid's song "This Charming Man" are full of ambiguity and can be interpreted in several ways. However, one prevailing theme in the song is the struggle to fit in and be accepted in a society that values conformity. Lines such as "Why pamper life's complexity when the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?" suggest a desire for simplicity and the comfort of conformity. The singer is torn between his desire to conform and be perceived as charming and handsome, and his desire to reject societal norms and be his own person.


The chorus repeats the line "This charming man" which is sung in a somewhat sarcastic tone, suggesting that the singer is aware of the superficiality of societal expectations. The line "Ah! A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place" seems to be a reference to someone who is trying to rise above their station in life, but is being put back in their place. The singer ends the song by repeating "He knows so much about these things" which could refer to himself or to the person who told him to return the ring, suggesting that he is aware of the rules of society but also aware of their limitations.


Overall, the lyrics to "This Charming Man" are complex and can have multiple interpretations, but they seem to be a commentary on societal norms and the struggle to fit into them while also maintaining individuality.


Line by Line Meaning

Punctured bicycle on a hillside desolate. will nature make a man of me yet?
The singer is stranded on a desolate hillside with a broken bike, wondering if he will become a real man through surviving in nature.


When in this charming car. this charming man.
The singer admires the charm and allure of the man driving the car.


Why pamper life's complexity when the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?
The singer questions the need for complexity and longs for the effortless luxury of a smooth leather seat.


I would go out tonight but I haven't got a stitch to wear. This man said "it's gruesome that someone so handsome should care."
The artist desires to go out but lacks appropriate clothing. A handsome man derides the idea that appearance matters.


Ah! A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place. He said "return the ring."
The artist refers to a man who is arrogant and demanding, telling someone to return a ring.


He knows so much about these things.
The singer recognizes the knowledge and expertise of the charming man.


La, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man. La-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man.
The singer repeats the phrase 'this charming man' with admiration for the charismatic individual.




Lyrics Β© DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steven Morrissey, Johnny Marr

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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