Ready or Not
Bunny J. Browne Lyrics


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Someone's going to have to explain it to me
I'm not sure what it means
My baby's feeling funny in the morning
She's having trouble getting into her jeans
Her waist-line seems to be expanding
Although she never feels like eating a thing
I guess we'll reach some understanding
When we see what the future will bring

I met her in a crowded barroom
One of those typical Hollywood scenes
I was doing my very best Bogart
But I was having trouble getting into her jeans
I punched an unemployed actor
Defending her dignity
He stood up and knocked me through that barroom door
And that girl came home with me

Now baby's feeling funny in the morning
She says she's got a lot on her mind
Nature didn't give her any warning
Now she's going to have to leave her wild ways behind
She says she doesn't care if she never spends
Another night running loose on the town
She's gonna be a mother
Take a look in my eyes and tell me brother
If I look like I'm ready

I told her I had always lived alone
And I probably always would
And all I wanted was my freedom
And she told me that she understood
But I let her do some of my laundry
And she slipped a few meals in between
And the next thing I remember, she was all moved in
And I was buying her a washing machine

My baby's feeling funny in the morning
She says she's got a lot on her mind
Nature didn't give her any warning
But she's feeling better about it all the time
She says she's ready for some meaning
After all of her running around




Well bless my soul, she's got a rock-and-roll band man
Thinking 'bout settling down

Overall Meaning

In the first verse, the singer seems confused about the situation with his partner. He mentions that his partner is struggling to fit into her jeans, despite not feeling like eating. This could be interpreted as a physical change in her body, possibly indicating that she might be pregnant. The singer acknowledges that they need to have a conversation and come to an understanding about what the future holds for them.


The second verse reveals how the singer and his partner met in a crowded barroom, where the singer was trying to impress her with his Bogart-like charm. However, he encountered some trouble with another person, resulting in a physical altercation. Despite the chaotic situation, his partner chose to go home with him, implying that there was a strong connection or attraction between them.


As the third verse begins, the singer explains that his partner is now feeling strange in the mornings and has a lot on her mind. It is suggested that nature didn't warn her about these changes, possibly alluding to an unexpected pregnancy. She expresses her willingness to leave her wild ways behind, indicating a shift in priorities. The singer looks into her eyes and asks if he seems ready for this new chapter in their lives.


In the final verse, the singer recounts how he previously cherished his independence but eventually allowed his partner to become more involved in his life. She started doing his laundry and cooking for him, and soon enough, she moved in with him. Despite their unconventional journey, it is revealed that his partner is feeling better about their situation as time goes on. She is ready for more meaning in her life and reveals that she has a rock-and-roll bandman, possibly referring to the singer, who is now considering settling down.


Overall, the song tells a story of a couple going through unexpected changes and the challenges they face in adjusting to these new circumstances. It explores themes of commitment, parenthood, and the readiness to make sacrifices for a relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

Someone's going to have to explain it to me
I need someone to clarify the situation for me


I'm not sure what it means
I don't understand the significance


My baby's feeling funny in the morning
My partner is experiencing unusual sensations in the morning


She's having trouble getting into her jeans
She struggles to fit into her pants


Her waist-line seems to be expanding
Her waist size appears to be increasing


Although she never feels like eating a thing
Even though she doesn't have an appetite


I guess we'll reach some understanding
I anticipate we will come to an agreement


When we see what the future will bring
Once we discover what lies ahead


I met her in a crowded barroom
I encountered her in a busy bar


One of those typical Hollywood scenes
A familiar scenario in Hollywood


I was doing my very best Bogart
I was attempting to emulate Humphrey Bogart


But I was having trouble getting into her jeans
However, I faced difficulties in gaining her affections


I punched an unemployed actor
I struck an actor without a job


Defending her dignity
To protect her honor


He stood up and knocked me through that barroom door
He retaliated and pushed me out of the bar


And that girl came home with me
And she ended up accompanying me to my place


Now baby's feeling funny in the morning
Now my partner experiences strange sensations in the morning


She says she's got a lot on her mind
She claims to have many thoughts occupying her


Nature didn't give her any warning
Her body didn't provide any prior indication


Now she's going to have to leave her wild ways behind
Now she must abandon her reckless behavior


She says she doesn't care if she never spends
She states that it doesn't matter if she never


Another night running loose on the town
Has another carefree night in the city


She's gonna be a mother
She's going to become a mother


Take a look in my eyes and tell me brother
Look into my eyes and inform me honestly


If I look like I'm ready
If I appear prepared


I told her I had always lived alone
I informed her that I had always been alone


And I probably always would
And it's likely to remain that way


And all I wanted was my freedom
And my only desire was independence


And she told me that she understood
And she reassured me that she comprehended


But I let her do some of my laundry
However, I allowed her to wash my clothes


And she slipped a few meals in between
And she sneaked in a few prepared meals


And the next thing I remember, she was all moved in
And suddenly, she had completely moved into my place


And I was buying her a washing machine
And I found myself purchasing a washing machine for her


My baby's feeling funny in the morning
My partner experiences strange sensations in the morning


She says she's got a lot on her mind
She claims to have many thoughts occupying her


Nature didn't give her any warning
Her body didn't provide any prior indication


But she's feeling better about it all the time
However, she's gradually becoming more optimistic


She says she's ready for some meaning
She expresses her readiness for significance or purpose


After all of her running around
Following all her promiscuity


Well bless my soul, she's got a rock-and-roll band man
Well, astonish me, she's romantically involved with a musician


Thinking 'bout settling down
Contemplating a stable lifestyle




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jackson Browne

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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