Congratulations
Dessa Lyrics

Congratulations
The beginning of the song, somewhat sarcastic in tone.

You have invented a new kind of stupid
The subject of the song is being called out for their foolish actions.

A 'damage you can never undo' kind of stupid
Their actions have caused irreversible harm.

An 'open all the cages in the zoo' kind of stupid
Their actions have released chaos.

'Truly, you didn't think this through?' kind of stupid
Their actions lacked adequate forethought.

Let's review
The beginning of a new section where the subject's actions are scrutinized.

You took a rumor a few maybe two people knew and refuted it
The subject falsely denied a rumor, calling more attention to it.

By sharing an affair of which no one has accused you
The subject brought up another, seemingly unrelated scandal.

I begged you to take a break, you refused to
Someone advised the subject against their actions, but the subject was stubborn.

So scared of what your enemies might do to you
The subject is constantly worried about the repercussions of their actions.

You're the only enemy you ever seem to lose to
The subject is their own worst enemy.

You know why Jefferson can do what he wants?
A rhetorical question, intended to introduce the reason why the subject's enemies remain unsuccessful.

He doesn't dignify schoolyard taunts with a response!
Jefferson doesn't engage in petty arguments, which is why he is successful.

So yeah, congratulations!
Sarcastic congratulations, again.

You've redefined your legacy
The subject's reputation has been irreparably damaged.

I languished in a loveless marriage in London
A new subject is introduced, who has suffered in a different way.

I lived only to read your letters
The artist's life revolved around the subject's words.

I look at you and think 'God, what have we done with our lives and what did it get us?'
The singer is questioning the value of their devotion to the subject.

That doesn't wipe the tears or the years away
Even though the singer regrets their past, it cannot be undone.

But I'm back in the city and I'm here to stay
The artist has returned to the city, whatever the reason may be.

And you know what I'm here to do?
The artist is setting up a declaration of intent.

I'm not here for you
The artist has no obligation to the subject.

I know my sister like I know my own mind
The singer has a close relationship with their sister.

You will never find anyone as trusting or as kind
Their sister is virtuous and deserves only the best.

And a million years ago, she said to me 'this one's mine'
Their sister has staked a claim on something, perhaps a relationship.

So I stood by
The singer supported their sister's decision.

Do you know why?
Another rhetorical question is asked.

I love my sister more than anything in this life
The artist's love for their sister is immeasurable.

I will choose her happiness over mine every time
The artist is willing to put their sister's needs ahead of their own.

Eliza
The name of the singer's sister.

Is the best thing in our life
Their sister is a source of great joy.

So never lose sight of the fact that you have been blessed with the best wife
The subject should recognize how lucky they are to have their sister as their wife.

Congratulations
The song ends with one last sarcastic congratulations.