My Own World
Eleanor Friedberger Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I was living and breathing and sitting quite quietly
Watching the TV and minding my diet
While I moved from my desk on to my treadmill
And I tried to move mountains or nothing but molehills
So what do you want to interrupt me for, girl?
Leave me in my own world, own world
I was checking the scores and cutting out coupons
Reading the papers and trying to regroup
I had just gotten over the snows of December
Further out beyond, I don't want to remember
So don't interrupt me, girl
Leave me in my own world, own world
I was taking my pulse and writing a diary
Looking at foods for their dates of expiry
And quietly checking the corners of rooms and then
Coming back in and checking again
A noise in a distance, a rumble or murmur
Some little earthquake upsets terra firma
Now I'm looking behind me, I'm checking my rearview
Everything ancient is suddenly brand new
And cliches have taken on a
Shocking new meaning
But the snows have come back
And our teeth still need cleaning so
What do you want to interrupt me for, girl?




Leave me in my own world
Own world own world own world

Overall Meaning

In Eleanor Friedberger's song "My Own World," the singer describes a day in their life, full of routine tasks and mundane activities. They describe sitting quietly, watching TV, and checking scores and news headlines. The singer seems determined to stick to their routine, even going so far as to exercise on a treadmill while trying to accomplish their goals. The singer becomes distracted when they sense a disturbance in their surroundings like an earthquake, and they are suddenly struck with a realization about the cliches and common phrases they use every day. Despite the chaos and the challenges that the singer faces in their world, they still long for the peace and quiet of "My Own World."


The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but they suggest the importance of finding one's own time and space, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. The singer describes a need to focus on the mundane tasks of daily life, while still being aware of the unexpected bumps in the road. Overall, "My Own World" reminds us that while we can't control everything, we can still find peace and security in our own daily routines.


Line by Line Meaning

I was living and breathing and sitting quite quietly
I was simply existing in a calm, peaceful state


Watching the TV and minding my diet
I was focused on my physical and mental health by monitoring my food intake and leisurely watching television


While I moved from my desk on to my treadmill
I transitioned from work to exercise, attempting to accomplish great things


And I tried to move mountains or nothing but molehills
I aimed to accomplish difficult tasks, regardless of their true scale and significance


So what do you want to interrupt me for, girl?
Why are you disturbing me?


Leave me in my own world, own world
Please allow me to be in a space where I control the environment and circumstances


I was checking the scores and cutting out coupons
I was engaged in simple, mundane tasks


Reading the papers and trying to regroup
I was attempting to reorganize my thoughts and plans through reading materials


I had just gotten over the snows of December
I had recently overcome a difficult period or circumstance in my life


Further out beyond, I don't want to remember
I prefer to not dwell on past struggles or issues outside of my immediate vicinity


So don't interrupt me, girl
Please do not disrupt my focus or train of thought


I was taking my pulse and writing a diary
I was monitoring my health while also recording my personal experiences


Looking at foods for their dates of expiry
I was checking when my food would spoil or become dangerous to consume


And quietly checking the corners of rooms and then
I was inspecting the environment around me, including minor details


Coming back in and checking again
I repeated the process of inspecting my surroundings, possibly due to anxiety or paranoia


A noise in a distance, a rumble or murmur
I heard a sound that piqued my attention, possibly causing me to feel unsettled


Some little earthquake upsets terra firma
Something minor disrupted my sense of stability and security


Now I'm looking behind me, I'm checking my rearview
I am becoming more paranoid and anxious, checking to ensure nothing is at my back


Everything ancient is suddenly brand new
Things that were once familiar to me now seem strange and unfamiliar


And cliches have taken on a Shocking new meaning
Common phrases now have a surprising amount of depth and relevance


But the snows have come back And our teeth still need cleaning so
Despite newfound revelations, everyday tasks and responsibilities remain the same


What do you want to interrupt me for, girl?
Why are you disturbing me?


Leave me in my own world Own world own world own world
Please allow me to continue living life on my own terms, in my own space




Writer(s): Wesley Stace, Eleanor Friedberger

Contributed by Sophia M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

damian andres

Que chicas mas guapas.
Saludos desde Monte Grande, Argentina!

Wolfang Bello

Awesome video! I super live this song!

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