Lament
Emma-Jane Murphy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I should let you go your way, that would be most mature of me
But I've thought for oh so long and had the best idea yet
That you and I would get along if you would let me be your pet...
I'd be the kind to follow everywhere
You'd run your fingers through my hair
Hold me close when you've had a fright
You'd rub me real nice behind my ears
And sing me songs after you've had a couple beers
Give me treats when I've done something right
And let me in your bed when it's cold at night
Oh yes, and if my offer smacks of servitude
I only need remind you true love's course has yet to run real smooth
So now if you will let me near you all the night and day
Well, you will on your own see I do plenty more than sit or stay...
I'd be the kind to follow everywhere
You'd run your fingers through my hair
Hold me close when you've had a fright
And let me in your bed when it's cold at night
You'd rub me real nice behind my ears
And sing me songs after you've had a couple beers
Give me treats when I've done something right
And let me in your bed when it's cold at night
Oh yes, and you could ask me where's my sense of pride
And I would tell you I've not had one since I met you last July
So now you see that it is rather foolish to give up
All of the perks and all the benefits if I were your spaniel pup...
You'd rub me real nice behind my ears
And sing me songs after you've had a couple beers
Give me treats when I've done something right
And let me in your bed, would you let me in your bed, if you'd let me in your bed when it's cold at night...
The song "Lament" by Emma-Jane Murphy tells the story of unrequited love through the metaphor of a pet. The singer knows that the person they have feelings for is not interested in them, but they have come up with a plan to win them over. The singer offers to be completely submissive and follow the person everywhere, to be petted and cuddled, and to be allowed to sleep in their bed when it's cold at night. Despite the unequal power dynamic, the singer believes that this is a way to show their love and make the other person happy. The repeated refrain emphasizes the singer's desire to be taken in as a loyal pet.
The song seems to be both humorous and sad, with the singer aware of the ridiculousness of their proposal but also expressing genuine longing. The line "true love's course has yet to run real smooth" suggests that the singer hopes for a deeper connection beyond the pet persona they are adopting. The imagery of being a dog who wants to make their owner happy is both cute and pitiful, emphasizing the singer's vulnerability.
Overall, "Lament" is a clever and emotional song that uses metaphor to explore the complexities of unrequited love and the quest for companionship.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yes, I know that you're not interested, I see
I am fully aware that you have no interest in me.
And I should let you go your way, that would be most mature of me
I should accept that you are not interested and move on.
But I've thought for oh so long and had the best idea yet
However, I have been thinking for a while and have come up with a great idea.
That you and I would get along if you would let me be your pet...
The idea is that you and I would have a great relationship if you would let me be submissive to you.
I'd be the kind to follow everywhere
I would be the kind of person to follow you wherever you go.
You'd run your fingers through my hair
You would show me affection by running your fingers through my hair.
Hold me close when you've had a fright
I would be there to comfort you when you are scared.
And let me in your bed when it's cold at night
You would allow me to sleep in your bed with you when it's cold.
You'd rub me real nice behind my ears
You would show me affection by rubbing me behind my ears.
And sing me songs after you've had a couple beers
You would sing me songs when you are feeling happy and relaxed.
Give me treats when I've done something right
You would reward me with treats when I do something good.
Oh yes, and if my offer smacks of servitude
I understand that my offer sounds like I am offering to be your servant.
I only need remind you true love's course has yet to run real smooth
However, love is not always easy, and I am willing to endure challenges for the sake of love.
So now if you will let me near you all the night and day
If you allow me to be close to you all the time,
Well, you will on your own see I do plenty more than sit or stay...
You will see that I can offer you much more than just obedience.
Oh yes, and you could ask me where's my sense of pride
You may wonder why I am willing to be so submissive.
And I would tell you I've not had one since I met you last July
The truth is, I have been so infatuated with you since we met that I am willing to put aside my pride.
So now you see that it is rather foolish to give up
You should see that it would be foolish to give up all the perks and benefits I can offer.
All of the perks and all the benefits if I were your spaniel pup...
Especially if I am willing to be your loyal and loving spaniel pup.
And let me in your bed, would you let me in your bed, if you'd let me in your bed when it's cold at night...
So, would you allow me to sleep in your bed with you, especially when it's cold at night?
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC
Written by: Emma Wallace
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind