In the verses, the speaker addresses their companion, emphasizing their refusal to conform to societal expectations or pretend to enjoy something they don't. The lines "I told you I didn't wanna go to this dinner, You know I don't go for those ones that you bother about" represent their unwillingness to engage in conversations or situations that go against their principles or values.
The chorus, "Kick me under the table all you want, I won't shut up, I won't shut up", signifies the speaker's unwavering resolve to speak their mind and express their opinions, regardless of any attempts to suppress or silence them.
The second verse introduces the idea of the speaker wanting to support their companion's journey ("I'd like to buy you a pair of pillow-soled hiking boots to help you with your climb"). However, they make it clear that they also carry emotional pain and want their companion to be aware of the effects of their actions on others ("So they won't hurt like mine").
In the post-chorus, the speaker emphasizes their right to refuse to participate in something they don't want to be a part of. They assert their autonomy and demand to be respected, not pushed or coerced into things they don't believe in.
The bridge serves as a reiteration of the speaker's refusal to conform and be silenced. They repeat the line "I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me", emphasizing their unwillingness to compromise their principles.
Overall, "Under the Table" is a song that empowers individuals to assert their voice, stand up for what they believe in, and reject any attempts to silence or dismiss them. It encourages listeners to stay true to themselves, even in uncomfortable or challenging situations.
Under the Table
Fiona Apple Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
I told you I didn't want to go to this dinner
You know I don't go for those ones that you bother about
So when they say something that makes me start to simmer
That fancy wine won't put this fire out, oh
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
I'd like to buy you a pair of pillow-soled hiking boots
To help you with your climb
Or rather, to help the bodies that you step over, along your route
So they won't hurt like mine
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
And if I don't wanna go, leave me alone, don't push me
Cookie, don't push me, don't you push me
If you get me to go and I open my mouth
To the fucking mutton that they're talking about
You can pout, but don't you
Don't you, don't you, don't you
Don't you shush me
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
And if I don't wanna go, leave me alone, don't push me
Cookie, don't push me, don't you push me
If you get me to go and I open my mouth
To the fucking mutton that they're talking about
You can pout, but don't you
Don't you, don't you, don't you
Don't you shush me
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, I would beg to disagree)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
The lyrics of Fiona Apple's song Under The Table have a rebellious tone to them as the singer expresses her frustration towards attending a dinner party where she doesn't feel comfortable. She repeats the line "I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me," suggesting a sense of helplessness and futility in trying to convey her perspective to others. She also expresses a desire to not be forced into social situations that she doesn't want to be a part of and to not be shushed when she does speak up.
The chorus of the song, "Kick me under the table all you want, I won't shut up," is a powerful statement of not being silenced or intimidated regardless of any physical or emotional discomfort. She's willing to endure the pain of being kicked under the table by the person she's addressing (possibly a romantic partner or someone in a position of power) to make it clear that she won't be silenced.
Overall, the song is a commentary on societal pressure to conform to social norms and expectations, and the consequences of speaking up against them. It's a powerful message that encourages the listener to stand up for their beliefs even in the face of discomfort or opposition.
Line by Line Meaning
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
I have a difference of opinion, but I choose to express it in a different manner than begging.
I told you I didn't want to go to this dinner
I made it very clear that I did not want to attend this dinner.
You know I don't go for those ones that you bother about
You are aware that I do not enjoy attending events that you insist on attending.
So when they say something that makes me start to simmer
When someone says something that irritates or angers me, I start to become upset.
That fancy wine won't put this fire out, oh
Drinking expensive wine will not calm me down when I am upset.
Kick me under the table all you want
You can try to get me to be quiet or change my behavior, but it will not work.
I'd like to buy you a pair of pillow-soled hiking boots
I would like to give you something that will make your life easier or more comfortable.
To help you with your climb
To assist you in reaching your goals and aspirations.
Or rather, to help the bodies that you step over, along your route
To help the people that you hurt or neglect in your pursuit of success.
So they won't hurt like mine
So they will not feel the pain or suffering that I have experienced.
And if I don't wanna go, leave me alone, don't push me
If I do not want to attend something, please respect my decision and do not try to force me into it.
Cookie, don't push me, don't you push me
Please do not continue to pressure me, Cookie.
If you get me to go and I open my mouth
If you convince me to attend and I speak my mind.
To the fucking mutton that they're talking about
To the tedious, boring topic of conversation they are discussing.
You can pout, but don't you
You can be upset, but please do not try to silence me.
Don't you, don't you, don't you
Do not continue to try and make me stop talking.
Don't you shush me
Do not try to quiet me or make me stop speaking.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Fiona Apple Maggart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@punsiella
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
I told you I didn't want to go to this dinner
You know I don't go for those ones that you bother about
So when they say something that makes me start to simmer
That fancy wine won't put this fire out, oh
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
I'd like to buy you a pair of pillow-soled hiking boots
To help you with your climb
Or rather, to help the bodies that you step over, along your route
So they won't hurt like mine
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
And if I don't wanna go, leave me alone, don't push me
Cookie, don't push me, don't you push me
If you get me to go and I open my mouth
To the fucking mutton that they're talking about
You can pout, but don't you
Don't you, don't you, don't you
Don't you shush me
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
And if I don't wanna go, leave me alone, don't push me
Cookie, don't push me, don't you push me
If you get me to go and I open my mouth
To the fucking mutton that they're talking about
You can pout, but don't you
Don't you, don't you, don't you
Don't you shush me
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me
Kick me under the table all you want
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, I would beg to disagree)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
Kick me under the table all you want
(I would beg to disagree, but begging disagrees with me)
I won't shut up
I won't shut up
@joeagger
in an ideal world, this song would’ve been #1 on the charts for months. litrally indie pop perfection
@elizabethgutierrez8431
in YOUR ideal world
@joeagger
@@elizabethgutierrez8431 in the ideal world of someone with great taste yeah :)
@elizabethgutierrez8431
@@joeagger well that's also true (sorry for screaming)
@ETupgrade
it's mid
@andgod221
Your lost I promise 💙
@kelvingouveia7289
Fleabag dinner scene vibes.
@gabszk9106
Omg you are so right
@billyalarie929
HOLY
@MelanieODonnellgamergirl
absolutely...my boss sent to me, because it made her think of me LOL