Better in Hoboken
Franz Ferdinand Lyrics
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When Ivor peered above her spectacle
Forgot that he had wrecked a girl
Sometime these eyes forget the face they're peering from
When the face they peer upon
Well you know that face as I do
And how in the return of the gaze
She can return you the face that you're staring from
It's always better on holiday
So much better on holiday
That's why we only work when we need the money
It's always better on holiday
So much better on holiday
That's why we only work when we need the money
Gregor was down again
Said, 'Come on, kick me again'
Said, 'I'm so drunk I don't mind if you kill me'
Come on you gutless
Yeah, I'm alive
I'm alive
I'm alive and how I know it
But for chips, and for freedom I could die
It's always better on holiday
So much better on holiday
That's why we only work when we need the money
It's always better on holiday
So much better on holiday
That's why we only work when we need the money
It's always better on holiday
So much better on holiday
That's why we only work when we need the money
The song "Better in Hoboken" by Franz Ferdinand is a song about escapism and the desire to be somewhere else rather than where one currently is. The first verse describes a young woman named Jacqueline working at a desk, who is the object of Ivor's gaze. The lyrics suggest that Ivor has possibly wronged Jacqueline in the past but has forgotten about it. The lines "Sometime these eyes forget the face they're peering from, when the face they peer upon, well you know that face as I do" emphasize the idea that people often forget who they have hurt in the past, and Jacqueline is simply a face to Ivor now.
The chorus emphasizes the idea of wanting to escape, suggesting that being on vacation is always better than working. The lyrics "That's why we only work when we need the money" reinforce the idea that work is a necessity, but not something to be enjoyed. The second verse introduces another character named Gregor who is down on his luck and willing to put his life on the line. The chorus is repeated twice at the end of the song, emphasizing the idea that vacation and escapism are always better than the reality of everyday life.
Overall, "Better in Hoboken" is a catchy song with a strong message about the desire to escape the monotony of everyday life. The lyrics cleverly illustrate the fleeting nature of human memory and emphasize the importance of enjoying life while one can, even if only on vacation.
Line by Line Meaning
Jacqueline was seventeen, working on a desk
A young girl named Jacqueline was working in an office when this story takes place.
When Ivor peered above her spectacle
A man named Ivor looked up from his glasses and noticed Jacqueline.
Forgot that he had wrecked a girl
Ivor forgot that he had hurt another girl before he saw Jacqueline.
Sometime these eyes forget the face they're peering from
Sometimes people forget who they are when they look at someone else.
When the face they peer upon
When they look at the other person's face.
Well you know that face as I do
Franz Ferdinand is talking to the listener and assumes they know the face he is talking about.
And how in the return of the gaze
And how when the other person looks back.
She can return you the face that you're staring from
Jacqueline can give Ivor the same look he gave her.
It's always better on holiday
Vacations are usually better than regular life.
So much better on holiday
Vacations are significantly better than regular life.
That's why we only work when we need the money
People only work when they need to, so they can save up to go on vacation.
Gregor was down again
A man named Gregor was feeling low again.
Said, 'Come on, kick me again'
He said this as if he wanted to feel physical pain.
Said, 'I'm so drunk I don't mind if you kill me'
He was so intoxicated that he thought he wouldn't care if he died.
Come on you gutless
Gregor is taunting someone for not being brave enough to hurt him like he is asking.
Yeah, I'm alive
Gregor is acknowledging that he is still alive despite what he's going through.
But for chips, and for freedom I could die
Gregor says the only things he's living for are fast food and being able to do what he wants.
Contributed by Makayla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.