Manchester England
Gavin Creel Lyrics

Manchester England England
Referencing the city of Manchester, England twice in a row emphasizes its significance and sets the stage for the rest of the song.

Across the Atlantic Sea
A nod to the fact that the song and its message are coming from across the ocean, from America to Manchester.

And I'm a genius genius
The singer is confident in their abilities and feels like they have something important to say or contribute.

I believe in God
The artist has faith in a higher power and this belief is important to who they are and how they see the world.

And I believe that God
Continuing from the previous line, the artist believes in the power of God to make a difference in the world.

Believes in Claude
The singer feels seen and validated by God, and feels like their unique perspective and contribution to the world is worthwhile.

That's me, that's me
Reaffirming the singer's identity as Claude and their place in the world.

Claude Hooper Bukowski
Introducing the artist's full name and identity, which is important in establishing their unique perspective.

Finds that it's groovy
Claude enjoys or approves of something that they are doing or experiencing in their life.

To hide in a movie
One of the things Claude enjoys doing is escaping into a film or a fictional world.

Pretends he's Fellini
Claude identifies with the Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, possibly in relation to his creativity or unique vision.

And Antonioni
Another Italian filmmaker, Michelangelo Antonioni, is another figure Claude associates himself with, further emphasizing his interest in film and storytelling.

And also his countryman Roman Polanski
Polish-French film director Roman Polanski is also someone Claude identifies with, further establishing his connection to European cinema and a certain kind of storytelling or artistry.

All rolled into one (one what?)
Claude sees himself as a combination of these different film directors or storytellers, and it's unclear what exactly that means or what kind of art he wants to create.

One Claude Hooper Bukowski
Reestablishing the singer's identity as Claude and emphasizing how his unique perspective and identity is important to the rest of the song.

Now that I've dropped out
Claude has recently quit or left something that was expected of him, like school or a job.

Why is life dreary dreary
Claude is struggling with feelings of boredom or unhappiness and is questioning why life feels this way.

Answer my weary query
Claude is seeking answers or reassurance from someone, possibly a mentor or a higher power.

Oh, Timothy Leary, dearie
Referencing Timothy Leary, a psychologist and counterculture figure, who was associated with the use of psychedelic drugs and the idea of expanding one's consciousness.

That's me (that's he)
Reaffirming the artist's identity and connection to the character of Claude, who embodies a certain kind of artistic and intellectual perspective.

That's me (that's he)
Continuing to affirm the artist's identity and connection to Claude.

That's me (that's he)
Reaffirming the artist's identity and importance to the rest of the song.

That's me!
A final, triumphant statement about the singer's identity and importance, wrapping up the song on a confident note.