Funny Ways
Gentle Giant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But in my own funny way I find I learn much more.
I realize what you think from your eyes,
But in your own funny way I find I learn much more.
My ways are strange
They'll never change
They stay, strange ways
But for all that I cared we could be miles apart.
I understood that you never would
Understand a way of life that I never could.
My ways are strange
They'll never change
They stay, strange ways
Go your own way or wait for me
Go your own way or wait for me
Go your own way or wait for me
Go your own way or wait for me
And so you see what happened to me
Since the time when I judged my life in nights and days
I realized that my life was lies
So you see what I mean with all my funny ways.
I'm sorry to have been so much of a bore
But in my own funny way I find I learn much more
Funny ways, Funny ways, Funny ways, Funny ways.
The opening verse of "Funny Ways" by Gentle Giant is a reflection on the singer's idiosyncrasies and how they often lead to misunderstandings with others. The singer acknowledges that his ways are unconventional and strange, and that they may be perceived as boring or uninteresting by those around him. He also notes that he has learned a great deal from his unusual perspective, despite the fact that others may not understand or appreciate it in the same way.
The second verse highlights the singer's frustration with the limitations of traditional societal norms and the people who adhere to them. He feels trapped and confined by these structures, and recognizes that those who don't share his perspective will never be able to understand him. The repeated refrain of "My ways are strange, they'll never change / They stay, strange ways" underscores the sense of alienation and isolation that the singer feels.
In the final verse, the singer reflects on the deeper meaning of his unusual perspective. He has come to realize that his previous way of life was based on lies and superficial values, and that his "funny ways" are a more authentic expression of who he really is. The repetition of "Funny ways" at the end of the song serves as a reminder of this truth, even as the singer acknowledges that his perspective is still likely to be seen as strange and unconventional by others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sorry to have been so much of a bore
I apologize for being uninteresting or tedious.
But in my own funny way I find I learn much more.
Despite being perceived as odd or quirky, I find that my unique perspective allows me to gain more knowledge and understanding.
I realize what you think from your eyes,
I understand your opinion of me through your facial expressions and body language.
But in your own funny way I find I learn much more.
Despite you having a different viewpoint than me, I find that it still contributes to my personal growth and learning.
My ways are strange
I acknowledge that my behaviors and actions can be perceived as unconventional or peculiar.
They'll never change
I don't plan on modifying my idiosyncrasies or abnormalities.
They stay, strange ways
My unusual habits and tendencies remain consistent.
I'm sorry to have been so close from the start,
I apologize for coming across as overly familiar or intimate right away.
But for all that I cared we could be miles apart.
Despite my feelings of attachment, I realize that our connection may not be mutual or reciprocated.
I understood that you never would
I comprehended that you could not grasp or comprehend my way of life.
Understand a way of life that I never could.
I acknowledge that there are certain lifestyles or beliefs that I will never truly comprehend or understand.
Go your own way or wait for me
You have the choice to pursue your own route or remain patient and wait for me to catch up.
And so you see what happened to me
As a result of my life experiences and perspective, I have gone through a certain transformation or change.
Since the time when I judged my life in nights and days
There was a period when I evaluated the quality of my existence based on the passage of time.
I realized that my life was lies
Upon self-reflection, I came to the conclusion that my life was not authentic or truthful.
So you see what I mean with all my funny ways.
My peculiarities or oddities are a reflection of my relatively unique perspective and experiences.
Funny ways, Funny ways, Funny ways, Funny ways.
My distinctive behaviors and characteristics are repeated and emphasized.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DEREK SHULMAN, KERRY MINNEAR, PHILIP SHULMAN, RAYMOND SHULMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cadencooper1828
Just discovered Gentle Giant and I'm in love
@oglethorpecadwallader7274
Fascinating. They're brilliant composers and arrangers - whoever is doing that has the band's abilities and gifts in mind. They're very competent and expressive musicians, especially for the era. They're unique - no one else writes or plays or arranges like that. They don't even use the same sounds as any other band, in many cases. Original and inventive keyboard processing - love it. But they don't move me or interest me much at all, and I don't get why. I listen to a bunch of other prog, and I'm only moderately picky. Oh, well. I guess I just miss out on some things.
@werlydon
Come back in a year or so. I feel that way about many songs and musicians, and it's sometimes only after years that I finally "get it".
@daghetto101
Prog rocks in general are Acquired Taste. You should realize it since you listen to progs. The difference with Prog and Pop is, Pop you can get hook easily but its gonna be boring after couple of listens. In Prog, you might not like it on the first or second, but for sure you will like it the more you listen to it. It will grew on you and listening to it more feels rewarding.
King Crimson Lizard is the worst Album ive heard. Until ive listened to it 5X, 10X, 20X its one of the best.
Acquired Taste?? Gentle Giants second Album is called Acquiring The Taste lol
@matthewdyck5503
@daghetto101 Haha. I was the same with Lizard. First time through, I just thought to myself what the hell is this? After a couple more listens, I soon found out I loved how weird it was, and it's now my favorite by the almighty Crim
@starcastle2008
Brilhante música de uma de minhas bandas favoritas!! Gentle Giant é espetacular! 🥁🎹🎵🎶👏👍
@jurgennaeve3897
this is one of the finest songs in rocj music of all time. They were a fantastic LIVE Band, I saw them twice in the early 70s.
@mshelton5036
iconic song by my favorite band! Hope you find the time to do another live song like proclamation with just the band.
@salpauciello8607
Great song! Great playing! Best song of the first album!
@adolfojuarez3855
Lo mejor de lo mejor !