Dog's Life
Graveltrap Lyrics

Oh how i'd like a girlfriend
The singer wishes to have a girlfriend to show off as a trophy

So I could stick her on the shelf
The singer views the girlfriend as an object to display

Next to my shiney trophies
The singer's girlfriend is of equivalent worth to his material possessions

To show her off when you come 'round
The artist seeks validation through the admiration of others

But if she spoke to me
The artist does not value or respect his hypothetical girlfriend beyond her physical appearance

I'd spank her on my knee
The singer sees himself as the authority figure in any potential relationship

Cause she would have to be
The singer has specific, narrow expectations for his hypothetical girlfriend

The kind of girl that doesn't want a life
The artist desires a submissive girlfriend who prioritizes his interests and disregards her own desires

(WHOA) 'Cause i'm a man now
The artist sees traditional masculinity as an identity he must uphold

(WHOA) I have to follow macho rules
The artist feels pressure to conform to societal expectations of masculinity

(WHOA) and if I break them
The singer fears social ostracism or ridicule for not conforming to masculine norms

(WHOA) the lads just wont think that i'm cool
The artist seeks approval from his male peers and fears being seen as uncool or inferior

Oh how i'd like to leave home
The singer desires independence and freedom from parental authority

And start life all of my own
The singer wishes to establish his own identity and make his own decisions

I'd get a job and pay the bills
The singer anticipates the responsibilities required for independent living

Get a new car and mobile phone
The artist associates financial success with the attainment of material possessions

But then at 43
The artist imagines a future where he is older and has lost the opportunity to enjoy his youth

I'd wake up suddenly
The singer fears coming to the realization too late that he has not lived an enjoyable life

And realise that i have wasted
The singer feels regret at the thought of sacrificing his youth for financial success

All the fun years of my life
The artist recognizes the value of youth and the importance of enjoying life's pleasures

(WHOA) 'Cause i'm grown up now
The artist associates adulthood with the submission to traditional expectations and responsibilities

(WHOA) I have to follow grown up rules
The artist fears rejection for not conforming to adult expectations and responsibilities

(WHOA) and if I break them
The singer recognizes the consequences and risks of not conforming to adult expectations and responsibilities

(WHOA) I wont fit in this world at all
The artist fears being an outcast or a failure if he does not conform to adulthood's expectations and responsibilities

Oh how i'd love to go to uni-
The singer desires the benefits of a university education

Versity for my degree
The singer sees a university degree as evidence of intellect and success

I'd spend 4 years of my life
The singer understands the time commitment required for a university education

Around the best of company
The artist seeks the social and intellectual benefits of university life

But what if afterwards
The artist is apprehensive about his future after university

I had become a nerd
The singer fears losing the social capital and status associated with masculinity if he appears too intellectual or bookish

And realised that what I learnt
The singer is anxious that the knowledge he received at university may not be useful or applicable to his future career or life

Will be of fuck all use to me
The artist is frustrated that the knowledge he received at university may not directly help him achieve financial or personal success

(WHOA) 'Cause i'm a student
The artist identifies with the identity of being a college student

(WHOA) I have to follow student rules
The artist acknowledges the expectations and responsibilities of being a successful college student

(WHOA) and if I break them
The singer recognizes the consequences of not meeting the expectations and responsibilities of college life

(WHOA) Ill get my arse kicked out of school
The artist fears losing the benefits and opportunities that come with being a college student if he fails to meet the expectations and responsibilities of college life

Who says i want to be in school
The singer questions the value of education and the expectations placed on him as a student

Who says i want a job at all
The singer questions the value of traditional employment as a necessary aspect of adult life

Who says i cant be nearly dead
The singer rejects the idea that age or traditional expectations should dictate his behavior or priorities

And still be acting like a kid
The artist finds value in youthful behavior and identity and does not wish to let it go

If being a man means being like you
The artist recognizes the expectations and pressures placed on men to conform to traditional masculinity

I think I'd rather act the fool
The singer prefers to reject traditional expectations and act freely without regards to social norms

I will not copy what you do
The singer rejects the idea that masculinity requires conformity and the sacrifice of individuality

Cause i aint turning out like you
The artist refuses to conform to traditional expectations and neithers desires nor fears to be like other men